INTRODUCTION: Molluscum contagiosum is a common superficial skin infection 
caused by the poxvirus, Molluscum Contagiosum virus. The study objective is to 
obtain a better understanding of physician practices and experiences with 
molluscum contagiosum in order to focus informational and guidance material.
METHODS: A cross-sectional survey to assess medical practitioners' knowledge and 
practices with molluscum contagiosum was conducted using the 2009 DocStyles 
survey. Questions regarding category and number of molluscum contagiosum 
patients seen, treatments used and advice given to patients were included in the 
survey.
RESULTS: Dermatologists saw the most cases, with the majority seeing 51-100 
molluscum contagiosum cases/year. The most common cases seen were children with 
multiple lesions and adults with genital lesions. Respondents were most likely 
to recommend treatment to immunocompromised individuals, HIV patients, adults 
with genital lesions and children with multiple lesions. Cryotherapy was the top 
choice for all specialties with the exception of OB/GYNs, whose top choice was 
curettage. "Avoid intimate contact until lesions resolve", "Avoid touching 
lesions to reduce further spread", and "Don't be concerned, this will go away" 
were the top advice choices.
DISCUSSION: Most survey respondents have dealt with molluscum contagiosum in 
their practice during the previous year. Overall, respondents picked appropriate 
choices for treatment and advice given; however some ineffective or unnecessary 
treatments were chosen and recommendations to prevent spread were chosen 
infrequently. Knowledge gaps for appropriate transmission precaution advice 
might cause unnecessary spread or autoinoculation. This survey has demonstrated 
that molluscum contagiosum is a common infection seen by many types of 
practitioners and therefore guidance on treatment considerations and infection 
control is valuable.