Summary
Definition
History and exam
Key diagnostic factors
- presence of risk factors
- pearly papule with a central dell
Other diagnostic factors
- surrounding erythema
- facial or groin distribution of lesions
- pruritus
- atopic dermatitis
- sleep disturbance
Risk factors
- close contact with an infected individual
- sexual contact with an infected individual
- HIV infection
- tropical climate
- swimming
- atopic dermatitis
Diagnostic investigations
Investigations to consider
- curettage biopsy
- Tzanck stain
- haematoxylin and eosin staining
- HIV test
Treatment algorithm
Contributors
Authors
Professor of Primary Care Research
School of Medicine
Neuadd Meirionnydd
University Hospital of Wales
Cardiff
UK
Disclosures
NF declares that he has no competing interests.
Dr Francis would like to gratefully acknowledge Dr Nanette B. Silverberg, a previous contributor to this topic.
Disclosures
NBS declares that she has no competing interests.
Peer reviewers
Director of Cosmetic Dermatology
Department of Dermatology
Cosmetic and Procedural Dermatology
Henry Ford Health System
Detroit
MI
Disclosures
DMO declares that he has no competing interests.
Consultant Dermatologist
Aberdeen Royal Infirmary
Aberdeen
UK
Disclosures
None disclosed.
Staff Dermatologist
VA Medical Center
Minneapolis
MN
Disclosures
AB declares that she has no competing interests.
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