How does molluscum contagiosum manifest on different parts of the body. What are the most effective treatment options for molluscum contagiosum. Can molluscum contagiosum be prevented, and if so, how. Are there any complications associated with molluscum contagiosum. How long does it typically take for molluscum contagiosum to resolve.

Understanding Molluscum Contagiosum: Causes and Transmission

Molluscum contagiosum is a viral skin infection caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV), a member of the poxvirus family. This highly contagious condition primarily affects children, sexually active adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. The virus spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact, sharing of personal items, or sexual contact.

The transmission of molluscum contagiosum occurs when an infected individual comes into contact with uninfected skin. This can happen during everyday activities such as:

• Playing sports or engaging in physical activities
• Sharing towels, clothing, or bedding
• Sexual intercourse or intimate skin-to-skin contact
• Swimming in pools or using communal bathing facilities

Is molluscum contagiosum airborne? No, the virus cannot spread through the air. It requires direct contact with infected skin or contaminated objects to transmit from one person to another.

Identifying Molluscum Contagiosum: Characteristic Symptoms and Appearance

Molluscum contagiosum manifests as small, round, flesh-colored or pink bumps on the skin. These lesions, known as molluscum bodies, typically have a distinct appearance that sets them apart from other skin conditions:

• Size ranging from 1 to 5 millimeters in diameter
• Smooth, firm, and dome-shaped
• Pearly or waxy appearance
• Central indentation or dimple
• May appear in clusters or spread out across affected areas

Where does molluscum contagiosum commonly appear on the body? The lesions can develop on various parts of the body, including:

1. Face, neck, and trunk
2. Arms and hands
3. Legs and feet
4. Genital area, inner thighs, and buttocks (in cases of sexual transmission)

Do molluscum contagiosum lesions cause pain or discomfort? In most cases, the bumps are painless and do not cause itching. However, some individuals may experience mild itching or tenderness in the affected areas.

Diagnosing Molluscum Contagiosum: Medical Examination and Testing

Diagnosing molluscum contagiosum typically involves a visual examination by a healthcare professional. The characteristic appearance of the lesions often allows for a straightforward diagnosis. However, in some cases, additional tests may be necessary to confirm the presence of the virus or rule out other skin conditions.

Diagnostic methods for molluscum contagiosum may include:

• Clinical examination: A dermatologist or healthcare provider inspects the skin lesions visually.
• Dermoscopy: A handheld device is used to examine the skin lesions more closely, revealing specific features of molluscum contagiosum.
• Skin biopsy: In rare cases, a small sample of skin may be taken for microscopic examination to confirm the diagnosis.
• PCR testing: Molecular testing can detect the presence of the molluscum contagiosum virus in skin samples.

Can blood tests diagnose molluscum contagiosum? No, blood tests are not typically used to diagnose this condition, as the virus remains localized to the skin and does not circulate in the bloodstream.

Treatment Options for Molluscum Contagiosum: From Home Remedies to Medical Interventions

While molluscum contagiosum often resolves on its own without treatment, some individuals may opt for interventions to speed up the healing process or prevent the spread of lesions. Treatment options range from home remedies to medical procedures, depending on the severity of the infection and the patient’s preferences.

Home Remedies and Over-the-Counter Treatments

Several home remedies and over-the-counter treatments may help manage molluscum contagiosum:

• Tea tree oil: Applied topically, it may help reduce inflammation and fight the virus.
• Apple cider vinegar: Some people report success with applying diluted apple cider vinegar to affected areas.
• Colloidal oatmeal baths: These can help soothe irritated skin and reduce itching.
• Over-the-counter wart removers: Products containing salicylic acid may be effective for some individuals.

Are natural remedies as effective as medical treatments for molluscum contagiosum? While some people find relief with natural remedies, their effectiveness varies, and they may not be suitable for everyone. It’s essential to consult a healthcare provider before trying any home treatments.

