The Impact of Molluscum Contagiosum on Depression, Anxiety and Quality of Life in Children

This study aimed to compare depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and health-related quality of life between children with molluscum contagiosum and healthy controls and to examine whether lesion number and anatomical localization were associated with these outcomes. This prospectively conducted cross-sectional study included 72 children with molluscum contagiosum and 80 age- and sex-matched healthy controls aged 6-12 years. Depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and health-related quality of life were assessed using validated pediatric instruments. Psychological outcomes were also compared according to lesion number and anatomical localization. Children with molluscum contagiosum had significantly higher depression and anxiety scores and significantly lower total quality-of-life scores than healthy controls. Depression and anxiety scores differed significantly according to lesion localization. Children with lesions involving highly visible areas, including the face, periocular region, lips, and hands, had higher depression and anxiety scores than those with lesions on the trunk and legs. Lesion number was not significantly associated with depression, anxiety, or quality-of-life scores. Female sex was independently associated with approximately twofold higher odds of an elevated anxiety score. Children with molluscum contagiosum may experience greater depressive and anxiety symptoms and poorer health-related quality of life than healthy peers. Psychological burden appears to be more closely related to lesion visibility and anatomical localization than to lesion number alone. These findings support consideration of psychological screening, particularly in children with highly visible lesions, and highlight the relevance of a broader psychodermatological approach.