Molluscum contagiosum is a common pediatric viral skin infection characterized by small, flesh-colored, umbilicated papules on the skin. Molluscum contagiosum lesions are typically benign and self-resolve, but they may trigger a surrounding eczematous dermatitis that may mimic other infections or an atopic dermatitis flare. We report a case of an 8-year-old boy with eczematous molluscum contagiosum whose eruption masqueraded as herpes simplex virus infection. The patient presented with a several week history of pruritic rash with bleeding and crusting, but careful examination revealed conventional umbilicated papules consistent with molluscum contagiosum. The dermatitis was managed with conservative skin care, low-potency corticosteroids, and topical antibiotics (for cracked skin/open sores). This case highlights the importance of recognizing molluscum dermatitis and distinguishing it from herpes simplex virus, atopic dermatitis flare, or bacterial infection to avoid unnecessary investigations or treatments.
Atique et al. (Thu,) studied this question.