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. How long does it typically take for molluscum contagiosum to resolve on its own.

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 or contact with contaminated objects, such as towels, clothing, or toys.

Transmission of molluscum contagiosum can occur in various settings:

• Childcare centers and schools
• Swimming pools and communal bathing areas
• Contact sports
• Sexual activities
• Sharing personal items

Is molluscum contagiosum more prevalent in certain populations? Yes, the infection is more common in children aged 1-10 years, sexually active young adults, and individuals with compromised immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or undergoing chemotherapy.

Recognizing Molluscum Contagiosum: Characteristic Signs and Symptoms

Molluscum contagiosum manifests as small, flesh-colored or pinkish bumps on the skin. These lesions, known as mollusca, have distinct features that set them apart from other skin conditions:

• Round, dome-shaped appearance
• Smooth, firm texture
• Size ranging from 1-5 millimeters in diameter
• Central dimple or indentation
• Waxy or pearly look
• Potential for mild itching or tenderness

Where do molluscum contagiosum lesions typically appear? The bumps can develop on any part of the body but are most commonly found on:

1. Face, neck, and arms in children
2. Genitals, lower abdomen, and inner thighs in adults
3. Eyelids and around the eyes (ocular molluscum contagiosum)
4. Torso and limbs in individuals with weakened immune systems

Diagnosing Molluscum Contagiosum: Clinical Evaluation and Testing

Diagnosis of molluscum contagiosum is typically based on the characteristic appearance of the lesions. However, in some cases, additional diagnostic procedures may be necessary:

• Visual examination by a dermatologist
• Dermoscopy for closer inspection of the lesions
• Skin biopsy to confirm the diagnosis in atypical cases
• Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing to identify the virus

Can molluscum contagiosum be mistaken for other skin conditions? Yes, it can sometimes be confused with conditions such as:

• Warts
• Chickenpox
• Skin tags
• Folliculitis
• Certain types of skin cancer

A proper diagnosis by a healthcare professional is crucial for appropriate treatment and management.

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

While molluscum contagiosum often resolves on its own within 6-12 months, treatment may be recommended to prevent spread and alleviate symptoms. Treatment options include:

Natural and Home Remedies

• Apple cider vinegar
• Tea tree oil
• Colloidal oatmeal baths
• Coconut oil
• Boosting immune system through diet and lifestyle changes

Over-the-Counter Treatments

• Salicylic acid
• Benzoyl peroxide
• Povidone-iodine
• Zinc oxide creams

Prescription Medications

• Topical retinoids (e.g., tretinoin)
• Imiquimod cream
• Podophyllotoxin
• Oral cimetidine (off-label use)

In-Office Procedures

• Cryotherapy (freezing)
• Curettage (scraping)
• Laser therapy
• Electrocautery
• Chemical cauterization

Which treatment option is most suitable for an individual case? The choice of treatment depends on factors such as the patient’s age, the extent and location of lesions, and individual preferences. A healthcare provider can recommend the most appropriate approach based on these considerations.

Complications and Special Considerations in Molluscum Contagiosum Management

While molluscum contagiosum is generally a benign condition, certain complications and special considerations may arise:

Potential Complications

• Secondary bacterial infections
• Scarring (particularly from aggressive treatments or picking at lesions)
• Spread to other body areas through autoinoculation
• Psychological distress, especially in visible areas

Special Populations

Managing molluscum contagiosum in certain populations requires extra care:

1. Immunocompromised individuals: May experience more extensive and persistent infections
2. Pregnant women: Limited treatment options due to potential risks to the fetus
3. Infants and young children: Require gentler treatment approaches
4. Individuals with atopic dermatitis: Higher risk of widespread molluscum contagiosum

How does molluscum contagiosum management differ in immunocompromised patients? These individuals may require more aggressive treatment and closer monitoring due to their increased risk of extensive and persistent infections. Systemic therapies or combination treatments may be considered in severe cases.

Preventing Molluscum Contagiosum: Strategies for Reducing Transmission Risk

While complete prevention of molluscum contagiosum can be challenging, several measures can help reduce the risk of infection and transmission:

• Practice good hygiene, including regular handwashing
• Avoid sharing personal items such as towels, clothing, and razors
• Cover molluscum lesions with clothing or waterproof bandages
• Avoid scratching or picking at lesions to prevent spread
• Refrain from sexual activity if lesions are present in the genital area
• Clean and disinfect shared surfaces in gyms and swimming pools
• Strengthen the immune system through a healthy lifestyle

Are there any vaccines available for molluscum contagiosum? Currently, there are no approved vaccines for preventing molluscum contagiosum. Research is ongoing to develop potential vaccine candidates, but they are not yet available for clinical use.

Living with Molluscum Contagiosum: Coping Strategies and Lifestyle Adjustments

Dealing with molluscum contagiosum can be challenging, especially when lesions are visible or persistent. Here are some strategies to help cope with the condition:

Emotional and Psychological Support

• Seek counseling or join support groups
• Practice stress-reduction techniques
• Educate yourself about the condition to alleviate anxiety
• Communicate openly with partners, family, and friends

Lifestyle Modifications

• Choose loose-fitting, breathable clothing to reduce irritation
• Maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine to boost immunity
• Use hypoallergenic, fragrance-free skincare products
• Consider temporary changes in activities (e.g., avoiding contact sports)

Managing Symptoms

• Apply cool compresses to relieve itching
• Use over-the-counter antihistamines for severe itching
• Keep affected areas clean and dry
• Follow your healthcare provider’s treatment plan consistently

How can parents help children cope with molluscum contagiosum? Parents can support their children by explaining the condition in age-appropriate terms, maintaining a positive attitude, and emphasizing that the infection is temporary. Encouraging normal activities while taking precautions can help children maintain a sense of normalcy.

Research and Future Directions in Molluscum Contagiosum Treatment

The field of molluscum contagiosum research is evolving, with ongoing studies focusing on improving diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies:

Emerging Treatment Approaches

• Novel topical agents with antiviral properties
• Immunomodulatory therapies
• Photodynamic therapy
• Nanoparticle-based treatments
• Combination therapies for enhanced efficacy

Diagnostic Advancements

• Development of rapid, point-of-care diagnostic tests
• Improved molecular techniques for virus identification
• AI-assisted image analysis for diagnosis

Vaccine Development

Research is underway to develop potential vaccines against molluscum contagiosum, which could significantly impact prevention strategies in the future.

Genetic Studies

Investigations into the genetic factors influencing susceptibility to molluscum contagiosum may lead to personalized treatment approaches.

What are the most promising areas of research in molluscum contagiosum treatment? Current focus areas include the development of targeted antiviral therapies, immune-modulating treatments, and novel drug delivery systems to enhance efficacy and reduce side effects.

The landscape of molluscum contagiosum management continues to evolve, with ongoing research promising improved outcomes for those affected by this common viral skin infection. As our understanding of the condition deepens, new and more effective strategies for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment are likely to emerge, offering hope for better management of molluscum contagiosum in the future.

Molluscum contagiosum images | DermNet

DermNet provides Google Translate, a free machine translation service. Note that this may not provide an exact translation in all languages

Created 2011.

> Go to the image library

Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum

Dermoscopy of molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum

Rosettes in molluscum contagiosum

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

Not sure what to look for?

Try our new Rash and Skin Condition Finder

Close

Search for:

All Skin TypesDark SkinLight Skin

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

Close

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.

Read also 💊🦠🧑‍⚕️

• Measles: why they are so afraid of it and is it not better to get sick
• What is streptoderma and how to get rid of it?0034
• Chickenpox in children and adults: how not to get sick and how to be treated

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.