Dermatology Online Journal

Molluscum contagiosum is a common cutaneous infection caused by a double-stranded DNA poxvirus. Skin lesions classically present as small, flesh-colored papules with central umbilication. Lesions are frequently seen on the face, trunk, and extremities of children, or on the genitals of young adults as a sexually transmitted infection. Molluscum contagiosum on the nipple or areola has only been previously described in 4 women. We describe a woman with molluscum contagiosum on the left areola and review the clinical characteristics and histological findings of patients who developed molluscum contagiosum of the nipple or areola.