Which of the following is NOT true regarding molluscum contagiosum?

Molluscum contagiosum is a viral infection caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus, which is a member of the poxvirus family, not the human papillomavirus (HPV). This distinction is key to understanding the nature of the infection. The virus primarily affects the skin, leading to the development of distinctive lesions. The fact that molluscum contagiosum is caused by a poxvirus is fundamental when studying viral infections and their respective etiologies.

The other statements are accurate reflections of the implications and manifestations of molluscum contagiosum. For example, if nodules become inflamed or rupture, they can lead to complications such as follicular conjunctivitis, which is an inflammatory response in the eye. Additionally, the presence of multiple nodules can suggest an underlying immunocompromised state, such as HIV, necessitating further evaluation. Lastly, the characteristic appearance of the nodules as dome-shaped, waxy, and umbilicated is a hallmark sign of the infection, especially in the eyelid area. This understanding of the infection's presentation and implications is critical in clinical practice, particularly in ocular health.