Molluscum Epitheliale (Synonyms: Molluscum Contagiosum; Molluscum Sebaceum; Epithelioma Molluscum.)
Give a definition of molluscum epitheliale.
Molluscum epitheliale is characterized by pin-head to pea-sized, rounded, semi-globular, or flattened, pearl-like elevations, of a whitish or pinkish color.
Describe the symptoms and course of molluscum epitheliale.
The usual seat is the face; not infrequently, however, the growths occur on other parts. The lesions begin as pin-head, waxy-looking, rounded or acuminated elevations, gradually attaining the size of small peas. They have a broad base or occasionally may tend to become pedunculated. They rarely exist in profusion, in most cases three to ten or twelve lesions being present. When fully developed they are somewhat flattened and umbilicated, with a central, darkish point representing the mouth of the follicle. They are whitish or pinkish, and look not unlike drops of wax or pearl buttons. At first they are firm, but eventually, in most cases, tend to become soft and break down. Not infrequently, however, the lesions disappear slowly by absorption, without apparent previous softening. Their course is usually chronic. The contents, a cheesy-looking mass, may commonly be pressed out without difficulty.
What is the cause of molluscum epitheliale?
It is now generally accepted that the disease is mildly contagious. It occurs chiefly in children, and especially among the poorer classes. The belief in the parasitic nature of the disease is gaining ground; recently the opinion has been advanced that it is due to psorosperms (psorospermosis); but further investigations have indicated that these bodies were degenerated epithelia.
State the pathology.