How does molluscum contagiosum appear on the skin. What are the most effective treatments for molluscum contagiosum. Can molluscum contagiosum be prevented. How long does it typically take for molluscum contagiosum to resolve.

Understanding Molluscum Contagiosum: A Comprehensive Overview

Molluscum contagiosum is a viral skin infection that causes small, painless bumps on the skin. This common condition is caused by a poxvirus and primarily affects children, though it can occur in adults as well. The distinctive appearance of molluscum lesions and their tendency to spread make early identification and proper management crucial.

Key Characteristics of Molluscum Contagiosum

• Small, dome-shaped bumps on the skin
• Typically 2-5 mm in diameter
• Flesh-colored, pink, or pearly white appearance
• Often have a small dimple or indentation in the center
• Can occur anywhere on the body, but commonly found on the face, arms, legs, and torso
• Usually painless, but may cause itching in some cases

Are molluscum contagiosum lesions always the same size? While most molluscum bumps are relatively small, they can vary in size from 2 mm to over 1 cm in diameter. Larger lesions are more common in individuals with weakened immune systems.

The Transmission and Spread of Molluscum Contagiosum

Understanding how molluscum contagiosum spreads is essential for preventing its transmission and managing outbreaks. The virus is highly contagious and can be spread through various means.

Common Transmission Routes

1. Direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person
2. Contact with contaminated objects (e.g., towels, clothing, toys)
3. Scratching or touching existing lesions, which can spread the virus to other parts of the body (autoinoculation)
4. Sexual contact (in adults)

Is molluscum contagiosum only spread through direct contact? While direct contact is the most common route of transmission, indirect contact through contaminated objects can also lead to infection. This is why proper hygiene and avoiding sharing personal items are crucial in preventing the spread of molluscum contagiosum.

Diagnosing Molluscum Contagiosum: Visual Identification and Medical Confirmation

Accurate diagnosis of molluscum contagiosum is essential for proper treatment and management. In most cases, healthcare professionals can diagnose the condition through visual examination alone, as the lesions have a distinctive appearance.

Diagnostic Methods

• Visual inspection: A dermatologist or healthcare provider examines the skin lesions
• Dermoscopy: A handheld device that provides magnified views of skin lesions
• Biopsy: In rare cases, a small sample of the lesion may be taken for microscopic examination

When is a biopsy necessary for diagnosing molluscum contagiosum? Biopsies are typically only performed when the diagnosis is uncertain or if the lesions appear atypical. In most cases, visual examination by an experienced healthcare provider is sufficient for an accurate diagnosis.

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

While molluscum contagiosum often resolves on its own within 6-12 months, treatment may be recommended to prevent spread, alleviate symptoms, or address cosmetic concerns. The choice of treatment depends on factors such as the extent of the infection, the patient’s age, and individual preferences.

Common Treatment Approaches

1. Watchful waiting: Allowing the infection to resolve naturally
2. Topical medications: Prescription creams or ointments (e.g., imiquimod, podophyllotoxin)
3. Cryotherapy: Freezing lesions with liquid nitrogen
4. Curettage: Scraping off lesions with a special tool
5. Laser therapy: Using focused light to destroy lesions
6. Oral medications: In severe cases or for immunocompromised patients

Which treatment option is best for children with molluscum contagiosum? For children, less invasive options are often preferred. Watchful waiting or topical treatments may be recommended first, with more aggressive treatments reserved for persistent or widespread cases. The choice of treatment should be discussed with a healthcare provider, considering the child’s individual circumstances.

Preventing the Spread of Molluscum Contagiosum: Hygiene and Precautionary Measures

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

Preventive Strategies

• Practice good hand hygiene
• Avoid touching or scratching existing lesions
• Cover affected areas with clothing or bandages
• Avoid sharing personal items like towels, clothing, or toys
• Clean and disinfect shared surfaces and objects
• Limit skin-to-skin contact during sports or other activities

Can swimming pools contribute to the spread of molluscum contagiosum? While the risk of transmission in properly chlorinated pools is low, the virus can potentially spread through shared pool toys, towels, or close contact with infected individuals. It’s advisable to cover lesions with waterproof bandages and practice good hygiene when using public swimming facilities.

