But it creates visible cosmetic defects, which many people want to get rid of with treatment, without waiting for the rash to go away on its own.

General characteristics of the disease

Molluscum contagiosum is also called contagious mollusk, molluscum epitheliale or epithelioma contagiosum. The disease is a viral infection that affects the skin. The virus enters the cells of the basal layer of the epidermis and causes accelerated division of cellular structures, as a result of which small growths-nodules of a round shape with an umbilical depression in the center are formed on the surface of the skin. The depression in the central part of the nodule is formed due to the destruction of epidermal cells. The growths themselves contain viral particles and a large number of randomly located epidermal cells.

Molluscum contagiosum is a benign disease and is not classified as a tumor, since the formation and growth of nodules is caused by the impact of the virus on a specific small area of ​​the skin. There is no inflammatory process in the epidermis in the growth zones of molluscum contagiosum nodules.

Molluscum contagiosum is quite widespread in the population, and people of any age and gender get sick. However, the infection most often occurs in children 2–6 years old, adolescents and people over 60 years old. Children under one year of age almost never become infected with molluscum contagiosum, which is most likely due to the presence of maternal antibodies transmitted to the baby through the placenta during fetal development.

Most at risk of infection molluscum contagiosum people with weakened immune systems, for example, HIV-infected people, cancer patients, allergy sufferers, those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and taking cytostatics or glucocorticoid hormones. In addition, there is a high risk of contracting an infection among those who are constantly in contact with the skin of a large number of people, for example, massage therapists, nurses, doctors, nurses in hospitals and clinics, pool trainers, bathhouse attendants, etc.

Molluscum contagiosum is widespread, that is, in any country and climate zone, infection with this infection is possible. Moreover, in regions with a hot and humid climate, as well as with low levels of everyday household hygiene, epidemics and outbreaks of molluscum contagiosum are even recorded.

The disease is caused orthopoxvirus, which belongs to the family Poxviridae, subfamily Chordopoxviridae and genus Molluscipoxvirus. This virus is related to the variola, chickenpox and vaccinia viruses. Currently, 4 varieties of orthopoxvirus have been identified (MCV-1, MCV-2, MCV-3, MCV-4), but molluscum contagiosum is most often caused by viruses of types 1 and 2 (MCV-1, MCV-2).

Molluscum contagiosum virus is transmitted from a sick person to a healthy person through close contact (skin to skin), as well as indirectly when using common household items, for example, shower accessories, underwear, dishes, toys, etc. In adults, infection with molluscum contagiosum usually occurs sexually, and the virus infects a healthy partner not through the secretions of the genital organs, but through close contact of bodies. That is why in adults, molluscum contagiosum nodules are very often located in the groin, on the lower abdomen, in the perineum, and also on the inner thighs.

However, it has now been established that many people, even when infected, do not get sick with molluscum contagiosum, which is due to the peculiarities of the functioning of the immune system, which does not allow the virus to multiply, but suppresses and destroys it, preventing the infection from becoming active.

From the moment the molluscum contagiosum virus enters the skin of a healthy person until nodules appear, it takes from 2 weeks to six months. Respectively, incubation period infection ranges from 14 days to 6 months.

After completion of the incubation period, the disease enters the active stage, in which dense protruding nodules spherical or oval in shape and of various sizes - from 1 to 10 mm in diameter. Sometimes nodules merging with each other can form giant plaques up to 3–5 cm in diameter. The nodules of molluscum contagiosum are dense, shiny, pearly white, pink or gray-yellow. Some nodules may have a umbilical-shaped depression in the center, colored red-pink. However, such depressions are usually not present in all nodules, but only in 10–15%. When you press on the nodule with tweezers, a white pasty mass comes out of it, which is a mixture of dead epidermal cells and viral particles.

The nodules slowly increase in size, reaching their maximum size 6 to 12 weeks after appearance. After this, the formations do not grow, but gradually die off, as a result of which they disappear on their own after 3 to 6 months.

The number of rashes can vary - from single nodules to numerous papules. Due to the fact that self-infection is possible, the number of nodules may increase over time, as the person himself spreads the virus throughout the skin.

Typically, molluscum contagiosum nodules are concentrated in one limited area of ​​the skin, and are not scattered throughout the body, for example, in the armpits, abdomen, face, groin, etc. Most often, nodules are localized on the neck, torso, armpits, face and genital area. In rare cases, elements of molluscum contagiosum are localized on the scalp, soles, skin of the lips, tongue, and mucous membrane of the cheeks.

