Molluscum contagiosum – Better Health Channel

Summary

Read the full fact sheet

• Molluscum contagiosum is a mild, harmless viral skin infection.
• It’s common in children and results from close contact with other children who have the infection.
• Molluscum contagiosum is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) in adults as it can be spread by skin-to-skin contact during sex.
• It’s characterised by small, smooth, round, pearly lumps with a central core.
• The infection usually resolves itself, but treatment can shorten the length of symptoms.  

About Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum is a viral skin infection caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus. It is a sexually transmissible infection (STI) in adults as it can be spread by skin-to-skin contact during sex.

You can also spread the infection around your body by scratching, especially in areas where the skin is broken. Occasionally, molluscum contagiosum can be spread by bathing (bath or pool water), or by touching objects that have the virus on them, such as bath toys, towels, clothing or bedding.

Molluscum contagiosum is common in children and results from close contact with other children who have the infection.

Symptoms of molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum may cause small lumps or lesions (around 1–5 mm in diameter) to appear on the skin of the thighs, genitals and abdominal area. It usually does not affect other parts of your body.

The lesions:

• are painless, but may be slightly itchy
• often have a tiny central indentation
• can be numerous and cover the thighs, genital and abdominal areas
• will eventually resolve without treatment within a few months (are ‘self-limiting’).

Diagnosis of molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum can be mistaken for genital warts or pimples. If you notice any unusual skin lesions, it’s recommended that you see your doctor or other experienced health professional for an accurate diagnosis.

There is no test for molluscum contagiosum – it’s diagnosed only by the appearance of the lesions. If you have molluscum contagiosum, your health professional may recommend tests for other STIs.

Treatment of molluscum contagiosum

Treatment is available, although molluscum contagiosum will eventually clear up by itself if left untreated. The lesions are usually treated with liquid nitrogen, which freezes them. This helps reduce the length of time that symptoms are present.

Liquid nitrogen treatment:

• is commonly available from your local doctor or sexual health centre
• is cosmetic and it is not a cure, as the virus remains on the skin until your immune system has got rid of it
• usually only requires a single treatment. However, it may take a couple of weeks for the lumps to disappear after freezing with liquid nitrogen.

People with suppressed immune systems may take longer for molluscum contagiosum to clear. Sexual partners of a person with molluscum contagiosum do not need treatment if they have no lesions on their body.

Complications of molluscum contagiosum

Bacterial infections can complicate molluscum contagiosum, however, this is rare. To lessen the risk of bacterial infection or the spread of molluscum contagiosum, do not pick, squeeze or irritate the lesions. There is no need to apply creams or lotions, just keep up your usual hygiene practices.

If molluscum contagiosum is not treated

Molluscum contagiosum is a mild, ‘self-limiting’ skin infection. Without treatment, it can persist for several months, but will eventually resolve. The duration, severity and length of treatment of molluscum contagiosum vary from person to person.

Where to get help

• Your doctor / GP
• Sexual Health Victoria (SHV)External Link. To book an appointment call SHV Melbourne CBD Clinic: (03) 9660 4700 or call SHV Box Hill Clinic: (03) 9257 0100 or (free call): 1800 013 952. These services are youth friendly.
• Melbourne Sexual Health CentreExternal Link Tel. (03) 9341 6200 or 1800 032 017 or TTY (for the hearing impaired) (03) 9347 8619
• Thorne Harbour HealthExternal Link (formerly Victorian AIDS Council) Tel. (03) 9865 6700 or 1800 134 840
• Ballarat Community Health Sexual Health ClinicExternal Link Tel. (03) 5338 4500
• Bendigo Community Health Sexual Health ClinicExternal Link Tel. (03) 5434 4300 Or (03) 5448 1600
• Gateway Health ClinicExternal Link, Wodonga Tel. (02) 6022 8888 or 1800657 573
• Sunraysia Community Health ServicesExternal Link Tel. (03) 5022 5444
• Barwon Health Sexual Health ClinicExternal Link Tel. (03) 5226 7489
• 1800MyOptionsExternal Link Tel:1800 696784 is a statewide phone service for information about sexual health as well as contraception and pregnancy options

• Sexual health factsheetsExternal Link, Melbourne Sexual Health Centre
• Australian STI Management GuidelinesExternal Link
• Sexually Transmissible InfectionsExternal Link, Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP)
• Family Planning VictoriaExternal Link
• Department of HealthExternal Link, Australian Government

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Genital Skin Tags or HPV Warts: Symptoms, Removal, and More

Genital skin tags and genital warts can look similar, but the causes and treatments of these conditions are distinct.

