Molluscum Contagiosum After First Sexual Contact

These asymptomatic bumps that developed on the groin area of a 16-year-old girl after her first sexual exposure are molluscum contagiosum. Central umbiliication distinguishes these lesions from warts.

Case 2:

These asymptomatic bumps developed on the groin area of a 16-year-old girl after her first sexual exposure.

 

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Case 2: Molluscum contagiosum

This teenager had contracted molluscum contagiosum,B, a viral infection that can resemble warts. On close inspection, each lesion has a central umbilication, which distinguishes it from a wart.

 

HPV infection in women can cause genital warts, which should be considered in the differential. Bacterial folliculitis is typically tender and pustular. A milium appears as a deep whitehead–type comedone.

 

Molluscum contagiosum has 2 peaks of incidence1:

•The first is in children, in whom transmission occurs from nonsexual skin contact.
•The second is in young adults (aged 15 to 29 years), in whom the infection is usually sexually transmitted.

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Topical treatments include the following:

•Cantharidin: A single application that may need to be repeated once or twice every 3 to 4 weeks.
•Tretinoin cream (0.1%) or gel (0.025%): Applied daily until the lesions resolve.
•Imiquimod cream 5%: Applied daily until the lesions resolve.
•Trichloroacetic acid: A single application that can be repeated at 3 to 4 weeks as needed.
•Cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen.

References:

REFERENCE:1. Pannell RS, Fleming DM, Cross KW. The incidence of molluscum contagiosum, scabies and lichen planus. Epidemiol Infect. 2005;133:985-991.