Medical Treatments and Procedures

For more severe cases or when home remedies prove ineffective, medical interventions may be necessary:

• Cryotherapy: Freezing the lesions with liquid nitrogen
• Curettage: Scraping off the bumps with a small, spoon-shaped tool
• Laser therapy: Using laser light to destroy the lesions
• Topical medications: Prescription creams or ointments containing retinoids, podophyllotoxin, or imiquimod
• Oral medications: In rare cases, antiviral drugs may be prescribed for severe infections

Which treatment option is best for molluscum contagiosum? The most appropriate treatment depends on factors such as the patient’s age, the extent of the infection, and personal preferences. A healthcare provider can recommend the best course of action based on individual circumstances.

Preventing the Spread of Molluscum Contagiosum: Hygiene and Lifestyle Practices

While it may not always be possible to prevent molluscum contagiosum, certain precautions can help reduce the risk of infection and transmission:

• Practice good hygiene: Wash hands frequently and avoid touching or scratching the lesions
• Avoid sharing personal items: Keep towels, clothing, and bathing items separate
• Cover affected areas: Use bandages or clothing to prevent direct contact with lesions
• Limit skin-to-skin contact: Avoid close physical contact with infected individuals
• Practice safe sex: Use barrier methods to prevent transmission during sexual activity
• Maintain a healthy immune system: A strong immune system can help fight off the virus more effectively

Can molluscum contagiosum be prevented through vaccination? Currently, there is no vaccine available for molluscum contagiosum. Prevention relies primarily on avoiding contact with infected individuals and maintaining good hygiene practices.

Molluscum Contagiosum in Special Populations: Children, Adults, and Immunocompromised Individuals

Molluscum contagiosum can affect people of all ages, but certain groups may be more susceptible to infection or experience more severe symptoms:

Children

Children are particularly prone to molluscum contagiosum due to their developing immune systems and frequent close contact with peers. In children, the infection often appears on the face, trunk, and limbs. Parents and caregivers should be aware of the following:

• Encourage children not to scratch or pick at lesions to prevent spreading
• Teach proper hygiene habits, including regular handwashing
• Consider covering visible lesions with clothing or bandages during school or social activities

Adults

In adults, molluscum contagiosum is often sexually transmitted and may appear in the genital area, inner thighs, and lower abdomen. Sexually active adults should:

• Practice safe sex and use barrier methods to prevent transmission
• Inform sexual partners if diagnosed with molluscum contagiosum
• Avoid sexual contact until lesions have completely healed

Immunocompromised Individuals

People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or undergoing chemotherapy, may experience more severe and widespread molluscum contagiosum infections. For these individuals:

• Regular medical check-ups are crucial to monitor the progression of the infection
• More aggressive treatment approaches may be necessary
• Extra precautions should be taken to prevent secondary bacterial infections

How does molluscum contagiosum differ in immunocompromised individuals? In those with weakened immune systems, the lesions may be larger, more numerous, and more resistant to treatment. The infection may also persist for longer periods compared to individuals with healthy immune function.

Complications and Long-Term Effects of Molluscum Contagiosum

While molluscum contagiosum is generally a benign condition that resolves on its own, some complications may arise:

• Secondary bacterial infections: Scratching or picking at lesions can introduce bacteria, leading to skin infections
• Scarring: Aggressive treatment or improper removal of lesions may result in scarring
• Spread to other body parts: Autoinoculation can occur when an individual transfers the virus to unaffected areas of their own body
• Psychological distress: Visible lesions may cause embarrassment or social anxiety, particularly in older children and adults
• Eye complications: Lesions near the eyes can, in rare cases, lead to conjunctivitis or keratitis

Do molluscum contagiosum lesions leave permanent scars? In most cases, molluscum contagiosum resolves without scarring. However, improper treatment or picking at lesions can increase the risk of scarring. It’s essential to follow proper care instructions and avoid manipulating the bumps.

