BACKGROUND: Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is caused by a DNA virus of the poxvirus 
group. It is common in children, and is also found in sexually active adults and 
HIV-seropositive patients. Cellular immunity is essential to controlling MC 
virus infection. We report the first observation of a patient with stage IV 
Sezary syndrome, who presented multiple molluscum contagiosum, spread and 
surrounded by a pale halo.
CASE REPORT: A woman aged 70 presented with aggravation of Sezary syndrome 
diagnosed in 2009 and treated with topical corticosteroids. The examination 
showed a generalized pruritic exanthem and multiple flesh-coloured papules from 
1 to 3 mm, spread over the entire skin surface and surrounded by a white halo. 
Histological examination of a lesion showed the presence of infected cells with 
intracytoplasmic inclusions infected in an acanthotic epidermis, surrounded by a 
melaninopenic hypomelanosis with a normal melanocyte density. There was no 
inflammatory character. The diagnosis of multiple molluscum contagiosum was 
given, the application of clobetasol propionate was suspended and treatment with 
chlorambucil 4 mg/day and prednisone 0.5 mg/kg/day was started. The evolution of 
the rash and pruritus was rapidly favourable. After 3 months, the rash and 
pruritus had regressed. There was no molluscum contagiosum or clear halo.
CONCLUSION: We report the original observation of a patient with stage IV Sezary 
syndrome, who presented multiple molluscum contagiosum, spread and surrounded by 
a pale halo, without inflammation, eczema or disappearance of melanocytes. This 
halo could be due to the secretion of a protein by molluscum contagiosum 
inhibiting inflammation around this MC. To our knowledge, this phenomenon 
reported in a patient with severe atopic dermatitis associated with Sezary 
syndrome has not previously been described.