[Molluscum contagiosum in immunosuppression with methotrexate: multiple warts with central depressions of the eyelids]

Abstract

Background: Poxvirus induced molluscum contagiosum is known to occur in children, elderly people and in patients with the acquired immune deficiency syndrome AIDS.

Patient and methods: We report on a 49-year-old patient who presented with a three-month history of multiple skin-coloured prominent warts on his right upper and lower eye-lid. On examination, the warts showed a central cavity and measured 2-6 mm in diameter. For his "mixed connective tissue disease" (MCTD) the patient took methotrexate in a weekly dosage of 7.5 mg since 3 years. Diagnosis of MCTD was made 7 years before. The warts were excised and studied histopathologically. One year postoperatively, there was no recurrence of the lesions.

Conclusion: Drug induced immunosuppression as with methotrexate may be associated with multiple periocular lesions due to molluscum contagiosum.