Molescum, also known as Molluscum contagiosum, is a viral infection that affects the skin and causes the growth of small flesh-colored bumps. They range in size from a pinhead to a pencil eraser and are typically smooth and round. In addition, the molescum may be raised or flat and dimpled in the center. A pox virus that infects the skin is causing Molescum.
The virus spreads through contact with an infected person or object, such as clothing, towels, sports equipment, sexual contact or shared use of personal hygiene items, such as razors. Molescum is more common in children, but adults can also be affected.
Symptoms of molescum
Symptoms of molescum include itching and irritation at the site of the bump. In some cases, redness may be around the area where it appears. Below are common symptoms associated with molluscum contagiosum:
Bumps on the skin:
Small, raised bumps on the skin describe Molescum. These bumps may be flesh-colored or pink and are typically between the size of a pinhead and a pencil eraser. They may appear anywhere on the body but usually are on the face, chest, arms, and legs.
Itching or irritation:
Some people with molescum may experience itching or irritation around the bumps. This can be due to the bumps rubbing against clothing or other surfaces, or it may result from the immune system reacting to the virus.
Redness or swelling:
The bumps associated with molescum may be red or can swell the skin. This can signify inflammation or an allergic reaction to the virus.
Scaling or crusting:
In some cases, the bumps may become crusted over or covered in a thin layer of scale. This can be a sign of infection or irritation of the skin.
Pain or tenderness:
The bumps may be painful or tender to the touch in rare cases. This may be due to inflammation or an underlying infection.
Visible warts:
In some individuals, the bumps may resemble small warts. These may be flesh-colored or slightly darker and have a smooth or rough surface.
Grouping of bumps:
Molescum bumps appear in clusters or groups rather than as a single bump. This can make them more noticeable and easier to identify.
Pitting or dimpling of the skin:
The bumps may also cause slight pitting or dimpling as they push up against the surface. This can give them a slightly indented appearance.
Flat or slightly raised bumps:
The bumps associated with molescum may be either flat or slightly raised, depending on the stage of the infection. Early bumps may be flatter and less noticeable, while later bumps may be more raised and more prominent.
Formation of new bumps:
In some cases, new bumps may appear for several weeks or months after the initial infection. This can signify ongoing virus transmission or a persistent immune response.
Risk factors for molescum
While molescum can affect people of all ages, it is more common in children and those with compromised immune systems. Several risk factors can increase the likelihood of contracting molescum. These include close contact with infected individuals, mainly through skin-to-skin contact activities, such as sports, swimming, or shared use of towels or other personal items. In addition, individuals with compromised immune systems, including HIV or AIDS, cancer, or immunosuppressive medications, are at higher risk for molescum.
Individuals with pre-existing skin conditions, such as eczema or atopic dermatitis, may be more susceptible to molescum as their skin is already compromised. In addition, those who frequently use public facilities, such as swimming pools, gyms, or saunas, may also be at higher risk due to the increased chances of contracting the virus.
It is essential to take preventive measures to reduce the risk of contracting molescum, such as washing hands frequently and avoiding sharing personal items with infected individuals. Proper hygiene and avoiding close contact with infected individuals can help prevent the spread of the virus and reduce the risk of contracting molescum.
If an individual contracts molescum, it is vital to seek medical treatment as soon as possible. While molescum is not a severe or life-threatening condition, it can cause discomfort and embarrassment due to the appearance of bumps on the skin.
Diagnosis and testing for molescum
To diagnose molescum, a healthcare provider will typically perform a physical examination of the affected skin. They may also ask about any recent activities or exposures that could have resulted in the infection. Sometimes, a healthcare provider may recommend a skin biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. A skin biopsy involves removing a small sample of the affected skin and examining it under a microscope. This can help confirm the diagnosis of molescum and rule out other conditions with similar symptoms.
If a healthcare provider suspects molescum, they may also recommend testing for other sexually transmitted infections. This can help to provide any necessary treatment. Overall, Molescum can diagnose through physical examinations, a skin biopsy, and a review of the patient’s medical history and potential exposures.
Treatment options for molescum
Many treatment options are available for molescum, ranging from home remedies to medical treatments. Home remedies may include applying over-the-counter creams, such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, which can help to dry out the bumps and reduce the risk of spreading the virus. Below are some of the medical treatments available for molluscum contagiosum:
Cryotherapy:
Cryotherapy involves freezing the molescum bumps with liquid nitrogen. A healthcare provider typically performs this method, and it can be painful. In addition, you have to repeat multiple times to be effective.
Topical creams:
Topical creams, such as Imiquimod or Cantharidin, can be applied directly to the molescum bumps to help boost the immune system and encourage them to resolve. However, these creams may cause skin irritation and must be used for several weeks to be effective.
Creams with salicylic acid can apply directly to the molescum bumps. It softens and removes them. However, these creams may be used for several weeks to be effective and may cause skin irritation.
Laser treatment:
Laser treatment uses concentrated light to destroy the molescum bumps. Typically dermatologists perform this treatment, and it can be painful. It may need to be repeated multiple times for full effectiveness.
Surgical removal:
In some cases, molescum bumps may need to be surgically removed by a healthcare provider by using a scalpel or other surgical instruments.