Genital skin tags and genital warts are two common skin conditions. They can be confused for one another because of where they develop and how they look.

Skin tags are common, harmless growths that often grow in areas where the skin folds, like your neck, eyelids, and groin. They are often oval or egg-shaped and attached to a fleshy stalk.

Genital warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI). Genital warts typically look like lesions or bumps that are flat or slightly raised on the skin’s surface. They usually feel rough or bumpy, and they may resemble cauliflower.

Like skin tags, genital warts aren’t dangerous or cancerous, but they are a sign of an infection. Genital warts can go away on their own, but treatment can stop them from growing as well as stop any discomfort they may cause.

Keep reading to learn more about what these bumps look like, what causes them, and how they’re treated.

While these two skin conditions look similar, there are a few distinct characteristics that can help you differentiate between the two.

What do genital skin tags look like?

Skin tags are small, flesh-colored, hanging pieces of skin. They typically do not have any symptoms, such as pain or itching.

What do genital warts look like?

Unlike skin tags, warts have a pearly, bumpy appearance and are usually found in areas where there has been sexual contact, such as the:

• vagina
• penis
• pubic region
• anus
• mouth and throat

They may itch or feel irritated.

Both skin tags and genital warts can develop as a single bump, or they can grow in clusters. It’s possible for additional tags or warts to appear in the same area over time.

These bumps are usually small, which may make identification harder, but there are clear visual differences between the two that may make it easier to recognize what you have.

Genital skin tags

Genital skin tags are soft tissue fibromas — or small, flesh-colored growths.

• They develop on stalks or tiny “limbs” off the surface of your skin.
• When pressed, they’re soft and should bend easily.
• Although most skin tags are small, some can be as large as a pencil eraser. Some people may develop a skin tag that’s the size of a grape or even a fig.
• Skin tags develop rapidly, but they rarely continue to grow after the earliest stages of development.
• It’s possible for a tag to change from flesh-colored to lighter brown, and then to darker brown. This color change is typical and usually isn’t a cause for concern.

Skin tags are very common. They usually develop on your neck, under your armpits, or in between other folds of skin. They can also develop in your groin or on your genitalia.

Vaginal tags are less common. This is due to the moist nature of the vagina. Most tags are caused by friction, and the moist environment prevents this. Skin tags may still develop on the pubis or labia.

Genital warts

Genital warts are flat or slightly raised bumps on the surface of your skin.

• They appear on the:
  • pubis
  • vagina
  • vulva
  • penis
  • anus
• Genital warts may be flesh-colored or a close variation of your skin color. They can also be brown or pink.
• The color of genital warts may shift over time.
• Genital warts may disappear, only to come back in another spot.
• The surface of genital warts may feel bumpy or rough when touched. They’re often described as having a “cauliflower” look.
• They may appear as a single bump, or they can grow in small clusters.
• Sometimes, genital warts can itch or even bleed.

Although these bumps are often mistaken for one another based on visual appearance, they’re caused by entirely different things.

Genital skin tags

Almost half of adults will develop at least one skin tag in their life, but skin tags have no known cause. Several factors can increase your risk for developing them.

The most common risk factors for genital skin tags include:

• Friction. Skin-on-fabric contact from clothing or underwear can cause skin tags to develop. The frequent rubbing between clothes and skin can irritate the delicate skin of the genital area and cause these small growths. Friction from sexual intercourse may also cause genital skin tags.
• Pregnancy. Changes in hormonal levels during pregnancy can increase your risk.
• Obesity. People who are living with obesity are more likely to develop skin tags.
• Type 2 diabetes. Skin tags can be a sign of type 2 diabetes or high insulin levels.
• Age. Skin tags are more common in people age 40 and older.
• Genetics. If you have family members who have skin tags, you may be more likely to develop them.

