SKIN PROBLEMS/
Molluscum contagiosum
Molluscum Contagiosum: Causes, Symptoms & Effective Treatments
Molluscum contagiosum is a skin infection caused by the poxvirus. It commonly occurs in childhood characterised by groups of skin color papules.
Causes
Molluscum contagiosum is caused by a virus from the poxvirus family. It can be transmitted through direct skin contact, sharing towels or toys, self-scratching, or shaving.
Transmission Routes:
- Direct Contact:
- Direct skin contact with an infected person is the most common mode of transmission.
- Shared Items:
- Personal items such as toys, towels, clothing, and razors can serve as vehicles for transmission.
- Itching or Rubbing:
- If the infected area is rubbed or scratched, it may lead to the spread of the virus to other parts of the skin.
- High-Risk Groups
- Children: They are more susceptible to infection due to their immature immune systems.
- Family Members: Transmission is relatively common among siblings.
The incubation period for this disease is about two weeks, but it can be as long as six months.
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Symptoms and signs
Molluscum contagiosum typically presents as small, smooth, flesh-colored papules that range in size from 1 to 3 millimeters and often appear in clusters.
- Characteristics：
- Appearance of Papules: The tops of the papules may have a central dimple.
- Common Locations: These papules are often found in moist and warm areas, such as the groin, knees, armpits, and genital region.
Molluscum contagiosum can lead to complications due to secondary bacterial infections, which may result in scarring. Therefore, early medical attention and proper care are crucial, especially if symptoms such as redness, pain, or discharge occur.
Treatments
Molluscum contagiosum can be treated with cryotherapy, laser therapy, electrosurgery, and curettage.
- Cryotherapy with Liquid Nitrogen:
- This method involves freezing the wart tissue using liquid nitrogen, which may lead to the formation of blisters and scabs. Symptoms typically improve within one to two weeks.
- Electrosurgery and Curettage:
- For particularly stubborn viral warts, electrosurgery and curettage may be necessary. Local anesthesia is required before the procedure, and there is still a high risk of recurrence. This method uses high temperatures to burn the wart tissue, destroying abnormal cells.
- Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Laser :
- CO2 laser therapy can cut off the blood supply to the warts, preventing them from receiving nutrients, ultimately causing them to “starve” and disappear.
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General care
You should wash your hands frequently and avoid sharing towels or clothing. Additionally, avoid scratching the skin, as molluscum contagiosum can spread through open wounds. If you have molluscum contagiosum, try to cover the affected area with clothing or gauze to prevent the spread of the virus. This can reduce the risk of infection and protect others. Maintaining good hygiene practices is essential for preventing the spread of molluscum contagiosum.
Preventive Measures:
- Maintain Good Personal Hygiene:
- Regularly clean your body and wash your hands often.
- Avoid Sharing Items:
- Such as towels, clothing, razors, toys, etc.
- Avoid Scratching the Skin:
- As molluscum contagiosum can spread through wounds.
- Avoid Direct Contact with Infected Individuals:
- Especially avoid contact with infected areas of the skin.
These measures can effectively reduce the risk of molluscum contagiosum and protect yourself and others.
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