Living with Molluscum Contagiosum: Managing Symptoms and Emotional Impact

Dealing with molluscum contagiosum can be challenging, especially for children and their parents. Understanding how to manage symptoms and address the emotional aspects of the condition is crucial for overall well-being.

Symptom Management Tips

1. Keep affected areas clean and dry
2. Use gentle, fragrance-free soaps and moisturizers
3. Avoid scratching or picking at lesions
4. Apply cool compresses to relieve itching
5. Wear loose-fitting clothing to minimize irritation

How can parents help children cope with the emotional impact of molluscum contagiosum? Open communication, education about the condition, and emphasizing its temporary nature can help alleviate anxiety. Encouraging children to focus on activities they enjoy and maintaining normal routines can also promote emotional well-being during the healing process.

Molluscum Contagiosum in Special Populations: Considerations for Different Age Groups and Health Conditions

While molluscum contagiosum can affect anyone, certain groups may experience the condition differently or require special considerations in terms of treatment and management.

Molluscum Contagiosum in Different Populations

• Infants and young children: More likely to develop widespread lesions
• Adolescents and adults: May experience genital lesions due to sexual transmission
• Immunocompromised individuals: At risk for more severe, persistent infections
• Athletes: May be more susceptible due to close skin-to-skin contact during sports

Do adults with molluscum contagiosum require different treatment approaches? Adults may be more likely to opt for active treatment due to cosmetic concerns or the potential for sexual transmission. Additionally, genital lesions in adults may require specialized treatment and should be evaluated by a healthcare provider to rule out other sexually transmitted infections.

The Role of the Immune System in Molluscum Contagiosum Resolution

The body’s immune response plays a crucial role in the natural resolution of molluscum contagiosum. Understanding this process can provide insights into the course of the infection and potential treatment strategies.

Immune Response to Molluscum Contagiosum

1. Initial infection: The virus enters skin cells and begins replicating
2. Immune recognition: The body’s immune system detects the presence of the virus
3. T-cell activation: Specialized immune cells (T-cells) are activated to fight the infection
4. Inflammation: Redness and swelling around lesions indicate an active immune response
5. Lesion regression: As the immune system fights the virus, lesions begin to shrink and disappear

Can boosting the immune system help clear molluscum contagiosum faster? While a healthy immune system is important for fighting the infection, there’s limited evidence that specific immune-boosting supplements or activities can significantly accelerate healing. Maintaining overall health through proper nutrition, adequate sleep, and stress management may support the body’s natural healing processes.

Potential Complications and Long-Term Effects

Molluscum contagiosum is generally a benign condition that resolves without significant complications. However, in some cases, secondary issues may arise:

• Bacterial skin infections due to scratching or picking at lesions
• Scarring, particularly if lesions are improperly treated or excessively manipulated
• Emotional distress or social anxiety, especially in older children or adults
• Spread to other parts of the body through autoinoculation
• Persistent infections in individuals with weakened immune systems

Are there any long-term health effects associated with molluscum contagiosum? For most individuals, molluscum contagiosum does not cause any lasting health problems once the infection has cleared. However, in rare cases, particularly in immunocompromised individuals, persistent infections may require ongoing management.

Emerging Research and Future Directions in Molluscum Contagiosum Treatment

As our understanding of molluscum contagiosum grows, researchers continue to explore new treatment options and preventive strategies. Some areas of ongoing research include:

1. Development of targeted antiviral medications
2. Exploration of immunomodulatory therapies to enhance the body’s natural response
3. Investigation of potential vaccines to prevent infection
4. Improvement of diagnostic techniques for rapid and accurate identification
5. Studies on the long-term impact of different treatment approaches

What promising new treatments for molluscum contagiosum are on the horizon? While research is ongoing, several novel therapies are being investigated, including topical immune response modifiers and new formulations of existing antivirals. However, it’s important to note that these treatments are still in various stages of development and clinical trials.

The Importance of Patient Education and Support

Effective management of molluscum contagiosum extends beyond medical treatment. Patient education and support play crucial roles in ensuring optimal outcomes and minimizing the impact of the condition on daily life.

