Which description best matches molluscum contagiosum?

Which description best matches molluscum contagiosum?

• A. Umbilicated, flesh-colored to light-pink pearly capsules, 1-10 mm in diameter
• B. Clustered vesicles on erythematous base
• C. Well-circumscribed flesh-colored papules that are umbilicated and pearly
• D. Honey-colored crusts

Answer: (D)

Molluscum contagiosum presents as small, well-defined dome-shaped papules with a central dimple, often described as pearly and flesh-colored. They are usually 2–5 mm (can be larger) and show a characteristic umbilication. Because of this central indent and the pearly, flesh-colored surface, the description that mentions well-circumscribed flesh-colored papules that are umbilicated and pearly fits best. Honey-colored crusts point to impetigo, not molluscum, since impetigo crusts come from dried serum on eroded skin. Vesicles on an erythematous base suggest other infections like varicella or herpes, which look different from these pearly, umbilicated papules.

Molluscum contagiosum presents as small, well-defined dome-shaped papules with a central dimple, often described as pearly and flesh-colored. They are usually 2–5 mm (can be larger) and show a characteristic umbilication. Because of this central indent and the pearly, flesh-colored surface, the description that mentions well-circumscribed flesh-colored papules that are umbilicated and pearly fits best. Honey-colored crusts point to impetigo, not molluscum, since impetigo crusts come from dried serum on eroded skin. Vesicles on an erythematous base suggest other infections like varicella or herpes, which look different from these pearly, umbilicated papules.