Molluscum contagiosum (molluscum contagiosum): causes, medicine

Definition of molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum or molluscum contagiosum is an infection of the skin caused by a virus. This condition causes signs in the form of white bumps, or pearly nodules. If it occurs in the pubic area, it can become a sexually transmitted disease (STD).

These bumps can appear anywhere, including the face, neck, arms, legs, stomach, and genital area. Molluscum contagiosum can also appear alone or in groups. The signs are rarely found on the palms of the hands or feet.

If one of these benign lumps on the body is scratched or injured, the infection can spread to the surrounding skin. Molluscum contagiosum is also spread through person-to-person contact and contact with infected objects.

This skin disease can also be transmitted through sexual contact if the signs appear on the genital area.

Molluscum contagiosum usually goes away within a year without treatment, but doctors can also make removal as a treatment option.

How common is this condition?

Molluscum contagiosum is a fairly common condition. However, this condition is more common in children, especially boys, and young adults.

Molluscum contagiosum signs and symptoms

The characteristic characteristic of molluscum contagiosum is the appearance of small bumps on the skin.

Small bumps can appear on human skin on areas affected by the virus, such as on the face, eyelids, armpits and body. Usually, these bumps do not appear on the palms, soles of the feet, and mouth.

When the disease is transmitted through sexual contact, the symptoms will appear in the lower abdomen and groin. Sometimes this condition is often referred to as herpes. It's just that, molluscum contagiosum is painless.

Molluscum contagiosum has a width of about 2 - 5 millimeters, accompanied by a dot in the middle. On the other hand, if you have a weak immune system, the molluscum constagiosum spots that appear may be larger.

Sometimes, these spots can be red and inflamed, coupled with itching. However, you shouldn't scratch a freckle, as it can later burst and spread the virus to the surrounding skin area.

If molluscum appears on the eyelids, the bacteria can spread to the eye and cause symptoms of contagious pink eye disease.

Molluscum contagiosum will go away on its own after a few weeks, but in some cases it can last for months. This type of skin disease usually leaves no marks.

There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

If you have any of the signs or symptoms of molluscum contagiosum listed above or have any questions, please consult your doctor.

Everyone's body reacts differently to certain conditions. It is recommended to discuss this with your dermatologist to find out what is best for your situation.

Causes and risk factors for molluscum contagiosum

The cause of molluscum contagiosum is poxvirus. This virus is part of the virus family that can also cause warts.

The virus can be spread by direct contact, touching the skin of an infected person, or touching other infected objects such as clothing. In addition, this virus can also be transmitted through sexual contact.

Molluscum contagiosum is a disease that can be caused by the habit of sharing personal items. Experts mentioned by the Mayo Clinic suspect that swimmers transmit the virus through sharing towels or skin contact.

As stated earlier, you can transfer the virus from one part of your body to another by touching, scratching, or shaving off the bumps and then touching other parts of your body.

Risk factors for molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum infection is more common in people with weakened immune systems and in children who have atopic dermatitis.

However, not having risk factors does not mean you cannot experience this disease. These factors are for reference only. For more details, please discuss with your doctor.

Diagnosis and treatment

How is it checked for this condition?

Doctors can usually immediately diagnose one of these infectious skin diseases just by looking at the signs that appear on the skin.

If clear results are not available from these observations, the doctor will perform a further examination by taking a sample of the infected skin and then observing it under a microscope.

During the examination, the doctor will also ask about the symptoms you feel.

What are the treatment options for molluscum contagiosum?

The lumps can go away on their own. It's just that treatment is still important to do to keep the virus from infecting other people or to keep the rash from spreading to other parts of the body.

Treatments that aim to remove the lump can be performed using lasers, frozen surgery, or scraping.

Unfortunately, sometimes this method can leave scars. Therefore, the doctor will provide an alternative medicine in the form of a special skin cream to get rid of lumps.

Some of the most commonly used drug options are salicylic acid or cantharidin. Salicylic acid can help get rid of nodules, while cantharidin can treat the lesions that result from this condition.

Sometimes, your doctor will also prescribe a tretinoin cream or imiquimod cream.

Treatment may have to be repeated if new lumps appear. Molluscum contagiosum can also occur more than once. Avoid sharing items and having close contact with someone who has been infected.

How to deal with molluscum contagiosum

Below are some of the lifestyle and home remedies that can help you deal with molluscum contagiosum.

• Keep the infected area clean and covered with clothing to avoid spreading the virus.
• Don't share towels, clothes, and other personal items with other people until the lump is completely gone.
• Don't scratch the bumps on the skin and then touch other parts of your body.
  
• Do not use public swimming pools, saunas, and showers until the lump is gone, to avoid passing the infection on to others.
• Using a condom during sexual intercourse to avoid transmission.
• Wash clothes with chlorine (bleach) or hot water to kill viruses.

Always consult a doctor to monitor the progress of your symptoms and your health. If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.