Molluscum Contagiosum
Medical Author:
William Shapiro, MD
Medical Editor:
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical EditorMelissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.
Molluscum Contagiosum OverviewMolluscum contagiosum (MC) is a skin rash caused by a virus that was first described in 1817. The virus is a member of the Poxvirus family. It is common worldwide and accounts for about 1% of all skin disorders in the United States. It primarily affects children (boys more often than girls) and young adults. The incidence of molluscum contagiosum is increasing. Viewer Comments & ReviewsMolluscum Contagiosum - TreatmentThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:What treatment has been effective for your molluscum contagiosum? |
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Molluscum Contagiosum
Rash Overview
Rash is a general, nonspecific term that describes any visible skin outbreak. Rashes are very common in all ages, from infants to seniors, and nearly everyone will have some type of rash at some point in their life. There are a wide variety of medical diagnoses for skin rashes and many different causes. It is not possible to fully cover every type of rash in such an article. Therefore, special mention has been given to some of the most common types of rashes. A dermatologist is a medical provider who specializes in diseases of the skin and may need to be consulted for rashes that are difficult to diagnose and treat.
While there are many different types, rashes may basically be divided into two types: infectious or noninfectious.
Noninfectious rashes include eczema, contact dermatitis, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, drug eruptions, rosacea, hives (urticaria), dry skin (xerosis), and allergic dermatitis. Many noninfecti...
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Molluscum Contagiosum »
Descriptions of molluscum contagiosum have been in the medical literature since 1817.
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