• Providing clear information about the nature of the infection and its typical course
• Offering guidance on proper hygiene and prevention of spread
• Addressing misconceptions and alleviating concerns about contagiousness
• Discussing treatment options and their potential benefits and risks
• Offering resources for emotional support, particularly for children and adolescents

How can healthcare providers best support patients with molluscum contagiosum? A compassionate, patient-centered approach that combines medical expertise with clear communication and emotional support is key. Providers should tailor their guidance to each patient’s unique circumstances, considering factors such as age, extent of infection, and personal preferences.

The Global Impact of Molluscum Contagiosum

While molluscum contagiosum is often viewed as a minor skin condition, its global prevalence and impact should not be underestimated. Understanding the broader context of this infection can inform public health strategies and resource allocation.

1. Prevalence varies by region and population, with higher rates in tropical climates
2. Economic impact includes healthcare costs and potential loss of productivity
3. Stigma and misconceptions about the condition can affect quality of life
4. Limited access to healthcare in some regions may lead to underdiagnosis and complications
5. Research funding and public awareness efforts may be influenced by perceived importance

How does the global burden of molluscum contagiosum compare to other skin conditions? While precise global data is limited, molluscum contagiosum is considered one of the more common viral skin infections worldwide. Its impact on quality of life and healthcare resources, particularly in pediatric populations, highlights the need for continued research and public health initiatives focused on prevention and effective management.

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Removal of molluscum contagiosum 250 rub. Mytishchi

Molluscum contagiosum (Molluscum contagiosum) is a chronic infectious skin disease caused by the DNA virus Molluscipox Molluscum contagiosum virus, pathogenic only for humans. Affecting mainly children of preschool and early school age, molluscum contagiosum manifests itself with characteristic rashes in the face and limbs in the form of waxy, painless flesh-colored papules with an umbilical depression in the center. When pressing on the papules of the mollusk with tweezers or nails, a white curdled mass is released from the central recess.

Infection with the molluscum contagiosum virus in children occurs against the background of weakened immunity, either through direct contact with the patient, or through household items that were in his use. In adults, the molluscum contagiosum virus is often transmitted sexually, which actually determines the place of its localization (stomach, pubis, thighs, genitals, etc. ).

Molluscum contagiosum is a viral disease characterized by the appearance of typical nodular rashes on the skin and mucous membranes. This infection is quite widespread, especially often affecting children, adolescents and people with immunodeficiency conditions.

Is molluscum contagiosum contagious?

The disease is caused by a large DNA-containing virus of the Poxviridae family, similar in structure to the smallpox virus. It affects only humans, so the disease is anthroponotic. Currently, 4 types of the pathogen are known, the symptoms they cause are practically indistinguishable from each other.

Since molluscum contagiosum is transmitted most often by contact and household contact, it can lead to outbreaks in children’s groups and the defeat of family members. The virus is transmitted through direct contact with a sick person, as well as through contaminated household items, clothes, water in the pool or natural reservoirs, toys. In the environment, the virus is quite stable and can persist in the dust of homes and gyms, infecting more and more people. In adults, the disease can occur after tattooing, if the pathogen is preserved on the tools used by the master.

Penetration of the pathogen occurs through microdamages of the skin. Therefore, the risk of infection increases in the presence of dermatological diseases with itching, dryness or weeping of the skin, violation of the integrity of the epidermis. In women, the molluscum contagiosum virus is often introduced through the mucous membrane of the genital organs and the skin of the perineum. At the same time, for the transmission of infection from a partner, sexual intercourse itself is not required, only contact with the affected skin areas is necessary. Therefore, although infection with molluscum contagiosum in adults is often associated with sexual contact, it is not correct to attribute it to true STDs.

How the disease develops

Immediately after infection, a person does not notice any symptoms. The incubation period (time before the onset of the first manifestations of the disease) lasts from 2 weeks to 4-6 months, so it can be difficult to determine the source of infection, the time and place of infection.

