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Molluscum contagiosum: what you need to know about it, said oncologist Lyudmila Artyushkevich
30.03.2023 08:35
Updated: 14.04.2023 23:17
Molluscum contagiosum is a viral infectious disease that has nothing to do with marine life, but gets its name from its shape, which, when magnified, resembles a snail shell.
How does it manifest itself?
Usually, children from one to ten years of age suffer from molluscum contagiosum more often than adults. Infection can occur through physical contact, the use of common household items such as dishes, cutlery, bed linen, towels, toys, and also through water when visiting a swimming pool.
In adults, the infection is often transmitted sexually, and rashes usually appear on the genitals, inner thighs, and abdomen. In children, rashes in the form of pimple-like nodules can appear on the face, arms, shoulders, chest, and abdomen. Therefore, pediatric oncologist of the 1st category of the HappyDerm medical center Lyudmila Artyushkevich recommends examining your children and taking timely measures.
Determining the exact source of infection is quite difficult, since the disease can manifest itself in two weeks or three months. Factors that increase the risk of infection include:
- Allergic reactions.
- Weakened immunity after prolonged illnesses.
- Atopic dermatitis.
The key symptom of molluscum contagiosum is pink or flesh-colored nodules, round or oval in shape, 2 to 5 mm in diameter, with a dimple in the center and white curdled contents. Nodules can be either single or multiple, merge into groups and do not cause pain, but are sometimes accompanied by itching.
The following methods are used to diagnose molluscum contagiosum:
- patient survey;
- visual inspection;
- skin scraping for microscopic examination;
- general and biochemical blood tests, which reflect the state of the body;
- biopsy, which is necessary in case of atypical manifestations;
- A PCR test that identifies the pathogen in the body.
Treatment
In most cases, especially in children, molluscum contagiosum nodules disappear spontaneously within 6 months. In cases of minor molluscum contagiosum lesions, especially in children, conservative treatment with creams and ointments prescribed by a specialist is possible.
Mollusks are removed for aesthetic reasons and to prevent the spread of rashes to clean areas of the skin. The most effective and safe methods of treating molluscum contagiosum are laser coagulation and cryodestruction.
When the immune system is weakened, the molluscum contagiosum rash can cover large areas of the body and recur. In this case, a consultation with an immunologist is necessary.
What You Need to Know About Molluscum Contagiosum
1. Molluscum contagiosum is an infectious disease caused by a virus that does not pose a health threat.
2. Infection occurs through objects or through skin-to-skin contact with an infected person.
3. Without drug therapy, the disease is completely cured within a year.
4. To prevent the rash from spreading to clean areas of the skin, they can be removed.
If you are sick, you must follow these rules:
- consult your doctor;
- do not rub the rash;
- in case of injury, opening of the lesion or inflammation, it is necessary to treat the outer surface with antiseptics;
- It is important to avoid drying out the skin and, if necessary, moisturize it;
- you should not visit swimming pools, saunas, baths or gyms;
- use personal towels and washcloths;
- If lesions are found on exposed areas of skin, they can be covered with adhesive tape or a sterile dressing to prevent the spread of infection to other people.
Knowing about molluscum contagiosum will help you quickly navigate your child’s health and take preventive and treatment measures in a timely manner.
May your baby always be healthy!
