Hello and welcome to the Zero to Finals podcast. My name is Tom and in this episode I'm going to be

talking to you about Meluscom contagiosum. And if you want to follow along with written notes on this topic,

you can follow along at zero definals.com slash meluscom slash Meluscom contagiosum or in the dermatology section of the Zero-definals pediatrics book.

So let's get straight into it.

Meluscom contagiosum is a viral skin infection caused by the moluscom-contagiosum virus, which is a type

of pox virus.

Let's start with some of the features.

Meluscom contagiosum is characterized by small, flesh-colored papyles,

which are raised individual bumps on the skin,

that characteristically have a central dimple.

These papyles appear in crops of multiple lesions in a localized area.

The virus is spread through direct contact or by sharing items such as towels or bedsheets.

The papyles resolve spontaneously without any treatment, however it can take up to 18 months.

Once they resolve, the skin returns completely to normal.

Scratching or picking the lesion should be avoided as it can lead to spreading, scarring and infection.

So let's talk about management.

No treatment or change in lifestyle is required

and children can continue all of their normal activities.

They should avoid sharing towels or close contact

with the lesions in order to minimize the risk of infection.

Usually reassurance and education is all that's required. Rarely, if bacterial

superinfection occurs in the lesions as a result of scratching, they may require treatment with

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