The virus invades skin cells, inserting its genetic material into their DNA and forcing them to reproduce new viral particles. The cells at the same time increase and become spherical. The hypertrophied lower layer of the epidermis begins to penetrate deep into, growing into the dermis. At the same time, multiplying infected cells shift the papillary layer upward. All this leads to the appearance of characteristic nodular (papular) rashes on the skin. A cavity is formed inside each nodule, in which there is a waxy mass with altered epithelial cells, lymphocytes and new viral particles.

Molluscum contagiosum spreads in skin tissues and spreads to other parts of the body, getting under the nails when scratching or squeezing nodules. This process is called autoinoculation. If at least one element of the rash is left during treatment, new nodules may soon appear again near it or on other parts of the body. The virus does not penetrate beyond the boundaries of the skin, so damage to internal organs is not typical.

Often, molluscum contagiosum nodules disappear on their own after a few months. But this does not mean that a cure has occurred, the virus has only passed into an inactive, dormant form. And a decrease in immunity can provoke a new outbreak of the disease. This happens in pregnant women, after suffering infectious diseases and under the influence of other provoking factors. With weakened local and general immunity, new nodules quickly appear, they can merge with each other and capture almost the entire surface of the skin. Although general well-being does not suffer, with such a massive lesion, treatment at home and traditional medicine is undesirable.

CLINICAL PICTURE:

• Incubation period: 2 weeks to 6 months;
• Nodule size: 0.5 cm to 0.7 cm;
• Number of knots: 1 to 10;
• Colour: whitish yellow with a pearly tinge;
• Shape: hemispherical with a central umbilical depression.

Diagnosis of molluscum contagiosum, as a rule, does not cause difficulties for a specialist. The doctor, on the basis of a characteristic clinical picture, and also (if necessary) on the basis of a microscopic examination of the curdled masses secreted by the papule, makes a decision on treatment.

DIAGNOSIS

Dermoscopy is a non-invasive method of visual diagnostics of the skin, which, thanks to the use of high technologies, allows you to move from a subjective assessment of the condition of the skin to an objective one and document the detected skin changes.

The essence of the method is that with the help of a special device – a dermatoscope at 10x magnification, the surface layers of the skin are examined. This allows you to more thoroughly study the symmetry of the neoplasm, its boundaries, structure.

Also, our clinic uses a new method of non-invasive skin diagnostics – high-resolution ultrasound imaging. Ultrasound diagnosis of the skin fills the gap that previously existed between external research methods and histology. This is the only method to date that allows you to see the morphology of the skin in vivo without damage.

Manifestations of disease

The main symptoms of molluscum contagiosum are the appearance on the skin and mucous membranes of rounded nodules with a central umbilical depression. When squeezed, a whitish crumbling mass is released. If a secondary bacterial infection does not join, there are no signs of dermatitis in the area of ​​​​rashes, the skin has a normal color and texture. Even with a massive lesion, general intoxication and fever do not occur, signs of damage to internal organs are not characteristic.

Nodules with molluscum contagiosum are dense, painless, protruding, with a slightly shiny surface. They practically do not differ from the color of the rest of the skin or have a red-orange tint. The skin around them is not changed, seals under the nodules are also not observed. Itching is not typical, although it is not excluded. But it usually does not cause significant anxiety to the sick person and does not disturb sleep. When combing, infection of the skin tissues is possible, which will be accompanied by the appearance of edema, redness, weeping crusts or the formation of abscesses.

Foci of infection most often appear on the face, near the auricles, on the neck, in the armpits, near the genitals, on the inner thighs. They can be found on any surface of the body except the palms and feet. When the virus enters the eye, chronic conjunctivitis occurs.

Disease forms

If the manifestations of the disease are found in only one anatomical region, they speak of a simple form of molluscum contagiosum. When the nodules spread to several parts of the body, a generalized form is diagnosed. By type of rashes are distinguished:

1. complicated molluscum contagiosum accompanied by secondary infection;
2. giant when nodules are up to 2 cm in diameter;
3. miliary with small multiple papules;
4. Pedicular form considered atypical when the nodules are pedunculated.

The generalization of the infection indicates a low reactivity of the protective forces, which happens with immunodeficiencies of various origins.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis of molluscum contagiosum is based on the characteristic appearance of the elements of the rash and microscopy of secretions. The key feature is the detection of altered enlarged rounded epithelial cells, in the protoplasm of which characteristic ovoid formations (Lipshütz mollusk bodies) are visible.

