Ophthalmopathology caused by molluscum contagiosum

    Literature review

    Ophthalmopathology caused by molluscum contagiosum

    A.E. Babushkin

    Ufa Research Institute of Eye Diseases, Ufa, Russian Federation

    Abstract

    Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is an infectious dermatosis commonly seen in children and sexually active adults. In immunocompromised individuals, MC can cause complications such as eczema and bacterial superinfection. It is caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus, a member of the Poxviridae family. MC is primarily transmitted by direct contact with infected skin, which can be sexual or non-sexual. Classically, CM appears as hard, round, flesh-colored (less commonly pink), domeshaped, umbilicated papules that can appear on the skin of any part of the body.

    Molluscum contagiosum can affect the ocular surface, eyelid, and periorbital area. It can manifest with or without the presence of characteristic eyelid skin lesions, but typically occurs alongside existing dermal lesions elsewhere, outside the eye.

    This condition is often overlooked as a cause of persistent chronic follicular conjunctivitis, which, however, easily resolves after removal of the dermal lesions on the eyelid.

    The most common form of CM, with a characteristic nodule and central depression, allows for a fairly straightforward clinical diagnosis (dermoscopy is also helpful for diagnosis). However, the presence of atypical forms of the disease in some cases can mimic other eyelid lesions (chalazion, blepharoconjunctivitis, papilloma, sebaceous cyst, etc.) and requires differential diagnosis. Several treatment methods for CM exist, including mechanical, chemical, immunomodulatory, and antiviral medications. If the clinical diagnosis cannot be clearly determined, a morphological assessment of the removed lesion is necessary.

    Keywords: molluscum contagiosum, eyelid skin lesions, blepharitis, conjunctivitis, surgical treatment

    For citation: Babushkin A.E. Ophthalmopathology caused by molluscum contagiosum. Point of view. East–West. 2025;12(4): 70–75.

    DOI.https://doi.org/10.25276/2410-1257-2025-4-70-75

    Corresponding author: Aleksandr E. Babushkin, virologicdep@mail.ru