Molluscum contagiosum in Greek children: a case series.

BACKGROUND

Epidemiological studies of molluscum contagiosum (MC) in children are limited.

PATIENTS AND METHOD: Between 1997 and 1999, 110 children with MC (60 boys, 50 girls, mean age: 4.8 years) were studied. Treatment consisted of removal of all MC lesions in a single session by sterilized tweezers.

RESULTS

In children aged < or = 2 years, the MC lesions were located mainly on the face, whereas in older children they were located on the trunk. Twenty children had atopic dermatitis (18.2% vs. 5% of Greek children aged 1-6 years; P < 0.001). Four children had numerous and recurrent MC lesions without any other systemic manifestations. In these children, humoral and cellular immunities were found to be normal. Seventy-seven children (70%) were cured after one treatment session, 22 children (20%) after a second session and 11 (10%) after > or = three sessions. No patients experienced secondary bacterial infection or scarring.

CONCLUSIONS

In contrast to cool climates where the age of peak incidence of MC in children is 10-12 years, in a warm country such as Greece, it is at the younger age of 4.8 years. In young children aged 2 years, the MC lesions are located mainly on the face, whereas in older children they are located on the trunk. Atopic dermatitis is a predisposing factor for MC. In cases where MC lesions are numerous and/or persist but there are no other signs of systemic infections, the possibility of immunodeficiency is minimal. Removal of MC lesions by tweezers is an efficient, simple and inexpensive method of treatment without sequelae.