It is necessary to differentiate the disease with syphilis rashes, various forms of warts, genital warts, multiple keratoacanthoma. When the nodules merge, epithelioma, lichen planus, warty dyskeratoma are excluded. In the case of the location of the rash in the armpits – syringoma.

How to treat molluscum contagiosum

Systemic therapy for this disease is not required, since the virus does not multiply outside the skin. Treatment of molluscum contagiosum in adults and children is carried out on an outpatient basis and includes the removal of foci of infection and the local application of drugs. Only in severe immunodeficiency states can a decision be made on the intravenous use of certain antiviral drugs.

It is impossible to squeeze out the nodules on your own, since if their infected contents get on the skin, re-infection and further spread of the virus will occur. In addition, the injured area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe skin is easily inflamed.

Removal of molluscum contagiosum papules can be carried out in several ways, currently used for treatment:

1. mechanically by means of curettage or plucking with surgical tweezers;
2. cryodestruction – removal of molluscum contagiosum with liquid nitrogen, causing cold tissue necrosis;
3. electrocoagulation;
4. laser removal of molluscum contagiosum;
5. radio wave method
6. cauterization with cantharidin.

To completely eliminate the elements of the rash in all parts of the body, several approaches are usually required at intervals of a month, since it is also necessary to remove newly emerging papules. In this case, a combination of different methods of exposure is possible, depending on the localization of the nodules and the sensitivity of the skin. To disinfect and reduce the spread of infection, UV irradiation is additionally used.

In children, to reduce discomfort, procedures are performed under local anesthesia, it is also necessary when removing formations on the mucous membrane of the female genitalia and on the penis in men.

Drug treatment of molluscum contagiosum includes the application of agents with antiviral activity to the sites of rashes. Acyclovir, Tebrofen ointment, Topical cidofovir, Oxolinic ointment, interferons are used. For the treatment of wounds after removal of papules, iodine, an alcohol solution of chlorphyllipt, and a strong solution of potassium permanganate are used.

Molluscum contagiosum during pregnancy

During pregnancy, against the background of a natural decrease in immunity, activation of an existing infection or a fresh infection with molluscum contagiosum may occur. The clinical picture is unremarkable. The molluscum contagiosum virus does not pose a risk to the fetus, but during childbirth and subsequent contact with the mother’s skin, the baby can become infected.

Treatment should be carried out immediately after the detection of the disease, taking into account contraindications for some procedures. Shortly before the birth, a second examination is carried out even in the absence of complaints. This is necessary to identify possible recurrent rashes on the genitals and inaccessible areas of the skin for self-examination.

Prognosis and prevention

Self-healing is possible, but with the spontaneous disappearance of external manifestations, the transition of the virus to an inactive stage and its reactivation with a decrease in immunity is not ruled out. Complex treatment allows you to get rid of the disease, but does not prevent re-infection, because immunity is not produced during this infection.

After competent removal of nodules or their independent regression, the skin is cleansed. If the deep dermal layers are not damaged, scars do not form. But with the development of molluscum contagiosum against the background of atopic dermatitis, eczema and some other dermatological diseases, healing can occur with scarring.

For prevention, it is necessary to eliminate the main cause of molluscum contagiosum – contact with the virus. To do this, you must follow the rules of personal hygiene, do not use other people’s washcloths and towels, wear shoes in public baths and pools. When a child is infected, his toys must be processed daily, bed linen and clothes must be washed daily, and the bathtub and sink are disinfected after use by the child.

Molluscum contagiosum is an unpleasant but not dangerous disease. Before treating this infection, it is necessary to consult a doctor to confirm the diagnosis and select therapy.

A DERMATOLOGIST CONSULTATION IS REQUIRED BEFORE REMOVAL, THE SERVICE IS PAYED SEPARATELY!

The minimum cost of any removal cannot be less than the cost of a specialist consultation.

symptoms, causes, treatment, types of disease

What is molluscum contagiosum

This is a viral skin pathology that mainly occurs in children under 10 years of age. The disease also occurs in young people aged 20-30 years, during the period of the most active sexual life. This disease is characterized by the appearance of hemispherical nodules with a diameter of 2-5 millimeters on the skin or mucous membranes.

