About all

Mollescum pictures: Molluscum Contagiosum Condition, Treatments and Pictures for Adults

by alexxlab

Molluscum Contagiosum Condition, Treatments and Pictures for Adults

Who’s At Risk?

Adults and teens are often infected by molluscum through sexual contact and tend to have genital lesions. Children ages 2-5 years are most commonly infected by close nonsexual contact, and lesions appear on the face, neck, arms, underarms, and hands (but usually not the palms). Individuals with eczema (atopic dermatitis) or a compromised immune system may be more susceptible to molluscum infection.

Signs & Symptoms

In adults, the genitals, stomach, buttocks, and inner thigh areas are more often affected, as intimate contact with someone infected is the typical source of infection. Men are more often affected than women. Adults with a compromised immune system (such as those with HIV) may have severe, extensive infection.

One or more small (1-6 mm) pink, white, or skin-colored, smooth papules (firm bumps), often with a tiny dot or depression in the center, occur in clusters and sometimes in a straight line from scratching (self-inoculation). In darker skin colors, the molluscum contagiosum lesions may appear skin-colored or purplish. In patients with an immune system deficiency, bumps can be larger than a thumbnail.

The infection can be considered:

  • Mild – fewer than 10 lesions.
  • Moderate – 10-50 lesions.
  • Severe – more than 50 lesions.

Self-Care Guidelines

Treatment of mild molluscum infection is often not required, as these infections go away on their own. Care should be taken not to scratch or shave the affected areas to help avoid spreading them to other parts of the body. Keep the affected areas covered to avoid transmission of the virus to other people, and avoid sharing clothing, towels, and bedding with others.

Treatments

  • Removal with freezing (cryosurgery), scraping (curettage), or burning (electrocautery)
  • Application of medications in office that cause a blistering reaction
  • Prescription of a cream with either tretinoin (Retin-A) or imiquimod (Aldara, Zyclara), a prescription product also used to treat warts

Visit Urgency

In the case of moderate and severe infection, when there is a concern of spread or concern about appearance, seek medical care. Consult a health professional if there is any new skin growth that you do not recognize.

Trusted Links

  • MedlinePlus: Sexually Transmitted Diseases
  • MedlinePlus: Skin Infections
  • MedlinePlus: Viral Infections
  • Clinical Information and Differential Diagnosis of Molluscum Contagiosum

References

Bolognia J, Schaffer JV, Cerroni L. Dermatology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018.

James WD, Elston D, Treat JR, Rosenbach MA. Andrew’s Diseases of the Skin. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019.

Kang S, Amagai M, Bruckner AL, et al. Fitzpatrick’s Dermatology. 9th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education; 2019.

Disease Groups:
Common Conditions Affecting the Genitals, Common Skin Problems in Pregnancy, Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Last modified on May 16th, 2023 at 4:50 pm

Not sure what to look for?

Try our new Rash and Skin Condition Finder

Close

Search for:

All Skin TypesDark SkinLight Skin

Molluscum contagiosum: Signs and symptoms

Diseases & conditions



  • Coronavirus Resource Center



  • Acne



  • Eczema



  • Hair loss



  • Psoriasis



  • Rosacea



  • Skin cancer



  • A to Z diseases



  • A to Z videos

  • DIY acne treatment

  • How dermatologists treat

  • Skin care: Acne-prone skin

  • Causes

  • Is it really acne?

  • Types & treatments

  • Childhood eczema

  • Adult eczema

  • Insider secrets

  • Types of hair loss

  • Treatment for hair loss

  • Causes of hair loss

  • Hair care matters

  • Insider secrets

  • What is psoriasis

  • Diagnosis & treatment

  • Skin, hair & nail care

  • Triggers

  • Insider secrets

  • What is rosacea

  • Treatment

  • Skin care & triggers

  • Insider secrets

  • Types and treatment

  • Find skin cancer

  • Prevent skin cancer

  • Raise awareness

  • Español

Featured




How Natalie cleared her adult acne

Natalie tried many acne products without success. Find out how a board-certified dermatologist helped Natalie see clear skin before her wedding.



JAK inhibitors: A newer type of medication

JAK inhibitors are helping patients with alopecia areata, eczema/atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and vitiligo. Here’s what you need to know.

