molluscum contagiosum /məlus′kəm/ [L, molluscus, soft] , a disease of the skin and mucous membranes caused by a poxvirus, which occurs all over the world. It is characterized by scattered flesh-toned or white papules. Palms of the hands and soles of the feet are not affected. The disease most frequently occurs in children and in adults with an impaired immune response. It is transmitted from person to person by direct or indirect contact and lasts up to 3 years, although individual lesions persist for only 6 to 8 weeks. Diagnosis is easily made by electron microscopy. Curettage or electrical or chemical desiccation helps to clear the lesions, but untreated lesions eventually resolve spontaneously without scarring. Also called molluscum.
