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.
According to recent investigations, molluscum epitheliale is to be regarded as a hyperplasia of the rete, the growth probably beginning in the hair-follicles; the so-called molluscum bodies—peculiar, rounded or ovoidal, sharply-defined, fatty-looking bodies found in microscopical examination of the growth—are to be viewed as a form of epithelial degeneration.
What are the diagnostic points in molluscum epitheliale?
The size of the lesions, their waxy or glistening appearance, and the presence of the central orifice.
It is to be differentiated from molluscum fibrosum, warts and acne.
State the prognosis.
The growths are amenable to treatment. In some instances the disease, after existing some weeks, tends to disappear spontaneously.
What is the treatment of molluscum epitheliale?
Incision and expression of the contents, and touching the base of the cavity with silver nitrate. Pedunculated growths may be ligated. In some cases an ointment of ammoniated mercury, twenty to forty grains to the ounce, applied, by gently rubbing, once or twice daily, will bring about a cure.