Molluscum contagiosum is a viral skin disease that affects not only children but also adults. In the youngest, mollusks can be infected similarly to smallpox. On the other hand, in adults, infection usually occurs through sexual contact. What are the causes and symptoms of molluscum contagiosum? What is the treatment?

Molluscum contagiosumisviral skin disease , which most often affects children of preschool and school age, sexually active people and immunocompromised patients . It is not annoying because it does not cause unpleasant ailments such as fever, itching or pain, but it is very easy to get infected. The risk of infection increases especially in people whose immune systems are weakened.

Contagious mollusk - causesand risk factors

The cause of the disease is the molluscum contagiosum virus - MCV ( molluscum contagiosum virus ) from the group of smallpox viruses ( Poxvirus ). It attacks only squamous epithelial cells, which means that it penetrates only at the level of the epidermis and does not spread deeper.

People whose immune system is compromised, such as diabetes, HIV-infected people are particularly vulnerable to infection (it is estimated that molluscum contagiosum occurs in 20% of carriers). People who are chronically treated with immunosuppressants and corticosteroids, as well as patients with atopic dermatitis are also at risk.

The risk groups among he althy adults are athletes, masseurs and people working in swimming pools.

Contagious mollusk - how can you get infected?

The infection, as in the case of smallpox and other infectious diseases, can occur through direct contact with an infected person, through droplets and through shared items (clothing, towels or toys). Infection often occurs through sexual contact in sexually active people.

An infected person may be contagious for the entire period of skin lesions (until they completely disappear).

Contagious mollusk - symptoms

Approximately 2-3 months after infection, a rash appears. It takes the form of lumps which:

  • are few (about 30 pieces); more usually occurs in people with weakened immunity;
  • they gradually increase: initially they are the size of a pinhead, but later they grow to 2-10 mm;
  • have a characteristic depression in the middle, called "umbilical";
  • can be skin-colored, white, waxy, pearl or gray-white;
  • can be squeezed - then there is a chewy content;
  • may be surrounded by a border (it appears on average in 10% of patients);
  • do not cause unpleasant ailments (e.g. itching, etc.);
  • they sometimes leave small scars when healed;

In children, such changes most often appear on the face, torso and limbs. In adults, they usually appear on the inside of the thighs, genitals, and the pubic area because they are often infected through sexual contact.

Important

Contagious mollusk - why is it forbidden to scratch?

People with molluscum contagiosum, like those suffering from smallpox, should not scratch themselves. In this way, not only can the efflorescence spread, but also minor injuries within the nodule, and further bacterial contamination.

Contagious mollusk - diagnostics

A doctor is able to recognize an infectious mollusk on the basis of symptoms alone. An additional diagnostic criterion is significant infectivity. Complementary tests are usually not necessary. Confirmation of the diagnosis may be a cytological test, which consists in making a smear of a gritty discharge.

It is also important to differentiate the mollusk from other diseases such as viral warts, genital warts and soft fibromas. A wrong diagnosis results in the implementation of inadequate therapy, which is impossible to cure.

Contagious mollusk - treatment

Changes usually disappear on their own within a few months, so - theoretically - treatment is not necessary. However, because the infection is spread easily to others, treatment is usually attempted. There are various therapeutic options.

If the nodules are large and there are a lot of them, a specialist may suggest surgical treatment. If the nodules appear in the form of small, numerous, diffuse lumps, nonsurgical treatment may be used.

1) Treatment

  • cryotherapy
  • curettage
  • electrocoagulation
  • surgical treatment
  • laser therapy (CO2 laser)
  • mechanical removal of the gritty content of the lumps, followed by the use of iodine tincture

There are reports of successful use of the photodynamic method to treat this condition.

2) Non-surgical

The prescribed by the doctor is usedpreparations. They exhibit irritating properties, thus provoking an inflammatory reaction and thus healing the lesions. These are preparations such as, among others :

  • 5-10 percent potassium hydroxide solution,
  • iodine tincture,
  • 5% salicylic acid,
  • 5% lactic acid or silver nitrate.

These preparations are safe as long as they are used in patients of the right age for the right time. For example, potassium hydroxide solution can be used from the age of 2 for 2 weeks. The correct dose of the drug is also important. If too much of the preparation is used, inflammation can be caused at the site of application. Then the therapy must be stopped.

In the case of numerous lesions or in immunocompromised patients, antihistamines, immunomodulators and antiviral drugs are used. Treatment of disseminated lesions may even require hospitalization.

Treatment of contagious molluscs takes several weeks, sometimes several months, or even several years. This is because the treatment of other family members of the patient is often forgotten. Another problem is the possibility of transferring eruptions in a patient from one area of ​​the skin to another, e.g. as a result of scratching or other irritants.

Contagious mollusk - prevention

There is no vaccine for molluscs, so basic hygiene measures should be followed to prevent further spread of the disease. First of all, the sick person should not share their belongings with household members and other people.

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Category:

Infectious diseases