Everyday care



  • Skin care basics



  • Skin care secrets



  • Injured skin



  • Itchy skin



  • Sun protection



  • Hair & scalp care



  • Nail care secrets

  • Basic skin care

  • Dry, oily skin

  • Hair removal

  • Tattoos and piercings

  • Anti-aging skin care

  • For your face

  • For your skin routine

  • Preventing skin problems

  • Bites & stings

  • Burns, cuts, & other wounds

  • Itch relief

  • Poison ivy, oak & sumac

  • Rashes

  • Shade, clothing, and sunscreen

  • Sun damage and your skin

  • Aprenda a proteger su piel del sol

  • Your hair

  • Your scalp

  • Nail care basics

  • Manicures & pedicures

Featured




Practice Safe Sun

Everyone’s at risk for skin cancer. These dermatologists’ tips tell you how to protect your skin.



Relieve uncontrollably itchy skin

Find out what may be causing the itch and what can bring relief.

Darker Skin Tones



  • Skin care secrets



  • Hair care



  • Hair loss



  • Diseases & Conditions

  • Acne

  • Dark spots

  • Dry skin

  • Light spots

  • Razor bumps

  • Caring for Black hair

  • Scalp psoriasis

  • Weaves & extensions

  • Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia

  • Frontal fibrosing alopecia

  • Hairstyles that pull can cause hair loss

  • Acanthosis nigricans

  • Acne keloidalis nuchae

  • Hidradenitis suppurativa

  • Keloid scars

  • Lupus and your skin

  • Sarcoidosis and your skin

  • Skin cancer

  • Vitiligo

  • More diseases & conditions

Featured




Fade dark spots

Find out why dark spots appear and what can fade them.



Untreatable razor bumps or acne?

If you have what feels like razor bumps or acne on the back of your neck or scalp, you may have acne keloidalis nuchae. Find out what can help.

Cosmetic treatments



  • Your safety



  • Age spots & dark marks



  • Cellulite & fat removal



  • Hair removal



  • Scars & stretch marks



  • Wrinkles



  • Younger-looking skin

Featured




Laser hair removal

You can expect permanent results in all but one area. Do you know which one?



Scar treatment

If you want to diminish a noticeable scar, know these 10 things before having laser treatment.



Botox

It can smooth out deep wrinkles and lines, but the results aren’t permanent. Here’s how long botox tends to last.

Public health programs



  • Skin cancer awareness



  • Free skin cancer screenings



  • Kids’ camp



  • Good Skin Knowledge



  • Shade Structure grants



  • Skin Cancer, Take a Hike!™



  • Awareness campaigns



  • Flyers & posters



  • Get involved

  • Lesson plans and activities

  • Community grants

Featured




Free materials to help raise skin cancer awareness

Use these professionally produced online infographics, posters, and videos to help others find and prevent skin cancer.



Dermatologist-approved lesson plans, activities you can use

Free to everyone, these materials teach young people about common skin conditions, which can prevent misunderstanding and bullying.

Find a dermatologist



  • Find a dermatologist



  • What is a dermatologist?



  • FAAD: What it means



  • How to select a dermatologist



  • Your digital health



  • Prior authorization



  • Dermatologists team up to improve patient care

  • Finding accurate health information

  • Health apps

  • Wearable medical devices

  • Telemedicine

  • Protect your information

Featured




Find a Dermatologist

You can search by location, condition, and procedure to find the dermatologist that’s right for you.



What is a dermatologist?

A dermatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in treating the skin, hair, and nails. Dermatologists care for people of all ages.

Molluscum contagiosum-Treatment and Prevention 2023

Treatment options for molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum is treated on an outpatient basis and is treated by a dermatologist.

In Europe and the United States, the treatment of molluscum contagiosum is a wait-and-see approach and rarely uses medication, simply by observing the rash.

In the post-Soviet countries, the tactics of quickly starting medication or other types of treatment are more often used.

There are many different approaches to treating molluscum. Factors such as the location and size of the rash, and associated discomfort or irritation, help determine specific treatment. Some of the treatment options include:

Topical medicines : These medicines include retinoids and cantharidin.

