What is Molluscum Contagiosum?
Molluscum contagiosum is caused by a virus that is a member of the poxvirus family. It is a viral skin infection that causes highly contagious raised, pearl-like papules or nodules on the skin. It is a common infection throughout the United States and accounts for approximately 1% of all diagnoses of skin disorders.
Pox viruses are notorious for their ability to evade the host's immune system by both active and passive mechanisms.
How Do You Contract It?
This is a common infection in children. It occurs when a child comes into direct contact with the virus, usually on the skin of another infected child (who may not yet show any of the characteristic bumps) or on a wet surface infected with the virus. It is frequently seen on the face, neck, armpit, arms, and hands but may occur anywhere on the body except the palms and soles.
The virus can spread through direct contact with another child who has the infection, or through contaminated objects, such as towels, clothing, or toys.
For adults, the virus also spreads by sexual contact. Early lesions on the genitalia may be mistaken for herpes or warts but, unlike herpes, these lesions are painless.
Persons with a weakened immune system (due to conditions such as AIDS) may have a rapidly worse case of molluscum contagiosum.
What Are The Symptoms?
Typically, the lesion of molluscum begins as a small, painless papule that may become raised up to a pearly, flesh-colored nodule. The papule often has a dimple in the center. These papules may occur in lines, where the person has scratched. Scratching or other irritation causes the virus to spread in a line or in groups, called crops.
The skin lesion commonly has a central core or plug of white, cheesy or waxy material.
In adults, the lesions are commonly seen on the genitals, abdomen, and inner thigh.
What Are The Treatment Alternatives?
A physician may recommend treatment for molluscum contagiosum based on several considerations--age, medical history, extent and location of the outbreak, and expected outcome of the condition. If the lesions are out of sight, the preference may be just to let molluscum virus run its course. However, this can take months, or even years. It is a highly infectious disease that can spread from region to region on your own body (called autoinocculation) or spread to others.
Previously treatments have ranged from surgical removal by scraping, de-coring, freezing, or through needle electrosurgery. Surgical removal of individual lesions may result in scarring. Medications, such as those used to remove warts, are sometimes used to remove the lesions, but can cause painful blistering that leads to temporary skin discoloration.
Since 2003 when it was introduced, many physicians and customers have used ZymaDerm™ which is a powerful, yet gentle, ant-viral topical solution. It is applied directly to the bumps and can be used on the face and private areas safely. It is a natural, non-toxic topical liquid that has been clinically tested and is FDA approved as a homeopathic drug.
How Is It Diagnosed?
Diagnosis is based on the appearance of the lesion and can be confirmed by a skin biopsy. The health care provider should examine the lesion to rule out other disorders and to determine other underlying disorders.
What Is The Prognosis?
Molluscum contagiosum lesions may persist from a few months to a few years, with an aveage of 18-30 months in children. The lesions may ultimately disappear without scarring, unless there is excessive scratching, which may leave marks.
How Do I Prevent Contracting It?
Avoid direct contact with the skin lesions of those infected, as well as children sharing toys. Do not share towels or clothing with other people.
Molluscum contagiosum is also a Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD). Male and female condoms cannot fully protect you, as the virus can be on areas not covered by the condom. Nonetheless, condoms should still be used every time the disease status of a sexual partner is unknown. They reduce your chances of getting or spreading STDs.
Are There Complications?
• Persistence, spread. Once immunity is acquired, the disease does not recur.
• Secondary bacterial skin infections
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