MULTIPLE MOLLUSCA CONTAGIOSA ON THE EYELI DS FOLLOWING IMMUNOSUPPRESSION WITH METHOTREXATE

Background Poxvirus induced molluscum contagiosum is known to occur in children, elderly people and in patients with the acquired immune def iciency syndrome AIDS. Patient and methods We report on a 49-year-old patient who presented with a three-month history of multiple skin-colo ured prominent warts on his right upper and lower eyelid. On examinati on, the warts showed a central cavity and measured 2-6 mm in diameter. For his ''mixed connective tissue disease'' (MCTD) the patient took m ethotrexate in a weekly dosage of 7.5 mg since 3 years. Diagnosis of M CTD was made 7 pears before. The warts were excised and studied histop athologically. One year postoperatively, there was no recurrence of th e lesions. Conclusion Drug induced immunosuppression as with methotrex ate may be associated with multiple periocular lesions due to molluscu m contagiosum.