What is this?
Molluscum contagiosum, also known as water warts, is a benign skin condition. The lesions caused by molluscum contagiosum are called mollusca. These typical lesions are dome-shaped, round, and pinkish-purple in color.
Molluscum contagiosum is caused by a double-stranded DNA poxvirus known as the Molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV).
Molluscum contagiosum
lesions are transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact (including sexual
contact) or indirect contact with contaminated items such as towels,
underclothes, toys, razors, or tattoo supplies. The virus can also spread to
normal skin through autoinoculation, which occurs when patients scrape or
scratch the mollusca lesions.
Molluscum contagiosum
is typically a harmless skin infection characterized by small, firm bumps on
the skin. These bumps can appear anywhere on the body, but in children, they
most commonly occur on the:
●
Torso
●
Armpits
●
Backs
of the knees
●
Inner
elbows
●
Groin
area
Mollusca (the bumps)
rarely appear on the palms or soles, but can develop in the moist tissue lining
the inside of the eyelids.
How is it transmitted?
Molluscum contagiosum
lesions are transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact (including sexual
contact) or indirect contact with contaminated items such as towels,
underclothes, toys, razors, or tattoo supplies. The virus can also spread to
normal skin through autoinoculation, which occurs when patients scrape or
scratch the mollusca lesions.
Molluscum contagiosum
is a self-limiting condition, meaning it often resolves on its own without
treatment. However, treatment may be sought to speed up resolution, reduce the
risk of spreading the infection, or for cosmetic reasons. Common treatment
options:
●
Cryotherapy: Freezing the lesions with liquid nitrogen.
●
Curettage: Scraping the lesions off with a sharp instrument.
●
Laser Therapy: Using a laser to destroy the lesions.
●
Hygiene: Maintaining good personal hygiene to prevent spreading the
infection.
●
Avoid Scratching: Keeping the lesions covered to avoid
scratching and autoinoculation.
●
Moisturizing: Using gentle moisturizers to keep the skin soft and reduce
irritation.
●
Patience: In many cases, lesions resolve on their own within 6-12
months without any treatment.
●
Avoidance: Avoid sharing personal items like towels, razors, and
clothing to prevent spreading the infection.
●
Consult a Healthcare Provider: Always consult a healthcare provider for
a proper diagnosis and to discuss the best treatment options for individual
cases.
How to avoid it?
●
Good Hygiene Practices: Regular handwashing and avoiding the
sharing of personal items.
●
Safe Sex Practices: Using protection and avoiding sexual
contact with an infected partner to reduce the risk of transmission.
Cover Lesions: Keeping lesions covered with clothing or bandages to prevent spread to others.