Concerning the prevalence of this infection, the rates vary from 1 to 22% in different countries. It is difficult to accurately determine the incidence rate, since the virus is easy to catch. To do this, it is enough just to come into contact with a sick person or a virus carrier. The virus remains active on the surface of objects for some time, so infection is also possible when using things and objects that are common with the patient.

Molluscum contagiosum is not considered a dangerous disease. It does not threaten the life and health of a child or an adult. The presence of the disease, as a rule, indicates a reduced immune status. That is why the infection most often affects children whose immunity is just being formed. The risk group also includes people with congenital or acquired immunodeficiency.

Important! Molluscum contagiosum can be reinfected. In patients after the disease, stable immunity is not formed, which is why reinfection is possible. Minimizing the risks of infection is mainly associated with strengthening the immune system and observing preventive measures.

Causes of molluscum contagiosum

The disease is caused by viruses of the orthopoxvirus family, belonging to the poxvirus family. Molluscum contagiosum virus is abbreviated as MCV (Molluscum contagiosum virus). Today, 4 varieties of such viruses have been identified, but the most common in the human population are the MCV-1 and MCV-2 viruses. Moreover, if the first occurs in adults and children, the second – mainly in adults, since it is transmitted through sexual contact. The characteristic skin manifestations of the infection appear in areas where the virus has penetrated. Most often it is the limbs, face or genitals.

Molluscum contagiosum virus. Photo: PHIL CDC

All smallpox viruses, including orthopoxviruses, are large DNA viruses. This means that the level of mutations in such viruses is much lower than in RNA viruses (for example, influenza viruses). This is due to the fact that when copying genetic material, DNA viruses use DNA polymerase, which also performs editing functions, clearing the genome from mutations.

The incubation period for this pathology ranges from one week to several months. Most often it is 2-8 months. In most adults and children, characteristic symptoms develop within a specified period of time after infection.

Important! A person with molluscum contagiosum remains contagious until all skin manifestations have disappeared.

Methods of infection and provoking factors

Infection with the virus occurs through contact with a sick person or a carrier of the virus. The use of things and objects shared with the patient is also dangerous, since orthopoxviruses retain their activity on various surfaces for some time. For this reason, children often become infected when visiting sports sections, where the likelihood of infection is especially high due to the large crowds of people who use the same sports equipment. Contact sports (such as martial arts) are also dangerous because close contact increases the chance of transmitting the virus.

Children’s judo section. Photo: nomadsoul1 / freepik.com

In young people who are sexually active, infection most often occurs through sexual contact. As in young children, in older people, the provoking factor of infection is the weakening of the immune system. HIV-infected people, as well as people suffering from atopic dermatitis, are at risk. One of the factors in the development of the disease is the long-term use of glucocorticoid drugs and cytostatic agents that reduce the activity of the human immune system.

Important! If molluscum contagiosum is transmitted sexually, many people mistakenly believe that you can protect yourself from the virus by using a condom. This is a big misconception, since a condom is only effective against infections that are concentrated directly in the urethra, penis, semen, or vagina. It is impossible to completely protect yourself from such genital infections as molluscum contagiosum, syphilis or genital herpes with a condom.

Symptoms

The main symptom of a skin infection is painless nodules 2-5 mm in diameter with a small dimple in the center. Let us consider in more detail the main characteristics of rashes and other symptoms.

• The rash looks like dome-shaped papules. The surface of the papules may be smooth or waxy. The consistency of papules is dense, and with growth, the neoplasm softens. In patients with HIV infection, as well as in people with weakened immunity, the diameter of the rashes reaches 10-15 mm.
• Flesh, pink or darker papules. When pressed, curdled contents come out of the papule. Sometimes on the papules, mother-of-pearl stains are clearly visible, like a pearl.
• Papules are formed at the sites of penetration of a viral infection – in various parts of the body. Often they are grouped into one or two areas, but diffuse distribution of papules in a certain area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe skin is also possible. Often in people with a weakened immune system, rashes affect large areas of the skin.
• The rash is painless, but the area of ​​the rash may become inflamed and itchy.
• Approximately 10% of patients in the affected area develop eczema – an inflammatory skin lesion (dermatitis).
• Papules never appear on the palms or soles. Very rarely, rashes form on the mucous tissues of the oral cavity.
• Skin neoplasms in molluscum contagiosum grow slowly. The papule increases in size, is filled with a light curdled mass, consisting of skin cells, the secretion of the sebaceous glands, as well as dead leukocytes and the viral particles themselves.
• Around the 12th week, papules reach their peak size, after which their growth stops. Then the neoplasms gradually die off.