Living with Molluscum Contagiosum: Coping Strategies and Support

Dealing with molluscum contagiosum can be challenging, especially when the infection persists for an extended period. Here are some strategies to help individuals cope with the condition:

• Education: Learn about the condition to better understand its nature and expected course
• Patience: Remember that most cases resolve naturally, even if it takes several months
• Stress management: Practice relaxation techniques to reduce stress, which can weaken the immune system
• Support groups: Connect with others who have experienced molluscum contagiosum for emotional support and practical advice
• Clothing choices: Opt for comfortable, breathable fabrics that don’t irritate affected skin areas
• Skincare routine: Use gentle, fragrance-free products to avoid irritating the skin

How can parents help children cope with molluscum contagiosum? Parents can support their children by:

1. Explaining the condition in age-appropriate terms
2. Reassuring them that it’s temporary and not their fault
3. Encouraging them to follow treatment plans and hygiene practices
4. Addressing any concerns about social interactions or activities
5. Communicating with school staff to ensure proper management during school hours

By implementing these coping strategies and seeking support when needed, individuals with molluscum contagiosum can navigate the challenges of the condition more effectively while waiting for natural resolution or successful treatment outcomes.

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On DermNet

• Molluscum contagiosum

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

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Molluscum contagiosum: photo, symptoms, treatment

Likbez

Health

May 3, 2021

This infection is extremely contagious.

What is molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum is a viral infection that causes large, firm nodules that rise visibly above the surface of the skin. It is caused by one of the smallpox viruses.

See what molluscum contagiosum looks like

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These round growths can range in size from the head of a pin to the eraser on a pencil and can affect any part of the body except perhaps the soles and palms. Rashes are considered relatively harmless and most often disappear on their own within 6-12 months after the onset.

Where does Molluscum contagiosum come from?

No live molluscs inside the neoplasms. The infection got its name because the contents of the nodules under the microscope look like shells.

Contact can occur when you shake hands with an infected person or, for example, stand very close to each other with bare skin touching. Molluscum contagiosum is also transmitted sexually: in this case, neoplasms appear on the penis, labia, lower abdomen and inner thighs.

However, most often the infection is spread through towels, bed linen, clothes, shoes, bath sponges, toys. There is a version that the virus can be infected in the pool or when visiting a sauna, bath, and other wet shared areas. But she has not yet found convincing evidence.

How to recognize molluscum contagiosum

The main symptom of molluscum contagiosum is raised bumps on the skin. They are:

• small – no more than 6 mm in diameter;
• are flesh-colored;
• usually have a small indentation at the top center;
• sometimes inflamed and reddened;
• may itch;
• can be easily removed by scratching or accidental rubbing. Because of this, the virus can also infect other areas of the skin.

As the infection spreads, the skin may become inflamed and itchy. If rashes appear on the eyelids, conjunctivitis sometimes occurs.

What to do if you suspect molluscum contagiosum

If you notice unusual neoplasms on the skin, be sure to consult a general practitioner or a dermatologist immediately. The fact is that a nodular rash manifests itself in a variety of diseases, including such serious ones as syphilis or cancer. Therefore, it is simply dangerous to make a diagnosis on your own and rely on the fact that in six months everything will pass by itself.

As for the doctor, an experienced specialist recognizes molluscum contagiosum at a glance. Only sometimes scraping from the infected area of ​​​​the skin may be necessary.

How to treat molluscum contagiosum

The nodules are usually removed. It’s not just about aesthetics. Molluscum contagiosum is highly contagious, which means that a person with such a skin infection is dangerous to others.

To get rid of tumors, the doctor uses one of the following methods:

• scraping. In this case, the growths are removed from the skin using a tool similar to a metal spoon – a curette;
• cryotherapy. The nodules are frozen with liquid nitrogen, and then they fall off by themselves;
• laser therapy. Rashes are removed with a laser;
• application of special ointments.

Some of the methods can be painful and local anesthesia will be needed to reduce discomfort.

Once the molluscum contagiosum is removed, the person is no longer contagious.

