Molluscum Contagiosum
Definition
Molluscum contagiosum is an infection of the skin.
Causes
Molluscum contagiosum is caused by a virus. The virus can be spread from:
- Direct skin to skin contact with an infected person
- Shared items, such as towels or wrestling mats
- One part of a person's body to another area
Risk Factors
Factors that increase your risk of getting molluscum contagiosum include:
-
Weakened immune system, especially in people with AIDS or HIV
- Poor hygiene
- Overcrowded conditions
- Sexual contact
- Having other skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis
Symptoms
Symptoms may include:
- Small, dome-shaped bumps with dimpling in center
- Painless, but may be itchy or tender
- Appear translucent, pearly or flesh-colored at first then may turn gray and drain
- White or waxy substance in center of lesion
- Usually multiple lesions in groups
- Face, trunk, arms, and legs are common sites in children
- Genitals, abdomen, and inner thigh are common sites in adults
- Can last from several weeks to several years
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is usually made based on the lesion appearance. Sometimes a biopsy will be taken to rule out other conditions. A biopsy is the removal of a small sample of the area. The sample will be looked at under a microscope.
Treatment
Molluscum contagiosum usually goes away on its own within six months to two years without any treatment. For people with HIV, the lesions usually persist and spread indefinitely. Your doctor may recommend the removal of some lesions to prevent the spread of the infection or to avoid infecting others.
Treatment options include the following:
- Cryotherapy
- Curettage
- Laser surgery
- Topical therapy
Prevention
To reduce your chances of getting molluscum contagiosum, avoid any contact with an infected person.
If you are contagious, avoid any personal contact with others, contact sports, or sharing personal items.
RESOURCES
American Academy of Dermatology
http://www/aad.org
American Social Health Association
http://www.ashastd.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES
Canadian Dermatology Association
http://www.dermatology.ca
Public Health Agency of Canada
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca
References
American Academy of Dermatology.
Molluscum contagiosum. American Academy of Dermatology website. Available at:
http://www.aad.org/public/Publications/pamphlets/MolluscumContagiosum.htm. Accessed May 29 2013.
Dohil MA, Lin P, Lee J, Lucky AW, Paller AS, Eichenfield LF. The epidemiology of molluscum contagiosum in children.
J Am Acad Dermatol. 2006;54(1):47-54.
Hanson D. Diven DG. Molluscum contagiosum. Dermatology Online J. 2003;9(2):2.
Molluscum contagiosum. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php. Updated April 24, 2012. Accessed May 29, 2013.
Molluscum contagiosum: questions & answers. American Social Health Association website. Available at:
http://www.ashastd.org/std-sti/molluscum-contagiosum.html. Accessed May 29, 2013.
Stulberg DL, Hutchinson AG. Molluscum contagiosum and warts. Am Fam Physician. 2003;67(6):1233-1240.
Theos AU, Cummins R, Silverberg NB, Paller AS. Effectiveness of imiquimod cream 5% for treating childhood molluscum contagiosum in a double-blind, randomized pilot trial.
Cutis. 2004;74(2):134-138,141-142.