[Molluscum contagiosum: one year examination at a health center]

To study the prevalence of Molluscum contagiosum in our environment, in order to understand and control it better.

A retrospective descriptive study was undertaken.

The Dermatology Clinic of the "V Centenario" Health Centre at San Sebastián de los Reyes (Madrid).

All cases diagnosed during 1991 were selected.

The following variables were analysed: age, sex, date of the consultation, duration of the lesions, family members affected, number and site of the lesions, referral diagnosis and HIV serology. The method of comparing proportions was used for the analysis. Twenty-nine patients (9 female), with an average age of 12 +/- 11 years, were diagnosed: this supposed 0.37% of the patients seen at the clinic over a year. Six patients identified a possible source of contagion. 55.2% had less than 5 lesions. The most common site was the trunk (44.8%) and extremities (48.2%). Only 24% had a correct diagnosis in the interclinic notes. 20.7% were not diagnosed. Two patients were HIV (+); both with numerous lesions in the genital area. All the cases were treated by mechanical means.

Knowledge of the disease must be improved, to make diagnosis more rapid and thus avoid transmission; given that diagnosis and treatment is simple and completely attainable at the Primary Care level.