What are the characteristics of molluscum contagiosum. How is molluscum contagiosum transmitted. What are the treatment options for molluscum contagiosum. Can molluscum contagiosum be prevented. How long does molluscum contagiosum last.

Understanding Molluscum Contagiosum: A Comprehensive Overview

Molluscum contagiosum is a viral skin infection that manifests as small, raised, and pearly-white or flesh-colored bumps on the skin. This condition, caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV), is highly contagious and can affect people of all ages, though it’s more common in children and individuals with weakened immune systems.

The virus belongs to the poxvirus family and is known for its ability to spread through direct skin-to-skin contact or contact with contaminated objects. While generally harmless, molluscum contagiosum can be a source of discomfort and cosmetic concern for many affected individuals.

Key Characteristics of Molluscum Contagiosum

• Small, dome-shaped bumps (2-5 mm in diameter)
• Smooth, firm texture
• Central indentation or dimple
• Flesh-colored, pink, or pearly white appearance
• Often clustered in groups or lines
• Can appear anywhere on the body, except palms and soles

Is molluscum contagiosum painful? In most cases, the lesions are painless. However, they may become itchy, sore, or inflamed, especially if scratched or irritated. This can lead to secondary bacterial infections, which may require additional treatment.

The Transmission and Spread of Molluscum Contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum is highly contagious and can spread through various means. Understanding these transmission routes is crucial for preventing the spread of the virus and managing outbreaks effectively.

Common Transmission Methods

1. Direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person
2. Sexual contact (in adults)
3. Sharing personal items like towels, clothing, or toys
4. Swimming pools and communal bathing areas
5. Self-spread through scratching or touching infected areas

Can molluscum contagiosum spread through water? While the virus cannot survive long in water, transmission can occur through shared pool toys or equipment, as well as through direct contact with infected individuals in swimming pools or hot tubs.

Diagnosis and Clinical Presentation of Molluscum Contagiosum

Diagnosing molluscum contagiosum is typically straightforward for healthcare professionals due to its characteristic appearance. However, in some cases, additional tests may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis or rule out other skin conditions.

Diagnostic Methods

• Visual examination by a dermatologist or healthcare provider
• Dermoscopy for closer inspection of lesions
• Skin biopsy (rarely needed) to confirm diagnosis in atypical cases
• PCR testing to identify the specific virus strain (in research settings)

How does molluscum contagiosum differ from other skin conditions? Unlike warts, which have a rough surface, molluscum contagiosum lesions are smooth and dome-shaped with a central dimple. They also tend to be smaller and more uniform in size compared to most other skin growths.

Treatment Options and Management Strategies for Molluscum Contagiosum

While molluscum contagiosum often resolves on its own without treatment, many individuals seek medical intervention to speed up the healing process, prevent spread, or address cosmetic concerns. Treatment approaches can vary depending on the extent of the infection, the patient’s age, and overall health status.

Common Treatment Methods

1. Watchful waiting (spontaneous resolution)
2. Topical medications (e.g., imiquimod, podophyllotoxin)
3. Cryotherapy (freezing the lesions)
4. Curettage (scraping off the bumps)
5. Laser therapy
6. Oral medications (for severe or resistant cases)

Are there any natural remedies for molluscum contagiosum? Some people report success with natural treatments such as tea tree oil, apple cider vinegar, or colloidal oatmeal baths. However, these methods lack scientific evidence and should be approached with caution, especially in children or individuals with sensitive skin.

Prevention and Risk Reduction Strategies for Molluscum Contagiosum

Preventing the spread of molluscum contagiosum is crucial, especially in settings where close contact is common, such as schools, daycares, and sports facilities. By implementing proper hygiene practices and taking precautionary measures, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of contracting or spreading the virus.

Key Prevention Tips

• Avoid direct skin contact with infected individuals or lesions
• Practice good hand hygiene, washing hands frequently
• Avoid sharing personal items like towels, clothing, or grooming tools
• Cover lesions with waterproof bandages, especially when participating in water activities
• Avoid scratching or touching the lesions to prevent self-spread
• Clean and disinfect shared surfaces and equipment regularly

Can vaccination prevent molluscum contagiosum? Currently, there is no vaccine available for molluscum contagiosum. Research is ongoing to develop potential vaccines, but prevention primarily relies on avoiding exposure and maintaining good hygiene practices.