Genital warts

Unlike genital skin tags, doctors know exactly what causes genital warts: an infection of HPV. This is a type of STI, and it’s highly contagious.

More than 100 types of HPV have been identified. Of those, only a few are responsible for genital warts.

HPV is very common. It’s estimated that more than 80 percent of sexually active individuals will be infected during their lifetime. However, this may or may not be a wart-causing strain. If it is, it may be weeks or months before warts appear.

If you’re not sure about the atypical growths on your genitals, it’s a good idea to contact your doctor. If you suspect those skin spots are genital warts, or if you know you’ve been exposed to HPV, you should contact your doctor right away.

To make a diagnosis, your doctor will conduct a physical exam and look at the bumps or growths. They may perform an STI test. Your doctor may also order a biopsy.

For a biopsy, your doctor will remove one of the growths or bumps. They will freeze the area, which is often done in the office setting. They’ll send the tissue to a laboratory, where it will be examined under a microscope. Your lab technician can usually make a diagnosis based on this visual assessment.

If the results are unclear, your doctor may order blood tests to identify other potential causes.

Genital skin tags and genital warts are treated differently.

Treating skin tags

Many times, skin tags do not need treatment. Unless they become irritated or cause you problems, most doctors will probably just leave them in place.

Treating genital warts

You also do not have to treat genital warts, as many times they go away on their own. But treating them has some benefits, including:

• relieving the itching
• lowering the risk of spreading the virus
• helping you feel confident the warts are not cancer (because treatment clears them up)

If you do decide to treat your genital warts, your doctor will most likely prescribe medication like podofilox or imiquimod.

Removing skin tags or genital warts

If you choose to completely remove genital skin tags or genital warts, your options are frequently the same. These treatments include:

• cryosurgery, which freezes off the warts with liquid nitrogen
• excision, which involves cutting the warts out manually or surgically
• electrocautery, which eliminates the warts with an electrical current
• trichloroacetic acid (TCA), which is applied topically and can be repeated weekly

It still isn’t completely clear why or how skin tags develop, so there’s often no way to prevent them from forming.

You can, however, try to prevent genital warts.

If you’re sexually active, you can decrease your risk for HPV by using a condom or other barrier method. It’s also important to disclose a history of genital warts to any sexual partner and avoid contact with new sexual partners until warts are successfully treated.

You can also get the HPV vaccine. The vaccine helps protect against the most common HPV strains, including strains that cause genital warts or increase your risk for cervical cancer.

Although the vaccine is primarily recommended for teens and young adults, you can still get the vaccine if you’re over age 25. It may still have some protective benefit. Talk with your doctor to make an informed decision.

Treatments for both skin tags and genital warts are highly effective.

However, even with treatment, there’s no guarantee that new skin tags won’t develop.

If you’re dealing with warts, treatment won’t cure you of HPV. The virus will remain in your body, which means you may experience genital wart outbreaks in the future.

Neither genital skin tags nor genital warts are considered serious conditions, and the bumps aren’t likely to become cancerous.

However, you should contact your doctor if you notice any atypical changes. This includes vulvar lesions (lesions on the outside of female genitals) that bleed, itch, or change in size, shape, or appearance. This can be a sign of a more serious condition, such as cancer.

Anogenital (venereal) warts (genital condylomas) – St. Petersburg State Budgetary Institution of Health “Dermatovenerologic Dispensary No. 4”

Anogenital (viral) warts – a viral disease caused by the human papillomavirus and is characterized by the appearance of growths on the skin and mucous membranes of the external genitalia, urethra , vagina, cervix, perianal area.

The causative agent of the disease – human papillomavirus (HPV) belongs to the papillomavirus genus, which, in turn, belongs to the papavavirus family. There are currently over 190 types of HPV, of which certain types are associated with diseases of the urogenital area, of which varieties of low – HPV 6 and 11, medium – HPV 31, 33, 35 and high oncogenic risk – HPV 16 and 18 have been identified. In people who are promiscuous , it is not uncommon for several types of viruses to be carried at once. A characteristic feature of this pathology is the defeat of patients at a young age. HPV is considered as a possible etiological factor in squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix, cancer of the vulva and vagina.

