Molluscum Contagiosum Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Molluscum contagiosum is a skin infection disease caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus. This disease is a small lump on the skin that is usually painless. Molluscum contagiosum can disappear on its own and does not leave scars, even if it is not treated.
This infectious disease can be transmitted through direct contact with sufferers or contaminated objects, such as towels or clothes. Molluscum contagiosum will be more difficult to heal if the patient has a weak immune system or immune system. However, the recovery time varies from person to person, from 2 months to 4 years.
Symptom
Symptoms of molluscum contagiosum will not appear until 6 months after contact with the virus. This incubation period varies from 2–7 weeks. This disease causes grouped small bumps on the skin that are usually not painful. The characteristics of this viral bump are:
- may appear only one or as many as 20 spots
- very small, shiny, and smooth
- white or pink
- shaped firm and like a dome with an indentation in the middle
- contains a waxy substance
- between 2–5 mm in diameter
- can appear anywhere on the body, except on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet
- appear on the face, stomach, torso, arms, and legs
- appear on the inner thighs, genitals, or abdomen in adults
Symptoms that appear can be more significant if the patient has a low immune system such as the size of the lump can reach 15 mm in diameter and appear more in the facial area. This lump is also less responsive to treatment.
Reason
The cause of molluscum contagiosum infection is direct contact with sufferers. Usually, children are infected when playing with other children. Whereas in adulthood, transmission is usually through sexual intercourse or contact while exercising.
The virus can survive on surfaces that have been touched by the skin of an infected person. Thus, transmission can also occur in contaminated items – such as towels, clothing, toys or gloves, and sports equipment.
In fact, transmission or spread also occurs to oneself by touching, scratching or shaving the lump and then touching other parts of the body.
Risk factors that make a person more susceptible to this disease include:
- children aged between 1–10 years
- people living in tropical climates
- people with compromised immune systems – such as those with HIV, organ transplants, or cancer treatment
- people who have atopic dermatitis
- people who participate in high-contact, physical sports such as wrestling or soccer
Diagnosis
The doctor will be able to determine the diagnosis of molluscum contagiosum only from the appearance of the lump on the skin. Skin scraping or a biopsy can also confirm the diagnosis of this disease.
Treatment
In most cases, molluscum contagiosum usually does not need treatment because it will disappear on its own. However, treatment is sometimes needed when:
- large lump
- the lumps are located on the face and neck
- sufferers also experience skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis
- afraid of spreading the virus
There are several treatment options, such as:
- Cryotherapy, which uses liquid nitrogen to freeze each lump
- Curette, which is using a tool to penetrate the lump and scrape it
- Laser therapy to destroy any lumps
- Topical therapy using creams containing acids or chemicals with the aim of exfoliating the top layer of skin
This therapy can cause pain that requires anesthesia. Therapy for patients with low immunity will be longer and more difficult.
Prevention
Here are ways to prevent molluscum contagiosum:
- avoid contact with sufferers
- wash hands with warm water and soap
- teach children to wash their hands properly, especially after playing and interacting with others
- Avoid sharing personal items – such as towels, clothing, combs and bar soap
- avoid sharing contact sports equipment with other people –such as gloves and helmets
- avoid touching the bumps
- keep bumps clean and covered
- Avoid sexual intercourse if you have a lump in the genital area