Molluscum Contagiosum Information

Molluscum contagiosum is a pox viral infection that primarily affects children. It causes painless bumps to appear on the skin. While the bumps typically disappear without treatment, scratching may result in infection of the surrounding tissues. The virus spreads through direct contact with an infection person or contaminated clothing, towels or other items. When molluscum contagiosum affects the genital region in adults, it is considered a sexually transmitted disease. The virus affects an estimated 5 to 8 percent of the population.

Symptoms

• Molluscum contagiosum causes the development of round, raised bumps on the skin. The bumps, also called papules, may be flesh-colored or slightly darker than surrounding tissue. They range in size from 2 to 5 millimeters and generally have an indentation in their top center. When irritated, the bumps may become red and swollen, and they may bleed when scratched or otherwise irritated. Itching and discomfort are rare. Children most commonly develop the bumps on the face, armpits, neck and hands, with the bumps appearing on the lower abdomen, inner thighs, genitals and buttocks in adults.

Time Frame

• The incubation period for molluscum contagiosum is between two and six weeks, with immunocompromised patients developing symptoms more rapidly than healthy children and adults. Individual bumps generally last about two months. However, other areas of the skin may develop new lesions during this time. In most cases, the infection clears from the body in 6 months to 2 years. Recovery may be quick and spontaneous or may follow prolonged treatment with topical medications.

Complications

• Complications from molluscum contagiosum are rare. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that scarring occurs in as many as 7 percent of patients following curettage. Secondary infections, which may be potentially serious, are a serious risk in those with HIV and in patients taking immunosuppressant medications. When molluscum contagiosum develops on or near the eyes, prompt medical treatment is important to prevent infection and protect vision.

Treatment

• Even though molluscum contagiosum often clears on its own without treatment, doctors usually treat the infection to prevent it from spreading or infecting others. The bumps are removed using laser therapy, cryotherapy, or curettage. Hydrocortisone creams are useful when itching is present or in cases where secondary dermatitis develops around the infected area. People with eczema or weakened immune systems may require specialized care.

Prevention

• Molluscum contagiosum is highly contagious. Prevention includes avoiding contact with infected persons, not sharing personal items with others, such as towels and hairbrushes, and avoiding sexual contact during an outbreak. Touching or scratching the bumps can cause the infection to spread to other areas of the body, and young children should be prevented from rubbing or touching areas of infection. Close-contact sports and community swimming pools are other possible means of infection, according to the Mayo Clinic.