The disease is transmitted mainly through sexual contact.

Factors contributing to the emergence or recurrence of HPV are: decreased immunological reactivity, hypothermia, inretcurrent diseases (mainly viral etiology), hormonal disorders. There is an appearance or recurrence of anogenital warts during pregnancy (due to its characteristic immunosuppression) and spontaneous regression after childbirth.

The pathological process in men is localized on the inner and outer sheets of the foreskin, the glans penis, at the external opening of the urethra, the skin of the inguinal folds, scrotum, perianal region. In women, anogenital warts often affect the large and small labia, the clitoris, the skin of the external opening of the urethra, the inguinal folds, and the perianal region.

Initially there are single nodules the size of a pinhead, pink or grayish-red in color, but with time their number increases. They grow in the form of papillae, often merge with each other, forming tumor-like growths resembling cauliflower or raspberries. Anogenital warts have a soft texture. The skin surrounding anogenital warts, as a rule, is not changed. However, with constant mechanical irritation, the skin becomes bright red, itching and burning sensations appear.

Clinical diagnosis of anogenital warts is usually straightforward. Problems arise when diagnosing in the early stages of the disease, when anogenital warts are very small and similar to surface roughness. In this case, the main diagnostic method is the cytological examination of biopsy specimens. The polymerase chain reaction assay can be used for asymptomatic or asymptomatic cases of the disease, and for determining the type of virus. In connection with the use of destructive methods in the treatment of anogenital warts, an additional serological study is carried out for syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B and C.

Consultations of other specialists are recommended according to indications in the following cases: — an obstetrician-gynecologist in order to diagnose background and dysplastic processes of the cervix, vulva and vagina; – a urologist with intraurethral localization of anogenital warts; – a proctologist in the presence of a process in the anal area; – an immunologist in the presence of immunodeficiency states and recurrence of the disease.

The incubation period ranges from 3 weeks to 8 months, more often 2-3 months. The virus can remain in a latent state throughout a person’s life. Even with proper treatment and normal immunity, anogenital warts often recur. This is due to the persistence of the virus in apparently healthy skin around the rash. The relapse is not associated with re-infection from a sexual partner, but with the reactivation of the virus. In the absence of therapy, anogenital warts may resolve spontaneously, remain unchanged, or progress.

An indication for the treatment of anogenital warts is the presence of clinical manifestations of the disease Since a complete cure for HPV infections cannot be achieved, the goal of therapy is to remove anogenital warts, and not to eliminate the pathogen. Methods for the treatment of anogenital warts are divided into the following main groups:

1. Cytotoxic method
2. Chemical method
3. Immunomodulators for local use.
4. Physical Methods – Electrocoagulation
   • laser destruction
   • cryodestruction
5. Surgical excision

The use of condoms reduces the risk of infection of sexual partners.

Brovkina I.V.

Vaginal warts | Dikul Center

Genital warts are one of the most common types of sexually transmitted infections. Most sexually active people will be infected at least once during their lifetime with some type of human papillomavirus (HPV), which leads to the formation of genital warts.

Genital warts develop in the tissues of the genital organs. Outwardly, they can be small flesh-colored formations, and also look like cauliflower. In many cases, the warts are very small and may not be visible.

Certain types of HPV can cause genital warts and others can lead to cancer. Vaccination can prevent the development of certain types of genital HPV.

Symptoms

In women, genital warts can form in the vulva. The walls of the vagina, perineum, anus, and cervix may also be affected. In men, warts can be located on the scrotum or in the anus.

In some cases, during oral sex, genital warts can affect the mouth or throat.

Signs and symptoms of genital warts include:

• Slight swelling in the genital area of ​​various colors of flesh-colored brown or pink.
• Many warts closely spaced, may resemble cauliflower
• Itching or discomfort in the genital area
• Bleeding during intercourse

Genital warts can be flat and very small, making them invisible. But in the presence of suppressed immunity, warts can form large clusters.