Natural remedies:
Some people may try natural remedies, like tea tree oil or apple cider vinegar, to treat molescum. While these remedies may help to resolve the bumps, it is essential to be cautious as they may also cause skin irritation. Speaking with a healthcare provider before trying any natural remedies is recommended.
Cauterization:
Cauterization involves using heat or an electric current to destroy the molescum bumps. Typically a healthcare provider performs this, and it may be painful. In addition, it may need to be repeated multiple times for full effectiveness.
Chemical peels:
Chemical peels use a chemical solution to remove the top layer of skin, including the molescum bumps. Typically dermatologists perform this, and it may be painful. In addition, it may need to be repeated multiple times for full effectiveness.
Does the treatment have risks?
Yes, all treatment options for molescum have risks and potential side effects, like skin irritation, burns, scars and even infection. Therefore, discussing each treatment option’s risks and potential side effects with a healthcare provider before deciding on a course of treatment is essential.
Prevention of molescum
Preventing the spread of molescum is essential to avoid infection and reduce the risk of transmission to others. Here are three effective methods for preventing molescum:
Practice good hygiene:
One of the most effective ways to prevent molescum is to practice good hygiene. This includes washing your hands frequently, especially after touching infected areas, and avoiding sharing towels, clothes, or other personal items with others. It is also essential to keep the infected area clean and dry to prevent the spread of the virus.
Avoid close contact with infected individuals:
Molescum is highly contagious, so avoiding close contact with infected individuals is essential. This includes not touching or sharing personal items with someone with molescum and avoiding activities that may lead to contact with infected areas (such as swimming in a shared pool).
Use protection during sexual activity:
If you are sexually active, it is essential to use condoms to protect yourself and your partner from molescum. Condoms can help prevent the virus from spreading during sexual activity and protect against other sexually transmitted infections. It is also essential to practice safe sex and avoid contact with infected areas.
Avoid sharing razors or other personal grooming items:
Molescum can also be spread by sharing personal grooming items, such as razors. Therefore, using your grooming tools is essential as avoiding sharing with others.
Keep infected areas covered:
It is essential to keep infected areas covered. This can be done by wearing clothing that covers the infected area, using a bandage or adhesive bandage, or using a barrier cream.
Please avoid scratching or picking at infected areas:
It is crucial to avoid scratching or picking at infected areas. That can cause the virus to spread to other areas of the body or others. If you need to touch an infected area, wash your hands thoroughly before and after.
Get treatment:
If you have molescum, it is crucial to get treatment to help prevent the spread of the virus. Treatment options include medications, cryotherapy (freezing the infected areas), or laser therapy. Your healthcare provider will determine the best treatment option for you based on the severity and location of your infection.
Complications of molescum
While Molescum is generally not severe, potential complications can occur. One potential complication is spreading the infection to other areas of the body. For example, suppose an infected person touches their molluscum bumps and then touches another part of their body or someone else’s body. Therefore, it is essential to avoid scratching or picking up bumps.
Another potential complication is scarring. The bumps may sometimes become inflamed or infected, leading to scarring when they eventually resolve. This is more likely if the bumps are frequently scratched or picked at.
Avoiding contact with infected skin or objects and practicing good hygiene are crucial. If the infection persists or becomes severe, a healthcare provider may prescribe medication or recommend a procedure to remove the bumps.
Molescum on children
Molescum is a severe condition that usually goes away within a few months to a year. However, there are several ways to minimize the risk of transmission and its impact on school attendance and participation.
Proper hand hygiene:
One of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of molescum is to wash hands frequently, especially after touching the infected area or items.
Avoid sharing personal items:
Children should be encouraged not to share items such as towels, clothes, or toys with others to prevent the spread of the virus.
Cover the infected area:
If possible, the infected area should be covered with a bandage or clothing to prevent contact with others.
Stay home:
If the infected area is large or cannot be covered, the child must stay home until the bumps are no longer contagious. This can typically take several weeks to a month.
Treatment:
While molescum usually goes away on its own, treatment can speed up the healing process and prevent the spread to others. Treatment options include topical creams, freezing or burning the bumps, or removal by a healthcare provider.
By following these steps, the risk of transmission and impact on school attendance and participation in activities can be minimized. It is essential to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment of molluscum contagiosum.
Molluscum contagiosum on adults
Sexual activity is one-way adults can share the molescum virus. The virus can be passed from one person to another through skin-to-skin contact, including genital, oral, or anal sex. It is essential to disclose the infection to sexual partners, as they may also be at risk for contracting the virus. Contracting the virus through contact with shared items, such as towels or clothing, is possible. Proper hand hygiene and avoiding direct contact with the infected area can help prevent the virus’s spread.
Conclusion
Molescum is a viral infection that causes small, raised bumps on the skin. While it is generally not serious and tends to resolve independently, it can spread to others. Therefore, it is important to practice good hygiene, avoid sharing personal items, and cover the infected area. If symptoms persist or become severe, you should consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment. By following these steps, the risk of transmission and impact on school attendance and activities can be minimized.
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6553952/
https://www.healthline.com/health/molluscum-contagiosum
https://www.msdmanuals.com/home/skin-disorders/viral-skin-infections/molluscum-contagiosum
https://stdcenterny.com/articles/diagnosing-molluscum-contagiosum-visually.html