What is molluscum contagiosum?

Answer 1

Molluscum contagiosum is a viral infection that produces small, painless blisters that may, at first, resemble genital warts. It may cause serious complications in people with immunodeficiency disorders (e.g., AIDS). The disease is most often spread through direct skin-to-skin contact. Transmission through shared items (e.g., towels, gym equipment) occurs infrequently in adults. Scratching, picking, or breaking the blisters can spread the infection to other areas of the body. Molluscum contagiosum also is spread through sexual contact and commonly affects the pubic area, groin, thighs, buttocks, and external genitalia. Infected children often spread the disease by scratching the blisters and touching one another; blisters usually appear on the face. Salivary transmission occurs among young children. Blisters, or papules, usually appear about 6 weeks after exposure but may appear within 1 week. They form at the location where the virus entered the body, usually on the genitals, thighs, or lower abdomen. A person with a weakened immune system may experience outbreaks on the face or scalp. The blisters are waxy and raised, with a dimple on top. They can be flesh-colored, white, pink, yellow, or clear. Single papules may appear first, then multiply to form clusters that sometimes resemble genital warts. Itching is common, but pain is rare. A few patients experience red, scaly skin around the blisters. Individual blisters may resolve on their own in about 2 months, but an outbreak can last 6 months to 3 years. The blisters are distinctive, so diagnosis is typically made by observation. Doctors confirm the diagnosis with a biopsy and microscopic examination of biopsied tissue. Often, a physician removes ("unroofs") the top of a blister and push out its core. Molluscum contagiosum blisters have a characteristic white core and bleed following unroofing. Although the virus remains in the body, a healthy person

Answer 2

Perhaps you are referring to 'molluscum contagiosum', a viral infection of the skin and occasionaly the mucus membranes. It is caused by virus belonging to the pox virus family. It is not fatal.

They look like Warts/chicken pox. Ask a doctor if you think you might have this because it is very contagious. Yes. You can leave them alone, (recommended) or freeze them off. You can get special cream for it from a doctor.

Answer 3

Molluscum contagiosum is spread by skin-to-skin contact. Without contact, it cannot be spread, so it's safe for affected children to continue to attend school and day care if the lesions are covered.

Answer 4

Molluscum contagiosum is a somewhat common viral skin infection that usually affects children. It has red bumps that can spread, and can last up to a year. This page from the Mayo Clinic has more information about it: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/molluscum-contagiosum/DS00672

Answer 5

Molluscum contagiosum is a skin infection caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus. Characteristics of the disease, its symptoms and the treatment are discussed below.

Characteristics of molluscum contagiosum

One of the characteristics of molluscum contagiosum is the presence of flesh-colored, pearl-like lesions at the site of infection. It frequently occurs on the face, arms and hands, but may also occur anywhere else on the body, except the palms and soles. In adults, the lesions are commonly seen on the genitals, abdomen and inner thigh. As its name implies, molluscum contagiosum is a contagious disease that is transmitted from a person to another, or from one part of the body to another in the same person. It is also transmitted through contaminated objects such as towels or clothes, or by sexual contact. It is common in children, and is also seen in immunocompromised people.

Do not share your towels or clothes with others, and whenever you acquire the disease, get treated before getting involved in sexual activities with your partner. Symptoms of the disease

Typically, the lesions of molluscum contagiosum begin as small, painless bumps, called papules, that may enlarge to flesh-colored, pearl-like nodules. The papules are about 2 to 5 millimeters wide, and often have dimples in their centers. These papules may occur in lines due to scratching, as traumatizing the skin by the act of scratching causes the virus to spread in a linear fashion or in groups, called crops.

How to treat it?

In general, in people with normal immunity, the disease usually goes away on its own over a period of months to years and does not need treatment. However, in some cases, such as those of immunodeficiency, bleeding from the site or excessive itching, or for cosmetic reasons, it is treated either by medications or by surgery. Topical medications and creams, such as benzoyl peroxide and imiquimod, have shown their effectiveness in treating the disease. Surgeries include cryotherapy, a process in which liquid nitrogen is used to freeze and destroy the lesions, and laser, which is considered as the treatment of choice, especially for multiple lesions.

In general, molluscum contagiosum has a good prognosis, as it generally clears up within two years. Yet, treating the disease is advantageous, as it hastens the resolution of the virus without leaving notable scars, in addition to minimizing the possibility of transmitting the disease to other people.

Answer 6

Hello,

I see you are asking "What is molluscum contagiosum?"

Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a viral infection that affects the skin. Around 9 out of 10 cases happen in children although it can occur at any age. MC is generally a harmless condition that normally gets better in a few months without any specific treatment.

For more information, you can visit this URL -

skincarehealthcenter. com/condition/molluscum-contagiosum/c/27324