Viral Skin Infections

Viral Infections

Molluscum Contagiosum

·        Viral infection with pox virus

·        Small solid papules with umbilication in middle.  Stay fairly localised

·        If you squeeze them then virus released (ie infective)

·        Histology: acanthosis and molluscum bodies

·        Disappear in under 9 – 12 months.  Treat if severe

Verrucae (Warts)

·        Papova virus: Papillary lesion + polyoma (lots of them) + vacuolation of cells containing the virus

·        Locations:

o   Verruca vulgaris

o   Verruca plana: flat, eg on face

o   Verruca plantaris: on feet, can be painful

o   Verruca palmaris: on hands, can be painful

o   Condyloma accuminatum: Genital.  Rarely premalignant

·        Histology:

o   Hyperkeratosis/parakeratosis

o   Acanthosis

o   Nuclear and cytoplasmic inclusions

o   Perinuclear vacuolation

Other Viral Illness

·        See Varicella Zoster

·        See Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)

·        See Common Paediatric Viruses