Molluscum contagiosum

Description

Molluscum contagiosum (mo-LUS-kum kun-tay-jee-OH-sum) is a fairly common way of infection of the skin caused by a virus. It makes them round, firm, painless bumps ranging in size from a pinhead to a pencil eraser. If the bumps are scratched or injured, the infection can spread to other sites of the skin. Molluscum contagiosum also spreads through person-to-person contact and contact with infected objects.

Although more common in children, molluscum contagiosum can affect adults as well — particularly those with weakened immune systems. Adults with a healthy immune system can develop molluscum contagiosum of sexual activity with an infected partner.

Left untreated, the bumps usually go away in 6 months to 2 years.

Symptoms

Molluscum contagiosum signs and symptoms include:

  • Large, round, skin-colored bumps
  • Small bumps — usually less than 1/4 of an inch (less than 6 millimeters) in diameter
  • Blows with a small dent or a point at the top near the center
  • Itchy, pink bumps
  • The blows on the face, trunk, arms or legs of children
  • Bumps on the genitals, abdomen, or to the inside of the thighs of adults if the infection is sexually transmitted

When to see a doctor

If you suspect that you or your child has molluscum contagiosum, contact your health care provider.

Causes

The virus that causes molluscum contagiosum is spread easily through:

  • Skin-to-skin contact
  • Contact with infected objects, such as towels, kickboards and the wrestling mats
  • Swimming in swimming pools or hot tubs contaminated with the virus
  • Sexual contact with an affected partner
  • Scratching or rubbing of shocks, which spreads the virus to other sites of the skin

Risk factors

The risk factors for infection with molluscum contagiosum are:

  • Being the ages of 1 to 10. This condition is more common in children.
  • Having a weakened immune system. Some of the conditions and treatments that can weaken the immune system. Examples are leukemia, HIV, and cancer treatments.
  • Have atopic dermatitis. The typical rash of atopic dermatitis, it creates a point of entry for the virus molluscum contagiosum.

Complications

The granites and the skin around them can become inflamed. It is believed that this is an immune system response to infection. If scratched, these bumps can become infected and may heal with scarring. If ulcers appear on the eyelids, conjunctivitis (pink eye) can develop.

Prevention

To help prevent the spread of the virus:

  • Wash your hands. Keep your hands clean can help prevent the spread of the virus.
  • Avoid touching the blows. Shaving on the infected areas may also spread the virus.
  • Do not share or borrow personal items. These include clothing, towels, hair brushes and other personal items.
  • Avoid sexual contact. If you have molluscum contagiosum in or near your genitals, don't have sex until the bumps are treated and gone.
  • Cover the potholes. Cover the bumps with the clothes when around others, to avoid direct contact. Leave the affected area in the open air when not around others, as this promotes a healthy skin. When swimming, to cover the bumps with an airtight bandage.

Molluscum contagiosum

Diagnosis

Health care providers usually can diagnose molluscum contagiosum just by looking at it. If there are any doubts, they may take skin scrapings from the infected area and view them under the microscope.

Treatment

Molluscum contagiosum usually improves without treatment in 6 months to 2 years. Once the bumps are gone, that is not contagious. After the healing, it is possible to become reinfected with the virus.

Serious or widespread disease, your doctor may refer you to a specialist in skin diseases (dermatologist) to discuss the options for the disposal of the potholes.

The treatment may include one or a combination of the following:

  • A medicine that can irritate the sores, such as retinoic acid or benzoyl peroxide
  • A drug that causes blistering (cantharidin), which is off the blows
  • Scraping
  • Freezing (cryotherapy)
  • The laser therapy, it could be an option for people with a weakened immune system

Some of the procedures can be painful, so your health care provider can numb the skin in the first place. Possible side effects of treatment are infection and scarring.

Preparing for your appointment

It is likely that you start by visiting your or your child's health care provider. Or you may be referred to a doctor who specializes in the treatment of skin conditions (dermatologist).

Here's some information to help you prepare for your appointment and know what to expect from your health care provider.

What you can do

Before your appointment, write a list that answers the following questions:

  • What symptoms are you or your child experience?
  • What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?
  • What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?
  • What medications and supplements that you or your child take on a regular basis?

What to expect from your doctor

Your health care provider may ask:

  • When did the symptoms begin?
  • The symptoms come and go or are non-stop?
  • Have you or your child had bumps similar in the past?
  • Has someone close to you or your child had seemed to blows?
Symptoms and treatment of Molluscum contagiosum