[ Molluscum Contagiosum ]

What is Molluscum Contagiosum?

Molluscum Contagiosum is a mild chronic disease of the skin, similar to warts, caused by a poxvirus (genus Molluscipoxvirus). The virus and the growths are easily spread through breaks in the skin or hair follicles. Adults usually contract this virus through sexual contact. Transmission may also occur by autoinoculation or touching a growth and then another part of the body. In most cases, the molluscum cause few problems.

Symptoms

These benign skin growths are often found in clusters. They appear as pink, grey-white, or flesh colored bumps about one or two sixteenths of an inch in diameter and may have a small indentation at the center. These lesions are very contagious, and usually found on the trunk, arms, armpits, legs, genital area, anal area, and sometimes, the face and eyelids. The molluscum may be itchy, and may become red and irritated from scratching the bumps. People with AIDS or compromised immune systems may experience extensive breakouts.

Treatment

The average incubation time is 2 to 3 months. Most of these lesions disappear on their own, averaging 2 years, but may some may last for 4 years. In order to prevent autoinoculation and transmission to others, removing the lesions may be suggested. Removal can be done surgically or treated with chemicals such as salicylic acid, podophyllin, cantharidin, phenol, silver nitrate, trichloracetic acid or iodine. Cimetidine given orally stimulates the immune system to reject the growths. Cryosurgery works well, but is painful. Laser therapy and tape therapy are other alternatives. Lesions may recur.

Testing

An electron microscope can detect the virus. MCV may also be diagnosed by placing a sample from the lesion onto a slide, and staining with a Gram stain which detects infected cells.