Epidemiology

The condition most commonly affects children.

Overall prevalence in children is estimated to be between 5% and 12%; prevalence in children with atopic dermatitis is higher, between 20% and 45%.[3][4]

There is no sex or ethnic trend in the incidence of molluscum.[3][5] One study in England and Wales from 2004 to 2013 found an incidence of children presenting to their GP of 2 in 1000 person-years in those <1 year of age, 13-14 in 1000 person-years in those aged 1-9 years, and 4-5 in 1000 person-years in those aged 10-14 years.[6] Consultation rates declined significantly from 2004 to 2013.[6] In the US, incidence increased over a two-decade period beginning in 1966.[5] Recent epidemiological data are lacking, and trends in paediatric incidence have not been monitored over time because infection is seldom serious and routinely resolves without treatment.[7]

Atopic dermatitis in adults and children is associated with increased risk for molluscum contagiosum infection.[8] This may be attributable to barrier breaks and immune cell dysfunction in atopic skin.[7]

Severe molluscum infections can manifest in late-stage HIV infection, but this is less common in patients being treated with antiretroviral therapy.[9][10]

Worldwide, it seems that tropical climates foster a higher disease incidence.[11] As molluscum can be sexually transmitted, vertical transmission has been reported.[2]

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