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Molluscum Contagiosum, Sports Medicine

Steven K. Poon, MD, CAQSM and Kimberly G. Harmon, MD Reviewed 04/2019
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

Superficial pox virus skin infection 

EPIDEMIOLOGY

  • Prevalence 5.1–11.5% in pediatric age group

  • Coinfection rate of 5–18% in HIV-positive patients 1

ETIOLOGY AND PATHOPHYSIOLOGY

  • Caused by ...

DIAGNOSIS

  • Characteristic rash that is usually asymptomatic but can become pruritic

  • Located most frequently at the trunk, extremities, and face; can be in the perineum if sexually transmitted

  • Typically, ...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Keep lesions covered.

  • Avoid skin-to-skin contact with other individuals with lesions.

  • Always use clean linens and towels.

  • Acute treatment:

    • Watchful waiting for self-limited resol...

ONGOING CARE

PROGNOSIS

Most lesions are self-limiting and not associated with complications but can persist for months to years. Coexisting atopic dermatitis and immunodeficiency can lead to persistent...

REFERENCES

1
Dohil MA, Lin P, Lee J, et al. The epidemiology of molluscum contagiosum in children. J Am Acad Dermatol.  2006;54(1):47–54.
2
Leung AKC, Barankin B, Hon KLE. Molluscum contagiosum: an ...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • National Collegiate Athletic Association. Appendix C: skin infections in wrestling. In: 2017-18 and 2018-19 NCAA Wrestling Rules. Indianapolis, IN: National Collegiate Athletic As...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Molluscum contagiosum can be contracted from another athlete via close contact, such as football or wrestling.

  • Molluscum contagiosum is contagious, and it is spread by physical or sexua...

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