Molluscum contagiosum
Molluscum contagiosum is a viral skin infection caused by the molluscum virus, manifesting as small, dome-shaped lesions primarily on the skin. In children, these lesions typically appear on the face, neck, arms, and hands, while in adults, they commonly affect the genitals and surrounding areas, often transmitted through sexual contact. The infection is most prevalent in young children, with risk factors including skin-to-skin contact, shared personal items like towels or clothing, and exposure in settings such as swimming pools. The lesions are generally painless, but can be itchy or tender, and may go through color changes from translucent to gray as they drain. While molluscum contagiosum may resolve spontaneously within six months, it can persist longer in individuals with weakened immune systems. Diagnosis is usually made through visual examination of the lesions, with further testing like skin scraping or biopsy if necessary. Treatment options range from surgical removal to chemical treatments and cryotherapy, aimed at reducing the risk of spreading the infection. Preventive measures include avoiding contact with infected individuals and practicing good hygiene to minimize transmission.
Molluscum contagiosum
- ANATOMY OR SYSTEM AFFECTED: Genitalia, skin
Definition
Molluscum contagiosum is a skin infection caused by the molluscum virus. In children, the most common areas affected are the face, neck, arms, and hands. In adults, molluscum contagiosum can be a sexually transmitted infection. In these cases, the genitals and surrounding skin are most commonly affected.
Causes
Contact with the virus causes this skin infection. This can occur with skin-to-skin contact.
Risk Factors
Having skin-to-skin contact with an infected person is the main risk factor. Children are at the highest risk. Other risk factors include indirect contact with an infected person through a swimming pool or bath or by sharing towels or clothing, sexual contact with an infected person, and having a weakened immune system (such as human immunodeficiency virus infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). Broken skin and certain skin conditions increase the risk of getting the disease and causes more severe symptoms.
Symptoms
Skin lesions are the main symptom. A person who experiences a similar skin lesion should not assume it is caused by this condition. These lesions may be caused by other health conditions.
Molluscum contagiosum skin lesions usually are small, dome-shaped bumps with dimpling in the center. They are painless, but may be itchy or tender; first appear translucent, pearly, or flesh-colored and later may turn gray and drain; and have a white or waxy substance in the center of the lesion. Multiple lesions usually are in groups. Common sites in children are the face, trunk, arms, and legs; in adults, common sites are the genitals, abdomen, and inner thigh. The lesions can last from several weeks to several years.
Screening and Diagnosis
Diagnosis is usually made based on the lesions. Dermatoscopy and skin scraping are also used. Sometimes, a biopsy will be taken. The sample will be looked at under a microscope. The examining doctor may refer the patient to a dermatologist, a specialist who focuses on skin conditions.
Treatment and Therapy
Left untreated, molluscum contagiosum usually resolves within six months. If untreated in people with human immunodeficiency virus infection, the lesions usually persist and spread indefinitely. The doctor may recommend removal of the lesions to prevent spreading and to avoid infecting others.
Treatment options include surgical removal of the lesions, which can be removed by cutting them off the surface of the skin. With chemical treatment, chemicals are placed directly on the lesions to remove them. Common chemical treatments include podophyllin, cantharidin, phenol, silver nitrate, trichloracetic acid, and iodine. Other treatments include cryotherapy, which uses cold to freeze the lesions off of the skin (liquid nitrogen may be used for this treatment), and retinoid or imiquimod cream, separately or in combination.
Prevention and Outcomes
Molluscum contagiosum is contagious. To reduce the risk of exposure to the virus, one should avoid contact with an infected person (this includes not sharing towels, clothing, baths, and pools) and avoid sexual contact with an infected person. To reduce the risk of spreading the disease, one should not touch the lesions (nor scratch them) and should wash hands promptly if they contact the lesions.
Bibliography
“About Molluscum Contagiosum.” CDC, 13 May 2024, www.cdc.gov/molluscum-contagiosum/about/index.html. Accessed 15 Nov. 2024.
Dohil, M. A., et al. “The Epidemiology of Molluscum Contagiosum in Children.” Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, vol. 54, no. 1, 2006, pp. 47–54.
Hanson, D., and D. G. Diven. “Molluscum Contagiosum.” Dermatology Online Journal, vol. 9, no. 2, 2003.
"Molluscum Contagiosum." American Academy of Dermatology, www.aad.org/public/diseases/contagious-skin-diseases/molluscum-contagiosum. Accessed 17 Nov. 2016.
"Molluscum Contagiosum." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 11 May 2015, www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/molluscum-contagiosum. Accessed 17 Nov. 2016.
“Molluscum Contagiosum: Symptoms & Causes.” Mayo Clinic, 16 Feb. 2024, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/molluscum-contagiosum/symptoms-causes/syc-20375226. Accessed 15 Nov. 2024.
“Molluscum Contagiosum: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment.” Cleveland Clinic, 30 Mar. 2023, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12175-molluscum-contagiosum. Accessed 15 Nov. 2024.
Theos, A. U., et al. “Effectiveness of Imiquimod Cream 5 Percent for Treating Childhood Molluscum Contagiosum in a Double-Blind, Randomized Pilot Trial.” Cutis, vol. 74, no. 2, 2004, p. 134.