  • Topical retinoids (tretinoin) are most commonly used for facial rashes.
  • Cantharidin 0.7% (blister beetle extract) – available without a prescription, but requires special care to use.
  • Other topical preparations – salicylic acid gel, 10% povidone in iodine solution in combination with 50% salicylic acid under dressing.

Tablets : Current clinical studies show that cimetidine helps some children, especially those with eczema. Scientists believe it works by improving the functioning of the immune system.

Curettage or curettage: is a procedure in which molluscum contagiosum is removed. The procedure is performed by a dermatologist under local anesthesia removes papules with a special curette. This method is a good option if there are a few visible bumps that are particularly bothersome (for example, on the face).

But this method is not suitable for localization on the face or genitals. The virus is still active in the body, so the rash may return elsewhere.

Cryotherapy or freezing: skin rashes can also be frozen with liquid nitrogen. The method is effective, but painful and can lead to scarring. And this method also does not solve the issue of systemic treatment of molluscum contagiosum.

Laser removal or laser destruction – removal of papules with carbon dioxide or pulsed lasers. Relapses with this method are rare, sometimes a second procedure is required.

In HIV-infected patients, molluscum contagiosum does not go away on its own and progresses rapidly without treatment. However, the rash often resolves with highly active antiretroviral therapy.

Home remedies for molluscum contagiosum

Many different home remedies have been explored over the years. But most of them aren’t well-researched, so it’s hard to tell if they’re worth the time, effort, and potential negative side effects.

Here are some folk remedies:

Garlic: Some people claim that cutting a clove of garlic and rubbing it on a rash will help get rid of the mollusc faster.

Tea tree oil: is an essential oil that people use in all sorts of skin care products. Because it is a natural product, its concentration is poorly regulated. More concentrated forms can cause burns and blistering.

Prognosis and prevention of the disease

With a normal immune response, the disease resolves on its own, while the recovery period can last up to 24 months.

The main goal of therapy is to reduce the risk of passing the infection to other people.

Given that infection with the virus can last for a long time, it makes sense to pay close attention to prevention if you or someone you know has previously noted characteristic rashes. There are several ways to prevent molluscum contagiosum:

  • If you have molluscum contagiosum, do not touch, pick, or scratch the rash. These are the easiest ways to spread the virus.
  • If you touch the rash, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
  • If you or your child will be in close contact with other people, try to cover the rash.
  • If your child has molluscum contagiosum, do not bathe with siblings.
  • Pay attention to how you use towels. First, dry the non-infected parts of the body, and then pat the infected areas dry.
  • Do not share towels and wash them after each use.
  • Keep skin hydrated. This can prevent dry skin and increased itching. It can also help prevent tiny cracks in the skin that the virus can enter and spread.
  • It is best to use unscented lotions to avoid further skin irritation.
  • Adults should avoid shaving or electrolysis. This can lead to tiny breaks in the skin through which the virus can enter.
  • Cover papules with clothing, a bandage, or medical tape while studying or working. This helps prevent the infection from spreading to other people.
  • You can easily infect other people in a pool or sauna. To reduce this risk, dermatologists recommend the following:
    • Cover the bumps with waterproof bandages or a bathing suit.
    • Do not share your towels, glasses, or bathing suit with anyone.
    • Be especially careful when using general pool sports equipment.
  • Close all papules before engaging in any other sport. To prevent the spread of the mollusk:
    • Cover any molluscum contagiosum rash with clothing or waterproof bandages.
    • Avoid sharing equipment such as ear pads, helmets, and baseball gloves.
  • Bathe your child separately using different washcloths, bath toys and towels for each child. Sharing children is a common way to transfer shellfish from one child to another.
  • Let the baby with the clam sleep alone. The molluscum virus spreads easily when children sleep together.
  • Make sure that children with shellfish have their own personal items such as towels, washcloths, bedding and clothes. This helps prevent the spread of the virus from one child to another.
  • Stop sharing personal items. People can become infected with shellfish through skin-to-skin contact and by touching infected objects.
  • If mollusks appear in the genital area, stop sexual activity and consult a dermatologist or your doctor

Conclusions, expert advice.

Molluscum contagiosum is a persistent viral infection with high virulence.