Figure 1. Eruptions of molluscum contagiosum on the face. Source: Ben Naafs/Community Eye Health/Flickr

Symptoms in women

In adults, the rash most often affects the genital area. This is due to the prevalence of transmission of infection through sexual contact. For infection, genital contact itself is not at all necessary, just contact with the infected area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe partner’s skin is enough.

Most often in women, papules form in the lower abdomen, on the thighs, pubis or external genitalia.

It is noteworthy that pregnant women are especially susceptible to infection due to a natural decrease in immunity. Manifestations in this case are indistinguishable from the classical clinical picture of the disease. The virus does not pose a threat to the life and health of the fetus. However, if the baby comes into contact with the infected skin of the mother, the child risks becoming infected.

Symptoms in men

In men, as in women, the rash is predominantly located in the genital area. This is the groin area, penis, inner thighs. Men are more likely than women to rub papules on clothing, which leads to the release of viral particles and re-infection. Therefore, the rash affects not only the area of ​​​​contact with an infected partner, but also nearby areas.

How the infection manifests itself in children

Skin manifestations in children mainly affect the face, extremities and chest area. Rashes do not cause any inconvenience to children, except for aesthetic ones, especially if they are located on the face. Papules in children do not hurt and very rarely cause itching. It is important to ensure that the child does not comb or rub the affected area. Otherwise, secondary infection with the virus will occur.

Important! In children, rashes are extremely rare in the genital area. If the child has papules on the genitals, pubis, buttocks or inner thighs, the circumstances of possible infection should be carefully studied, since sexual abuse cannot be ruled out.

Molluscum contagiosum species

There is no generally accepted classification for molluscum contagiosum. At the same time, in addition to the “classic” papules, atypical forms of rashes are distinguished. These include:

• giant clams, the size of which is 3 cm or more;
• cystic mollusks – the appearance of cysts (cavities, with a wall and contents) instead of papules of the same size;
• ulcerated mollusks – instead of nodules, small areas of erosion appear, which subsequently turn into bleeding sores;
• molluscs in the form of eels or warts;
• pendicular mollusks – neoplasms are located on a thin stalk above the skin.

Depending on the prevalence of lesions, two forms of the disease are distinguished:

• Localized – only a certain area of ​​the body is affected, for example, the face, genital area, upper or lower limbs.
• Generalized – rashes are observed on a significant surface of the body. In some cases, neoplasms are noted throughout the body.

Treatment of molluscum contagiosum

Source: Fantasy Children’s Clinic

Before starting treatment, a diagnosis is made, which is not difficult for molluscum contagiosum. The diagnosis is established on the basis of external manifestations of the disease. In atypical forms, specific laboratory tests are used to detect viral particles. This is the staining of the contents of the nodules according to Romanovsky-Giemsa, Papanicolaou or Wright. Instrumental diagnostics for molluscum contagiosum is not used.

There is no specific treatment for molluscum contagiosum. Treatment is aimed at the speedy elimination of skin formations. The disease is treated on an outpatient basis by a dermatologist.

Treatment of molluscum contagiosum is not always carried out, because within 6-18 months the papules “pass” on their own. Treatment measures are resorted to on the basis of aesthetic considerations, as well as in severe cases of the disease (when a significant part of the body is affected by rashes) and when patients from risk groups are infected (people with HIV and a weakened immune system).

Drug treatment

Drug therapy is ineffective. However, to eliminate papules, salicylic acid is used as an external agent. The healing of rashes in this disease is also facilitated by local preparations with retinoids (in particular, tretinoin).

