Exploring ethnic disparities in pediatric molluscum contagiosum in Southern Israel.

Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a common skin infection affecting children globally, including in Israel, which has a diverse population comprising mainly Jews (73.2%) and Arabs (21.1%). Despite documented disparities in various diseases between these groups, research on differences in dermatological care is scarce. This study aimed to investigate MC as a potential differentiator between Arab and Jewish children. A retrospective analysis of MC cases among children (0-18 years) from 2013 to 2022 was performed at Soroka University Medical Center, a tertiary hospital serving over a million patients. 615 patients participated in our study, with 95.2% Jewish and 4.8% Arab. Both groups showed similar characteristics in lesion quantity (P = 0.535), diameter (P = 0.341), inflammation markers, and lesion location. Additionally, management, treatment response, and outcomes were found to be similar between the two groups. In conclusion, the Arab representation in the study was disproportionately low compared to their population in the area. While Jewish patients may rely more on medical specialists, we believe Arabs may prefer self-management practices, such as the use of traditional medicine, possibly hindering effective physician-led care. Understanding such disparities could improve dermatological care by tailoring approaches to diverse populations.

Facial vs Non-facial Molluscum Contagiosum Infection in Children: A Cross-sectional Study.

Molluscum contagiosum is a common skin infection affecting different body areas, including the face. Previous data have shown cases of atypical lesions, notably on the face, and it was thought relevant to further examine differences between facial and non-facial lesions. All cases of children (0-18) diagnosed with molluscum contagiosum from 2013-2022 at the paediatric dermatology clinic of Soroka University Medical Center were retrospectively reviewed, and 615 children were included in the study. Facial lesions tended to be found in younger children (p = 0.018). Non-facial lesions were more erythematous (p < 0.001), itchier (p < 0.001), and showed similar patterns of ulceration (p = 0.078) and purulence (p = 0.779). The average lesion diameter was similar in patients with or without facial lesions (p = 1). Children with facial lesions were treated differently from patients without facial lesions (p < 0.001); however, there were no differences in treatment response. This research challenges assumptions concerning the severity of facial lesions, including eyelid lesions, by revealing that, overall, they exhibit less inflammation than non-facial lesions. Despite the potential for greater psychosocial burdens and impacts on self-esteem associated with lesions on the sensitive facial area, this study provides evidence that they are not inherently more worrisome and can be managed similarly to lesions found elsewhere in the body.

Does Molluscum Contagiosum Need to be Managed Differently in Atopic Children?

The association between molluscum contagiosum and concomitant atopic dermatitis and its impact on clinical features and treatment outcomes remains unclear. This retrospective study, conducted in the paediatric dermatology clinic of a tertiary medical centre, aimed to compare molluscum patients with and without atopic dermatitis. A total of 615 children with molluscum were included, 13.17% of whom had atopic dermatitis. While the latter group exhibited higher lesion count and itchiness (p=0.026 and p=0.044, respectively), no significant differences were observed in average lesion diameter, ulceration, purulence, and erythema (p=0.239, p=0.730, p=0.682, and p=0.296, respectively). Both groups showed comparable responses to molluscum-specific and supportive treatments, with no distinct difference in outcomes or recurrence of visits. It was concluded that atopic dermatitis does not exacerbate molluscum morbidity, inflammation markers, treatment outcomes or recurrence rates.