[Molluscum contagiosum--a common but poorly understood "childhood disease" and sexually transmitted illness].

Molluscum contagiosum is a viral disease of the skin characterized by discrete, multiple, flesh-colored papules. It is caused by a highly infectious, enveloped deoxyribonucleic acid virus, called molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV). Molluscum contagiosum is very common in children, sexually active adults and immunocompromised patients, especially those who are infected with the human immunodeficiency virus. MCV transmission usually takes place through direct skin-to-skin contact. Infections in childhood are often linked to swimming-pool attendance. Adults are infected usually through sexual contact. An intimate skin-to-skin contact is sufficient for transmission of the virus. In immunocompetent adults, the warts remain in the genital area and adjacent regions of the skin. In children and patients with immunocompromised conditions, however, various regions of the body are usually affected. Therapy of molluscum contagiosum should be undertaken in an individualized manner, a specific treatment does not exist. For the treatment, physical methods such as curettage and cryotherapy, topic acids (e. g., acetic acid) and alkalis (e. g., potassium hydroxide), some other topical agents such as cantharidin and imiquimod, as well as several systemic agents the pharmacological treatments is, however, sparse. Effective prevention is problematic due to the high infectivity of the virus. A vaccine is not available.