Opportunistic infection: Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum is a skin infection which is usually a minor childhood problem, but in people with AIDS it can be extensive and unsightly.

Molluscum contagiosum is caused by a pox virus (a group of viruses that cause characteristic skin lesions called "pocks") and is spread by close skin-to-skin contact.

Symptoms
The lesions of molluscum contagiosum are pearly nodules in the skin, and each nodule has a core of cheesy material. The nodules are painless, can vary in size, and occur in clusters on the face and/or anywhere on the body.

Treatment
Treatment may be necessary if the nodules occur in an awkward place, such as on the eyelid, but is mainly requested because the condition is unsightly. Treatment can involve pricking each nodule with a toothpick dipped in phenol, or by freezing each nodule with liquid nitrogen.