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

While molluscum contagiosum can affect anyone, its presentation and management may vary depending on the affected population. Understanding these differences is crucial for appropriate care and treatment decisions.

Molluscum Contagiosum in Children

Children are particularly susceptible to molluscum contagiosum due to their developing immune systems and frequent close contact with peers. In pediatric cases, the lesions often appear on the face, trunk, and limbs. Treatment decisions should consider the potential for spontaneous resolution and the child’s ability to tolerate various interventions.

Molluscum Contagiosum in Adults

In adults, molluscum contagiosum is often associated with sexual transmission and may appear in the genital area, lower abdomen, and inner thighs. Adult cases may require more aggressive treatment to prevent spread to sexual partners and address potential psychological impacts.

Molluscum Contagiosum in Immunocompromised Individuals

People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or undergoing chemotherapy, may experience more severe and persistent cases of molluscum contagiosum. These individuals often require more intensive treatment and closer monitoring to manage the infection effectively.

How does the immune system’s response affect molluscum contagiosum? A robust immune system can often clear the virus on its own, leading to spontaneous resolution of lesions. However, in immunocompromised individuals, the body’s ability to fight the virus is reduced, potentially resulting in more widespread and persistent infections.

Complications and Long-Term Effects of Molluscum Contagiosum

While molluscum contagiosum is generally a benign condition, it can lead to various complications and long-term effects, particularly if left untreated or in cases of extensive infection.

Potential Complications

• Secondary bacterial infections
• Scarring (especially from scratching or improper removal)
• Spread to other parts of the body
• Psychological distress due to appearance or persistent nature
• Eczema flares in individuals with atopic dermatitis

Can molluscum contagiosum recur after treatment? While treatment can effectively clear existing lesions, reinfection is possible through contact with infected individuals or contaminated objects. Maintaining good hygiene practices and avoiding potential sources of infection can help prevent recurrence.

Emerging Research and Future Directions in Molluscum Contagiosum Management

As our understanding of molluscum contagiosum continues to evolve, researchers are exploring new treatment options and prevention strategies to improve patient outcomes and reduce the spread of the virus.

Areas of Ongoing Research

1. Development of targeted antiviral medications
2. Exploration of immunomodulatory therapies
3. Investigation of novel delivery methods for existing treatments
4. Studies on the long-term effects of molluscum contagiosum infection
5. Research into potential vaccine candidates

What advancements can we expect in molluscum contagiosum treatment? Emerging research focuses on developing more effective and less invasive treatment options, including topical formulations that can be easily applied at home. Additionally, scientists are working on better understanding the virus’s lifecycle and host interactions to identify new therapeutic targets.

The Role of Genetic Factors in Molluscum Contagiosum Susceptibility

Recent studies have begun to explore the potential genetic factors that may influence an individual’s susceptibility to molluscum contagiosum infection and their response to treatment. This research could lead to more personalized approaches to prevention and management in the future.

Do genetic variations affect the severity of molluscum contagiosum infections? Preliminary research suggests that certain genetic polymorphisms may influence the body’s immune response to the molluscum contagiosum virus, potentially affecting the severity and duration of infections. However, more studies are needed to fully understand these genetic links and their clinical implications.

Living with Molluscum Contagiosum: Coping Strategies and Lifestyle Adjustments

For individuals dealing with molluscum contagiosum, managing the condition extends beyond medical treatment. Implementing effective coping strategies and making appropriate lifestyle adjustments can significantly improve quality of life and help prevent the spread of the virus.

Practical Tips for Daily Life

• Maintain a consistent skincare routine to keep affected areas clean and moisturized
• Choose loose-fitting, breathable clothing to minimize irritation of lesions
• Avoid activities that may cause excessive sweating or skin-to-skin contact when lesions are present
• Educate family members, partners, or caregivers about the condition to prevent spread and ensure proper care
• Consider joining support groups or online communities for emotional support and practical advice

How can individuals with molluscum contagiosum maintain an active lifestyle? While it’s important to take precautions, having molluscum contagiosum doesn’t mean giving up an active lifestyle. Covering lesions with waterproof bandages during sports or swimming, using separate towels, and practicing good hygiene can allow for continued participation in most activities.

