Overview
Molluscum contagiosum is a skin infection caused by a virus. It results in the appearance of round, firm, painless bumps on the skin. These bumps range in size from a pinhead to a pencil eraser. The infection can spread through person-to-person contact, contact with infected objects, and sexual activity. The bumps usually disappear within 6 months to 2 years if left untreated.
Understanding the disease
Symptoms
The symptoms of molluscum contagiosum include round, firm, painless bumps ranging in size from a pinhead to a pencil eraser. These bumps may have a small dent or dot at the top near the center. They can appear on the face, trunk, arms, or legs of children, and on the genitals, lower abdomen, or inner thighs of adults if the infection was sexually transmitted. The bumps are usually skin-colored but can sometimes be pink or slightly raised. Itching may occur, but it is not a common symptom.
Risk Factors
Molluscum contagiosum is a viral skin infection caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV). The following factors can increase the risk of developing molluscum contagiosum:
- Poor hygiene: Molluscum contagiosum is not caused by poor hygiene, but good personal hygiene can help prevent the spread of the infection.
- Weakened immune system: People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, are more susceptible to developing molluscum contagiosum.
- Crowded living conditions: Living in close quarters with other people can increase the risk of spreading the infection through direct contact or shared items.
- Humid environments: Molluscum contagiosum thrives in warm, humid environments, which can contribute to the spread of the infection.
- Skin-to-skin contact: The virus can spread through direct skin contact, such as during sports, wrestling, or other activities that involve close physical contact. While the risk factors listed above are associated with molluscum contagiosum, it's essential to remember that anyone can get the infection, as it is highly contagious.
Development
Molluscum contagiosum develops through contact with the virus that causes the infection. The virus spreads easily through skin-to-skin contact, contact with infected objects, swimming in contaminated pools or hot tubs, and sexual contact with an affected partner. When the bumps are scratched or rubbed, the virus can spread to nearby skin. The bumps are usually round, firm, painless, and range in size from a pinhead to a pencil eraser. If untreated, they can disappear within 6 months to 2 years.
Assessment and Diagnosis
Triage
You should see a doctor if molluscum contagiosum is suspected.
Diagnosis
Health care providers usually diagnose molluscum contagiosum by simply looking at the skin lesions. If there's any doubt, they may take skin scrapings from the infected area and examine them under a microscope.
Management and Treatment
Prevention
molluscum contagiosum can be prevented by taking some precautions. Here are some ways to prevent the spread of the virus:
- Wash your hands: Keeping your hands clean can help prevent spreading the virus.
- Avoid touching the bumps: Do not touch or scratch the bumps as it can spread the virus to nearby skin.
- Don't share or borrow personal items: Do not share clothing, towels, hairbrushes, or any other personal items, as the virus can spread through these.
- Avoid sexual contact: If you have molluscum contagiosum on or near your genitals, avoid sexual contact until the bumps are treated and gone. By following these preventive measures, you can help reduce the risk of spreading the virus that causes molluscum contagiosum.
Home Remedies
It is important to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment recommendations for molluscum contagiosum. Home remedies may not be effective or could potentially worsen the condition.
Treatment
Molluscum contagiosum usually gets better without treatment in 6 months to 2 years. Once the bumps are gone, you're no longer contagious. For severe or widespread disease, your health care provider might refer you to a specialist in skin conditions (dermatologist) to discuss options for removing the bumps. Treatment might involve one or a combination of the following:
- A medicine that irritates the sores, such as retinoic acid or benzoyl peroxide
- A medicine that causes blisters (cantharidin), which lifts off the bumps
- Scraping
- Freezing (cryotherapy)
- Laser therapy, which might be an option for people with a weakened immune system It's important to keep the affected area clean and avoid scratching or shaving the bumps. If you're experiencing discomfort or embarrassment due to the appearance of the bumps, consult with your healthcare provider to discuss the best treatment options for your specific case.