molluscous

A mildly infective skin disease marked by tumor formations on the skin. molluscous (mŏ-lŭs′kŭs), adjective

A rash composed of small dome-shaped papules with a central crater that is said to be “umbilicated” (dimpled or belly button–shaped). Cheesy (caseous) material fills the dimple's core. A pox virus causes the rash, which is commonly spread by person-to-person contact among children and young adults. Widespread lesions are sometimes identified on the skin of immunosuppressed patients (e.g., patients with AIDS). Lesions in the groin, on the genitals, or on the upper thighs usually are sexually transmitted. See: illustration

Treatment

Some lesions may heal spontaneously and require no therapy. Persistent papules can be removed with curettage or frozen with liquid nitrogen.