Addressing the Psychological Impact

The visible nature of molluscum contagiosum lesions can sometimes lead to feelings of self-consciousness or social anxiety, particularly in older children and adults. Acknowledging these feelings and seeking support when needed is an important aspect of managing the condition.

Are there resources available for individuals struggling with the emotional aspects of molluscum contagiosum? Many dermatology clinics and patient advocacy groups offer counseling services or support groups specifically for individuals dealing with visible skin conditions. These resources can provide valuable emotional support and practical coping strategies.

Molluscum Contagiosum in the Context of Public Health

While molluscum contagiosum is not typically considered a serious public health concern, its highly contagious nature and potential for outbreaks in communal settings make it an important consideration for public health officials and community leaders.

Public Health Measures

1. Education and awareness campaigns in schools and childcare facilities
2. Implementation of hygiene protocols in public swimming pools and gyms
3. Guidelines for healthcare providers on diagnosis, treatment, and prevention
4. Surveillance and reporting systems to track outbreaks and identify trends
5. Research funding for improved treatments and potential vaccines

How do public health policies address molluscum contagiosum outbreaks? Many public health departments have established guidelines for managing molluscum contagiosum outbreaks in schools, daycares, and other communal settings. These typically include recommendations for increased hygiene measures, temporary exclusion of affected individuals from certain activities, and education for staff and families.

The Economic Impact of Molluscum Contagiosum

While often overlooked, the economic impact of molluscum contagiosum can be significant when considering factors such as healthcare costs, lost productivity, and expenses related to prevention and management in institutional settings.

What are the estimated costs associated with molluscum contagiosum infections? The full economic burden of molluscum contagiosum is difficult to quantify due to its often self-limiting nature and variable treatment approaches. However, factors such as medical consultations, treatments, and preventive measures in schools and daycares contribute to its overall economic impact. Further research is needed to provide more accurate cost estimates and inform resource allocation for prevention and management strategies.

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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: causes, symptoms, treatment in adults and children

Molluscum contagiosum is a dermatological pathology, which is characterized by the appearance on the skin (less often on the mucous membranes) of 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: Waxy papules resemble pearls, and upon close examination, they resemble a clam shell, which was 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 manifest itself?

If the virus is transmitted 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 speed of treatment 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”

• 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 asked to use 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.

• What complications can occur if molluscum contagiosum is not treated?

  If the papule is damaged, inflammation may occur. A scar is formed at this place. Cases of chronic conjunctivitis caused by viral formations in the eye area were diagnosed.

• Can infection be avoided?

  Practice good personal hygiene to reduce the risk of infection. Do not ignore preventive examinations by a dermatologist in order to identify skin pathologies in the early stages.

Molluscum contagiosum – Diagnosis and treatment of skin diseases

Molluscum contagiosum – is a viral infection transmitted from person to person by direct contact. They belong to the smallpox group, as they have a very similar structure and cause absolutely similar clinical symptoms.

Molluscum contagiosum is a skin disease caused by a poxvirus of the genus MCV, namely a member of the family, transmitted during close contact, that is, contact with a sick person, or through various objects that an infected person has used.

In adults, the disease manifests itself in the form of small red blisters on the abdomen, genitals, inner thighs and pubic area. As for children, most often mollusks are located on the face or upper limbs. Such skin rashes are usually not accompanied by other ailments. Occasionally, a person may experience itching at their place of residence.

This disease is commonly called nodule mollusk, that is, the main element, similar to the shell of a mollusk, which can be seen during the microscopy process. The content in the nodule is a white mass, which includes epithelial keratinized cells and outstanding microscopic bodies.

Types and subtypes of molluscum contagiosum

In modern times, two types and four subtypes of molluscum contagiosum are known to science:

1. MCV I is considered to be the most common;
2. II MCV;
3. MCV III;
4. IV MCV.

Each of the subtypes is capable of causing clinical appearances in the genital area and extra-genitally.

