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Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences

Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum

Category(ies): Cornea
Contributor: Alison Bozung, OD
Photographer: Jody Troyer, CRA

These dome-shaped, umbilicated skin lesions, caused by the poxvirus, are seen most commonly in children or immunocompromised individuals. This individual was being treated for human immunodeficiency virus, with a CD4 count less than 50 cells/mm3.


Contributor: Jesse Vislisel, MD

Molluscum lesions appear as shiny white or yellow papules with a central umbilication. They are caused by the poxvirus and can result in follicular conjunctivitis due to shedding of toxic viral particles.


Contributor: Meagan Seay, DO and Nasreen Syed, MD

Molluscum contagiosum is caused by the poxvirus and appears clinically as a waxy, dome-shaped nodule with a central umbilication. It may cause follicular conjunctivitis, if not treated. Histologically, eosinophilic inclusion bodies containing virus migrate to the surface and release viral particles.