A Family Doctor's Tale - MOLLUSCUM CONTAGIOSUM

DOC I HAVE MOLLUSCUM CONTAGIOSUM

Molluscum Contagiosum is a mild viral infection which appears as small shiny pimple-like rash on the body.

The virus is of the pox family and can be very infectious.


It is more common in children between 2 to 5 years of age.

It is easily spread either by direct contact or indirectly through infected clothing or towels or in a swimming pool.

The virus can also be spread through sexual contact.


The causative agent is a virus called molluscum contagiosum which is highly infectious.

Secondary infection may occurs from invasion of staphalococcus.

Symptoms of MOLLUSCUM CONTAGIOSUM are:


Pimples appear 2 to 7 weeks after the infection.
1.Occurs mainly on the trunk, face, hands and rarely on palms and soles

2.Small dome shaped with a central pimple

3.pearly white or flesh colored

4.Pimples varies between 2mm and 5mm in diameter

5.appears in groups although they sometimes occur singly

6.usually painless but can itch


Diagnosis of Molluscum contagiosum is based on the:
1.typical appearance of the rash

2.Skin scraping or biopsy  for microscopic examination.

Complications of MOLLUSCUM CONTAGIOSUM are:
1.Spread to to other parts of body and causes disfiguring
appearance

2.bacterial infection

Treatment of MOLLUSCUM CONTAGIOSUM is sometimes unnecessary.


The condition will disappear even without treatment and without leaving scars.


However this may take from a few weeks to a year.

If there is disfiguring spots on the face or if the child has low immunity, then treatment may be necessary:

1.apply to the pimples podophyllin paint or salicylic acid cream to dissolve the hard layer of molluscum

2.removal of the pimples by scraping them off (curettage) or freezing them (cryotherapy)

3.surgical removal can cause scarring so it is not recommended


Prognosis of Molluscum contagiosum is:
generally good

Prevention of Molluscum contagiosum is:

1.Avoid contact with any one who has the condition

2.Avoid casual sexual contacts