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Molluscum contagiosum: causes, symptoms, treatment in adults and children ) specific benign formations. Pink dome-shaped nodules with a smooth surface and a depressed core can reach 2-5 mm (rarely 1.5 cm) in diameter. Rashes are concentrated in a group, hitting vast areas. Places of localization – any areas of the skin (hands, face, head, chest, abdomen and groin area), except for the feet and palms.

No or mild subjective symptoms – papules may cause mild itching. Treatment is aimed at removing a pronounced cosmetic defect and preventing the spread of pathology to neighboring areas.

Interesting: Waxlike papules resemble pearls, and upon close examination, they resemble the shell of a mollusk, which served as the name for the disease. The disease does not pose a direct threat to human health. However, if damaged, there is a high risk of secondary infection, which can provoke suppuration. Also, the pathology is highly contagious. Treat it to protect others from the risk of infection.

Molluscum contagiosum: causes of occurrence

Almost anyone can get sick with molluscum contagiosum, since this disease is viral in nature. But most often, pathology is diagnosed in children and adolescents, which is explained by several factors at once:

• The body’s defense system is not fully formed.
• Insufficient personal hygiene skills and habits.
• Frequent tactile contact in a peer group.

The immune system of animals is resistant to this disease, so they do not get sick. Infection of people occurs through direct contact with the carrier of the virus or through common hygiene and household items. But cases have also been diagnosed when patients became infected through the water of a public pool, through dust in the premises – the virus is able to live for some time outside a living organism.

Molluscum contagiosum: modes of transmission

The main causes of infection are:

• Direct physical contact in a group of people – often diagnosed with molluscum contagiosum in a child who attends a childcare facility. Pathology is found in entire groups of schoolchildren and preschool children.
• Infection in the family, infection through sexual contact. In large families, the spread of infection occurs very quickly. And people who have an active sex life with different partners get sick much more often than those who are adherents of monogamy.
• People visiting swimming pools, gyms, beaches. The virus is transmitted when using shared showers, sports equipment, benches.

Important: If a person has other skin diseases accompanied by a violation of the integrity of the epidermis, the molluscum contagiosum virus enters the body and spreads faster.

Molluscum contagiosum: symptoms

After infection, it may take 6-9 months before the virus makes itself felt. With adverse factors – a cold, hypothermia – the virus can activate faster. Groups of small rashes appear on the skin in the form of nodules filled with fluid. More often than others, the skin of the face, chest, abdomen, and extremities is affected. Molluscum contagiosum in adult patients who became infected through unprotected sexual contact is characterized by the localization of “pearls” in the genital area, pubis.

Since the voluminous rash does not itch, does not hurt, the patient may not betray the significance of the pathology for a long time. But if the papules are damaged mechanically (by clothing) or with concomitant skin pathology (dermatitis, urticaria), the foci can become inflamed. Local non-specific therapy with anti-inflammatory drugs contributes to the attenuation of acute symptoms, but the virus cannot be cured in this way, relapses are possible.

There are known cases of self-healing, when papules of molluscum contagiosum disappear within a few years, and the disease no longer manifests itself. This happens during the formation of persistent immunity.

Molluscum contagiosum: diagnosis

Visually, molluscum contagiosum is quite specific, so the diagnosis of the disease in most cases is not difficult. However, only for a qualified specialist. Without the necessary knowledge, it is easy to confuse pathology with other skin diseases.

Specialized clinics use dermatoscopy to examine skin lesions. Using a digital dermatoscope (a device that enlarges the image of the skin by sixteen times), the doctor can accurately determine the nature and nature of the neoplasm.

In some cases, the capsule is punctured to obtain fluid and its subsequent laboratory analysis – intracytoplasmic bodies can be seen under a microscope.

How does genital molluscum contagiosum present?

If the virus was contracted through sexual contact, molluscum contagiosum may be found on the genitals. These are all the same groups of pink nodules up to 5 mm in diameter, which are located on the glans penis, on the labia, on the pubis, on the inner surface of the thighs and look like cones with a sunken core. Giant clams are rare, reaching 1.5 cm in size. It is large papules that are often injured by underwear, become inflamed. This disease is dangerous. Inflammation in the genital area can lead to serious health problems – an abscess.