Signs of molluscum contagiosum

The usual element of molluscum contagiosum is a compacted pink or flesh-colored papule (nodule) of a round or oval shape. In the case of palpation, an acute painful sensation appears. Molluscum contagiosum has standard sizes from two to ten millimeters. Of course, there are also cases of the appearance of huge nodes with sizes up to several centimeters. Often, nodules can combine and form conglomerates. Such formations merge into groups and can actively continue to spread throughout the human body.

The surface of the nodules is shiny and even. It has an umbilical depression. When pressed, a white curdled liquid begins to flow out of it. Such secretions in medicine are called horny masses.

Forms of molluscum contagiosum

There are several types of molluscum contagiosum:

• The typical form has the appearance of several collected elements that are located very close to each other, namely in the area of ​​one anatomically infected area;
• The generalized form is determined by the localization of nodular rashes on various parts of the human body;
• A complicated form manifests itself during the connection of any bacterial infection. Redness, pus and soreness is a typical form of the disease in people with a sexually transmitted infection. Another feature of the manifestation of molluscum contagiosum in HIV patients is active localization in the facial region of the nasolabial area and chin.

Similarity to other diseases

Molluscum contagiosum is composed of a huge number of elements. That is why it is very easy to confuse it with other skin diseases.

These include:

• Genital warts;
• Flat warts;
• Micropapillomatosis of the vulva;
• Hyperplasia of sebaceous glands;
• Pearly papules of the penis;
• Syringiomas.

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

Course of the disease

In most cases, predominantly in childhood, molluscum contagiosum disappears spontaneously after a maximum of six months. In rare cases, a recurrent form may appear, that is, the appearance of new elements of the rash. In principle, molluscum contagiosum is not a threat to life. Moreover, it can be attributed to a general cosmetic problem.

More attention should be paid to complicated, generalized and recurrent forms. In such cases, it is necessary to consult a specialist – an immunologist and give an immunogram with further testing for HIV infection.

During mechanical damage to the loose elements, that is, cuts, scratches, extrusion or shaving, autoinoculation can occur. Autoinoculation is a strong spread of this infection.

Treatment of molluscum contagiosum

Most often, specialists take into account the propensity for the independent and spontaneous disappearance of the elements that have appeared. That is why treatment can not always be prescribed.

In cases of localization in open areas of the body, on the face, genitals in adults, the removal of mollusks occurs at a cosmetic level. It is possible to use both mechanical and physical methods. This can be simple extrusion with tweezers, careful scraping with a curette, elimination using liquid nitrogen, that is, cryotherapy. Removal by cryotherapy is carried out by laser technology or electrocoagulation.

Destroying a mollusk, a person does not get the confidence that the virus that causes the reaction also leaves the body. Treatment of molluscum contagiosum should be strictly under the supervision of professional specialists in this field.

Self-medication is strictly prohibited. Otherwise, this disease can often be confused with a malignant skin tumor. Accordingly, making a decision alone can not only not help, but also aggravate this ailment, causing serious health problems.

In order to start treatment, first of all, it is necessary to undergo a special examination prescribed by a doctor. After the diagnosis is made, outpatient treatment begins with a dermatologist. All elements of the molluscum contagiosum are scrupulously destroyed with surgical tweezers using electrocoagulation or scraping with a Volkmann spoon. Then the lesions are necessarily lubricated with an alcoholized solution of iodine and a very saturated solution of potassium permanganate.

Many specialists, in order to speed up the healing process, prescribe to their patients various anti-viral creams and ointments, specially designed for specific shellfish extermination, for treatment. In some more complicated cases, it is necessary to undergo strict therapy with antibiotics in addition.

For preventive purposes, each sick person must observe all necessary hygiene rules. And this applies not only to the personal, but also to the domestic sphere.

To protect yourself from the possible spread of this infection, you need to isolate yourself from society. If we are talking about children, then attending kindergartens and schools is strictly prohibited. Moreover, these institutions must be checked.

In the home of a person infected with molluscum contagiosum, it is urgent to conduct a medical examination of all family members in order to prevent further development and spread of the disease. Absolutely all things, bedding, bath items, personal hygiene items must be washed and disinfected with high quality. In the house itself, it is worth doing a thorough cleaning, removing dust containing the molluscum contagiosum virus.

A person who is ill with molluscum contagiosum should forget about visiting the pool and sauna for the duration of treatment, and should not wash in the bath and shower.