Are there any specific populations or conditions that may require a different management approach for molluscum contagiosum?

Specific populations such as immunocompromised individuals, children, and the elderly may require a different management approach for molluscum contagiosum. In children, molluscum contagiosum is often self-limiting and may be managed conservatively; however, treatment considerations may differ if lesions are extensive or symptomatic ¹. Immunocompromised patients, including those with HIV or on immunosuppressive therapy, often experience more widespread and persistent lesions, necessitating more aggressive or tailored treatment strategies to prevent complications and transmission ¹. The elderly population may also require special consideration due to altered immune responses and potential comorbidities; management may need to be adjusted to balance efficacy and tolerability, as viral skin infections in this group can be more severe or atypical (Bansal et al., 2002).

Therefore, management approaches should be individualized based on patient age, immune status, and lesion severity, with more proactive treatment in immunocompromised and elderly patients compared to the general population. This integrated approach aligns with UK clinical guidelines emphasizing tailored care and is supported by literature highlighting the unique challenges in elderly patients (Bansal et al., 2002) and immunocompromised hosts ¹.