The disease is usually observed in young children, as they are in close contact with each other and use a lot of shared toys. But adults can also be infected, including through sexual contact.

If you or someone you know has shellfish, do everything you can to prevent infecting others and loved ones.

But be aware that even with proper hygiene, molluscum contagiosum can still be spread between people in close contact with each other.

References

  1. Beetle juice: a guide for the use of cantharidin in the treatment of molluscum contagiosum, ref.
  2. Molluscum contagiosum Ref.
  3. Topical cantharidin shows efficacy, safety for molluscum contagiosum treatment, reference
  4. Molluscum contagiosum images, reference
  5. Molluscum contagiosum Ref.
  6. Associated infections, which are transmitted by state route, in VIL-infections, link
  7. Eye involvement in infectious diseases in children. How to protect the ocular surface?, Ref.
  8. Luciana Molina, Ricardo Romiti. Molluscum Contagiosum on Tattoo // An Bras Dermatol, 2011; 86 (2): 352.link

Molluscum contagiosum – Molluscum contagiosum

What is molluscum contagiosum? Xia with close contact of the skin during sexual intercourse.

The International Classification of Diseases of the 10th revision does not classify molluscum contagiosum as a sexually transmitted infection. However, according to the etiological classification of sexual infections proposed by WHO (2006), molluscum contagiosum belongs to this group of infections.

There are 2 types of molluscum contagiosum virus and 4 subtypes (MCV I, MCV II, MCV III, and MCV IV).

The disease is called a mollusk due to the fact that microscopy of the contents of the nodule, the main morphological element of the disease, reveals peculiar little bodies similar to a mollusk shell.

How molluscum contagiosum is transmitted

Infection occurs through close bodily contact: in children during games, so they are often localized to the face, limbs, the disease is caused by type 1 virus. In adults, infection occurs most often through sexual contact – therefore, localization of rashes on the pubis, abdomen, genitals – and is caused by type 2 virus. The incubation period ranges from several weeks to 4-6 months

What are the signs of molluscum contagiosum mollusk – a dense nodule (papule) of flesh or pink color, oval or rounded, painless on palpation. Sizes from 2 mm to 10 mm, although giant nodes up to several cm in size can also be found. The surface is even, shiny, on the surface of the nodules there is an umbilical depression, when pressed, a white, curdled mass (horny masses) is released from it.

In adults, the most common localization is the abdomen, pubis, shaft of the penis, labia majora, perianal region.

Photo of molluscum contagiosum

There are several forms of molluscum contagiosum:

– A typical form in the form of several elements located close to each other within the same anatomical region.

– The generalized form is characterized by the localization of rashes on different parts of the body

– The complicated form occurs when a bacterial infection is attached. There is redness, soreness, the appearance of pus – this form is often found in HIV patients. Also, a feature of the course of molluscum contagiosum in HIV-infected people is its localization in the face (the area of ​​the nasolabial triangle and chin)

What diseases does molluscum contagiosum resemble?

With multiple small elements, molluscum contagiosum must be distinguished from: lasia of the sebaceous glands (Fordyce granules)
micropapillomatosis of the vulva

a large element, differential diagnosis is carried out with keratoacanthoma of squamous and basal cell skin cancer.

How does molluscum contagiosum proceed? ). Molluscum contagiosum is not dangerous to health and in most cases is only a cosmetic problem. Attention should be paid to generalized, complicated and recurrent forms – in these cases, it is necessary to consult an immunologist with an immunogram and a test for HIV infection.

Autoinoculation (spread of infection) in molluscum contagiosum occurs only with mechanical damage to the rash elements (scratching, squeezing, shaving, etc.).

How is molluscum contagiosum diagnosed?

Molluscum contagiosum is diagnosed by a characteristic clinical presentation. Sometimes a laboratory microscopic examination of the curd masses obtained by squeezing out the element is carried out.

How is molluscum contagiosum treated? Removal of mollusks is indicated only for cosmetic purposes (localization on the face, open areas of the body, genitals in adults) – mechanical and physical methods are used: extrusion with tweezers, scraping with a curette, removal using cryotherapy (liquid nitrogen) electrocoagulation or laser.