Cantharidin, a poison contained in the hemolymph of certain beetle species, is used to eliminate rashes. Currently, cantharidin is used as a blistering agent. In particular, one drop of cantharidin is applied to the papule of a molluscum contagiosum. In this case, blisters may occur at the site of application. In the Russian Federation, cantharidin has not yet been registered, it cannot be used.

Cytostatic preparations (podophyllotoxin) and potassium hydroxide are also used for medicinal purposes. However, the effectiveness of these drugs, as well as those mentioned above, in molluscum contagiosum is extremely low.

Antiviral drugs

Since molluscum contagiosum is a viral disease, it is logical to assume that antiviral drugs can help in the treatment. Unfortunately, here, too, the existing arsenal of antiviral drugs was powerless against the molluscum contagiosum virus. Some doctors prescribe acyclovir and oxolinic ointment to such patients, but these drugs are ineffective against the molluscum contagiosum virus. Currently, antiviral drugs that act directly against the molluscum contagiosum virus have not yet been developed.

Immunomodulators

Some physicians may prescribe immunomodulatory and immunostimulatory drugs to patients. For example, this is imiquimod, a drug that enhances local immunity; local preparations with inducers of interferons, proteins with antiviral activity, are also prescribed. At the same time, there are no studies confirming the effectiveness of such drugs in molluscum contagiosum.

Thus, in the treatment of molluscum contagiosum, medicines and folk remedies are either ineffective or useless. An effective way to eliminate rashes are methods of direct removal of papules.

Surgical treatment

The following surgical techniques are used to remove molluscum contagiosum papules:

• Cryosurgery – treatment with liquid nitrogen. The papule is exposed to liquid nitrogen for several seconds, which leads to its deep freezing and destruction. Since new papules may form over time, the patient will have to undergo several cryotherapy sessions. Among the disadvantages of such treatment is the pain of the procedure. Therefore, it is not used to treat young children. In addition, after exposure to liquid nitrogen, blisters can form, and then subtle scars.
• Evisceration – exfoliation of the papule with fine tweezers. The advantages of the method are that the removed papule is not destroyed, which means that it can be sent for laboratory research.
• Curettage – removal of rashes with a curette. This is a tool that resembles a long metal fork with a loop instead of teeth. This technique is painful, and scars may form after removal. As a rule, curettage is used for a small number of papules. If there are a lot of rashes, then curettage is ineffective, since after the procedure there is a high risk of new rashes appearing.
• Laser therapy – laser treatment of molluscum contagiosum papules. As a rule, one session is enough for laser removal of papules, but in some patients the rash may persist, which requires re-treatment after 2-3 weeks.
• Electrocoagulation – removal of skin formations by electric cauterization. For this, an electrocoagulator is used – a device that supplies high-frequency current. Under the action of current, the proteins of the papule are destroyed, which leads to its destruction.

Complications of molluscum contagiosum

The most common complications of molluscum contagiosum are skin inflammation, itching and dermatitis. In rare cases, it is possible to attach a secondary infection and the appearance of noticeable scars. If we are talking about molluscum contagiosum of the eyelids, then often the disease is accompanied by chronic conjunctivitis with further deterioration of vision.

Molluscum contagiosum prophylaxis

Source: Jesselton Medical Center

There is no specific prophylaxis against molluscum contagiosum (a vaccine against the pathogen has not yet been developed). The main prevention measures involve isolating patients to avoid infecting other people. To minimize the spread of infection, doctors recommend:

• isolate the sick until complete recovery;
• observe the rules of hygiene;
• conduct preventive examinations of children of preschool and school age;
• be more attentive to your sexual partners – a quick examination of a person can help you avoid infection, and a partner will be motivated to get tested.

Conclusion

In most cases, the prognosis for molluscum contagiosum is favorable. The disease rarely gives complications and goes away even without the use of specific therapeutic measures.

The only trouble that molluscum contagiosum causes is aesthetic problems. Considering that papules can disappear up to 12-18 months, it becomes necessary to remove them.

Sources

1. Hanson D., Diven D.G. Molluscum contagiosum. Dermatol Online J – 2003; 9:2.