Molluscum contagiosum is a skin infection caused by a virus. The virus which is known as molluscum virus generates benign elevated lesions or bumps on the upper skin layers.
These small bumps are usually painless and disappear on their own without leaving behind any scars if not treated. The length of time the virus lasts tends to vary from one individual to another but the bumps can last for 2 months up to 4 years. Molluscum contagiousum can be spread by direct contact with the lesion of an infected individual or through contact with contaminated objects such as clothing. Medications and surgical treatment are available but in most cases, treatment is not needed. Take note that the virus can be difficult to treat if the individual has a weakened immune system. You can learn how to manage the symptoms by enrolling in a first aid course.
Causes
Molluscum contagiosum can be acquired by contact with lesions on the skin of an infected individual. Children can acquire the virus while playing with other children. As for adults and teenagers, they are more likely to become infected via sexual contact. Even playing contact sports such as football or wrestling will put an individual at risk.
It is important to note that the molluscum virus can survive on surfaces that were in contact with the skin of the infected individual. With this in mind, it is possible to acquire the virus by handling clothing, towels, toys or other items that were contaminated.
If an individual acquired this condition, he/she can spread the infection all over the body. The virus can be transferred from one part of the body to another through touching, shaving or scratching a bump and then touching another part of the body.
Risk factors
There are certain groups that are likely to acquire molluscum contagiosum which includes the following:
- Children between 1-10 years old
- Individuals who have atopic dermatitis
- Those who reside in tropical climates
- Individuals who have weakened immune systems
- Athletes who engage in contact sports
What are the symptoms of molluscum contagiosum?
When a child is exposed to the molluscum virus, the symptoms of infection might not occur after six months. The incubation period is between 2-7 weeks. You will detect the development of a small cluster of painless lesions. These bumps can manifest alone or as several patches that are usually:
- Flesh-colored, pink or white
- Small in size, shiny and smooth in appearance
- Filled with a middle core of waxy material
- Firm and dome-shaped with a dimple or dent in the center
- Size is between 2-5 millimeters
- Typically present on the abdomen, face, arms, torso and legs
- Found in any part of the body except on the soles of the feet or palms of the hands
- Located in the interior thigh, abdomen or genitals in adults
Those who have weakened immune system can end up with symptoms that are more significant. The lesions can reach up to 15 mm in diameter. In addition, the bumps appear more often on the face and usually resistant to treatment.
What are the complications?
Most of the complications are secondary skin infections. These infections are caused by bacteria and can cause soreness, pain or inflammation. The removal of the bumps by scratching or extraction by a doctor using curettage or cryotherapy techniques can result to irritation, pain or permanent scarring.