eMedicine Specialties > Dermatology > Viral Infections

Molluscum Contagiosum: Follow-up

Author: Catharine Lisa Kauffman, MD, FACP, Georgetown Dermatology and Georgetown Dermpath
Coauthor(s): Carissa N Beatty, MPH, Program Manager, Tobacco Technical Assistance Consortium
Contributor Information and Disclosures

Updated: Sep 1, 2009

Follow-up

Deterrence/Prevention

  • Patients with molluscum contagiosum should avoid scratching to prevent autoinoculation.
  • Patients with molluscum contagiosum should avoid sharing of grooming implements (eg, razors, bath towels) and contact with other fomites.
  • Obstetricians should be aware of the risk of vertical transmission of molluscum contagiosum, and they should take precautions to prevent transmission during vaginal delivery.

Complications

  • Complications of molluscum contagiosum include irritation, inflammation, and secondary infections. Lesions on eyelids may be associated with follicular or papillary conjunctivitis.

Prognosis

  • Molluscum contagiosum is a benign, self-limited disease.
  • Treatments for molluscum contagiosum are effective if patients are compliant.
  • Additional duration of therapy may be required in immunocompromised patients.
  • Overall, molluscum contagiosum prognosis is excellent.

Patient Education

  • Since molluscum contagiosum is spread by direct contact, patients should be educated to avoid skin-to-skin contact with others to prevent transmission.
  • For excellent patient education resources, visit eMedicine's Skin, Hair, and Nails Center. Also, see eMedicine's patient education article Molluscum Contagiosum.

Miscellaneous

Special Concerns

  • Child abuse: Molluscum contagiosum does not suggest child abuse unless other clues are present.
 
Acknowledgments

The authors and editors of eMedicine gratefully acknowledge the contributions of previous author, Sung W Yoon, MD, to the development and writing of this article.



More on Molluscum Contagiosum

Overview: Molluscum Contagiosum
Differential Diagnoses & Workup: Molluscum Contagiosum
Treatment & Medication: Molluscum Contagiosum
Follow-up: Molluscum Contagiosum
Multimedia: Molluscum Contagiosum
References
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References

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Further Reading

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Contributor Information and Disclosures

Author

Catharine Lisa Kauffman, MD, FACP, Georgetown Dermatology and Georgetown Dermpath
Catharine Lisa Kauffman, MD, FACP is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, American Medical Association, Royal Society of Medicine, Society for Investigative Dermatology, and Women's Dermatologic Society
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Carissa N Beatty, MPH, Program Manager, Tobacco Technical Assistance Consortium
Carissa N Beatty, MPH is a member of the following medical societies: American Public Health Association
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Medical Editor

Mark W Cobb, MD, Consulting Staff, WNC Dermatological Associates
Mark W Cobb, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, and American Society of Dermatopathology
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Pharmacy Editor

David F Butler, MD, Professor of Dermatology, Texas A&M University College of Medicine; Chair, Department of Dermatology, Director, Dermatology Residency Training Program, Scott and White Clinic, Northside Clinic
David F Butler, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, American Medical Association, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, American Society for MOHS Surgery, Association of Military Dermatologists, and Phi Beta Kappa
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Managing Editor

Edward F Chan, MD, Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine
Edward F Chan, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, American Society of Dermatopathology, and Society for Investigative Dermatology
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

CME Editor

Catherine Quirk, MD, Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology, Brown University
Catherine Quirk, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha and American Academy of Dermatology
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Dirk M Elston, MD, Director, Department of Dermatology, Geisinger Medical Center
Dirk M Elston, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

 
 
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