How to treat molluscum contagiosum?

Do not try to remove molluscum contagiosum with folk remedies at home. Squeezing the rash is not allowed. After all, mechanical damage to the capsule can lead to the spread of pathogenic fluid. In this case, the virus can spread to neighboring areas of the skin. And in the presence of microcracks, the localization of the disease increases.

It is strongly recommended that molluscum contagiosum be treated in an outpatient setting at a specialized medical center. You need to make an appointment with a dermatologist.

Modern dermatology offers several effective treatments for the disease. All of them are aimed at removing pathological formations from the skin surface:

• removal with surgical tweezers;
• laser treatment;
• cauterization with liquid nitrogen;
• radio wave knife.

Important: Laser removal of molluscum contagiosum is the method of choice when the final aesthetic result is important (for example, when removing capsules on the eyelids, around the eyes and lips, on the neck) and painlessness (for example, when treating a disease on the genitals).

In case of single manifestations of small diameter, the doctor may prescribe conservative treatment with antiviral pharmaceutical agents – ointments, gels, tablets.

Laser treatment of molluscum contagiosum

• Treating molluscum contagiosum with a laser means avoiding scars at the site of treatment. This cannot be provided by the method of cauterization with nitrogen or mechanical removal of formations with surgical instruments. The laser beam acts precisely, healthy tissues are not damaged, therefore the recovery period is minimal.
• Wounds do not become infected, do not bleed. Under the action of a laser, an infectious virus dies.
• Short laser pulses are not recognized by pain receptors, so the procedure is performed without anesthesia or under local anesthesia. This is especially important when the removal is performed on sensitive skin and genital mucosa in men and women, or on any areas of delicate children’s skin.
• After the procedure, the minimum rehabilitation period. Wound healing drugs, a sterile dressing may be recommended. After 3-4 days, the skin is completely restored, no traces remain on the skin.
• High treatment speed is another advantage of laser treatment. In one session, a dermatologist can remove 15-20 papules. The absence of serious contraindications allows the use of this technique for children and older people.

If you are interested in laser treatment of molluscum contagiosum, we recommend that you contact the Lasersvit clinic. You will be helped to get rid of the defect with high efficiency and in a short time.

Molluscum contagiosum: prevention

Prevention of a contagious disease consists in observing the rules of hygiene. Children should be taught from childhood to take care of the cleanliness of the body, especially the hands. When it comes to sexual intimacy with a new partner, it is very important to use contraceptives. This will protect not only from molluscum contagiosum, but also from more dangerous sexually transmitted diseases.

When visiting the swimming pool, gym to avoid infection will help the use of personal washcloths, towels. Completely refrain from using shared hygiene items.

Thoroughly clean the room and workplace using disinfectants. This will help kill the virus that is present in the dust. It is recommended to iron underwear that is dried in the open air. The temperature will kill any pathogenic flora that may have settled on the tissue.

If a family member is diagnosed with the disease, it is important to ensure conditions are in place to prevent transmission of the virus to other relatives. In addition to increased disinfection of common areas, surfaces in common rooms, in hygienic rooms, try to avoid tactile contact until the patient has been treated. If a pathology is found in a child, children’s institutions should be abandoned.

Water supports the vital activity of the virus. The patient should refrain from visiting public pools and baths for the duration of treatment.

Questions and answers on the topic “Molluscum contagiosum”

org/FAQPage”>

• Is it possible to treat molluscum contagiosum with folk remedies?

  Dermatological pathology is treated only by complete removal of nodules, so the use of traditional medicine methods does not work. And the use of aggressive products can lead to skin burns. Don’t waste time self-healing. Book a consultation with a dermatologist.

• In a beauty studio, I was offered the use of liquid nitrogen. It is safe?

  The answer is categorical. It is impossible to treat skin neoplasms of any nature in non-specialized institutions. Only an experienced dermatologist will make a diagnosis and prescribe the safest and most effective treatment.