Causes

Genital warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). To date, more than 40 strains of HPV have been identified that can affect the genitals.

Transmission of genital warts usually occurs through sexual contact. It is possible for a person to infect a partner without knowing they have warts, as they are often invisible.

Risk factors

Most sexually active people become infected with genital HPV sooner or later. Factors that may increase the risk of infection include:

• Unprotected sex with multiple partners
• Presence of another sexually transmitted infection
• Having sex with a partner whose sexual history is not known.
• Early onset of sexual activity
• Having a weakened immune system, such as due to HIV or drugs after an organ transplant.

Complications

Complications of HPV infection may include:

• Cancer. Cervical cancer is closely associated with genital HPV infection. Some types of HPV are also associated with cancers of the vulva, anus, penis, mouth, and throat.
• HPV infection does not always lead to cancer, but it is important for women to get regular HPV smears, especially for those who have been infected with high-risk types of HPV.
• Problems during pregnancy. In rare cases, during pregnancy, warts can grow larger, making it difficult to urinate. Warts on the walls of the vagina can prevent the stretching of the tissues of the vagina during childbirth. Large warts on the vulva or in the vagina may bleed when stretched during childbirth.
• It is extremely rare for a child born to a mother with genital warts to develop warts in the throat. In such cases, surgery may be required to prevent blockage of the airways.

Prevention

The main method of preventing genital warts is to reduce the number of sexual partners and use condoms every time you have sex. In recent years, vaccination during adolescence against certain strains of HPV has become widespread, which reduces the risk of developing cancer.

Diagnosis

Genital warts are easy to diagnose and can often be diagnosed on physical examination. In some cases, a biopsy may be required to accurately determine the diagnosis.

Regular gynecological examinations and Pap smears are critical for women to detect pathological changes in the vagina and cervix, which can be caused by both genital warts and cancer cells in the cervix.

During a Pap test, a doctor uses a speculum and a long-handled instrument to take a sample of cells from the cervix. The sample taken is sent to a laboratory for microscopic examination of cell morphology and detection of pathological changes.

Only a few strains of HPV are known to be associated with cervical cancer. Therefore, determining the type of HPV from a sample of cells that are obtained during the Pap test allows you to determine the presence of strains that cause cancer.

This test is generally recommended for women over 30 years of age, as HPV usually resolves without treatment at a young age.

Treatment

If the warts do not cause discomfort, treatment may not be required. But if there is itching, burning, and pain, or there is a fear of spreading the infection, the doctor may recommend certain treatment (medication or surgery). But given that the virus is not treated, after treatment, there are often relapses.

Medical treatment

Treatment of genital warts includes:

• Imichimod (Aldara, Cyclara). The use of this ointment increases the ability of the immune system to fight genital warts. Sexual contact should be avoided while the ointment is on the skin, as mechanical contraceptives may be damaged and it may irritate the partner’s skin.

The use of the ointment may cause reddening of the skin. In some cases, there may be side effects such as blistering or aches, or body pain, coughing, rashes, and fatigue.

• Podophyllin and Podofilox (Condylox). Podophyllin is a solution of plant origin that allows you to destroy genital warts. The drug is applied by a doctor. At home, you can use Podofilox, which contains such an active ingredient.

Under no circumstances should Podofilox be taken orally. In addition, it is contraindicated in pregnancy. When using podofilox, side effects such as pain, skin irritation and ulceration are possible.

• Trichloroacetic acid. The use of this chemical allows you to destroy genital warts. Side effects of using this drug may include sores, mild skin irritation, or pain.
• Sinicatechins (Veregen). This ointment is usually used to treat warts in the vulva or anus. Side effects of using this ointment are minor and local in nature.

The patient should be aware that self-administration of other drugs for the treatment of warts has a greater risk of damage to the genitals

Surgical treatment

If the warts are large and resistant to conservative treatment, surgical removal of the warts is possible. Also, removal may be necessary in pregnant women in order to reduce the risk of infection of the child during childbirth.