Diagnostics Molluscum contagiosum is not difficult, since the characteristic appearance of the nodules makes it possible to recognize the disease without the use of any additional techniques.

Treatment Molluscum contagiosum is not carried out in all cases, since usually within 6 to 9 months the nodules go away on their own and no longer form. In rare cases, self-healing is delayed for a period of 3 to 4 years. However, if a person wants to get rid of nodules without waiting for self-healing, then the formations are removed in various ways (mechanical scraping with a Volkmann spoon, cauterization with a laser, liquid nitrogen, electric current, etc.). Typically, removal of molluscum contagiosum nodules is recommended for adults so that they do not serve as a source of infection for others. But in the case of illness in children, dermatovenerologists most often recommend not treating the infection, but waiting until the nodules go away on their own, because any procedure for removing formations is stressful for the child.

Molluscum contagiosum – photo

Photo of molluscum contagiosum in children.

Photo of molluscum contagiosum in men.

Photo of molluscum contagiosum in women.

Causes of the disease (molluscum contagiosum virus)

The cause of molluscum contagiosum is a pathogenic microorganism - orthopoxvirus from the family Poxviridae of the genus Molluscipoxvirus. This virus is widespread and affects people of any age and gender, as a result of which the population of all countries suffers from molluscum contagiosum.

There are currently 4 known varieties of orthopoxvirus, which are designated by Latin abbreviations - MCV-1, MCV-2, MCV-3 and MCV-4. The cause of molluscum contagiosum in the countries of the former USSR is most often viruses of the first and second types - MCV-1 and MCV-2. Moreover, in children, molluscum contagiosum is usually provoked by orthopoxvirus type 1 (MCV-1), and in adults by type 2 virus (MCV-2). This situation is due to the fact that type 1 virus is transmitted mainly by contact and indirectly, through shared objects, and type 2 virus is transmitted through sexual contact. However, all types of the virus cause the same clinical manifestations.

Routes of transmission

Molluscum contagiosum is transmitted only from person to person, since animals do not suffer from this infectious disease and are not virus carriers.

Transmission of the molluscum contagiosum virus occurs from a sick person to healthy people through household contact, indirect contact, sexual contact and through water. Contact and household path transmission involves infecting a healthy person through touching the skin of a child or adult suffering from molluscum contagiosum. Accordingly, any tactile contact (for example, hugs, handshakes, pressing close to each other during rush hours on public transport, massage, wrestling, boxing, breastfeeding, etc.) with a person suffering from molluscum contagiosum can lead to infection of any healthy person with this infection, regardless of age and gender.

Indirect contact path transmission of molluscum contagiosum is the most common and involves infecting healthy people through touching common household items on which viral particles remain after they were used by a person suffering from the infection. That is, infection can occur through toys, cutlery, dishes, bedding and underwear, carpets, upholstery, towels, washcloths, razors and any other items that a person suffering from molluscum contagiosum has come into contact with. Due to the possibility of indirect infection in close groups, especially children's, outbreaks of the disease occur occasionally when almost the entire group becomes infected.

Sexual tract transmission of molluscum contagiosum is typical only for adults who have unprotected sexual contact (without a condom). With this route of transmission, the nodules are always located in close proximity or in the genital area.

Waterway transmission can be conditionally classified as indirect contact, since in this case, a person suffering from molluscum contagiosum introduces viral particles into the aquatic environment, which can be “picked up” by any other person in contact with the same water. This route of transmission makes it possible to become infected with molluscum contagiosum when visiting swimming pools, baths, saunas, water attractions, etc.

In addition, a person who already has molluscum contagiosum may autoinfection through friction and scratching of the skin.

Regardless of the route of transmission, the course and clinical manifestations of molluscum contagiosum are always the same.

Not all cases of exposure to the virus will cause infection, as some people are immune to the infection. That is, even if a person who is immune to molluscum contagiosum comes into contact with the virus, he will not become infected and will not develop an infection. All other people become infected and develop clinical signs upon contact with the virus.

The most vulnerable and susceptible to infection with molluscum contagiosum are people with reduced activity of the immune system, such as, for example, HIV-infected people taking glucocorticoid hormones, people over 60 years of age, etc.

Molluscum contagiosum - symptoms

Course of the disease

From the moment of infection with molluscum contagiosum until the first appearance of clinical symptoms, it takes from 2 to 24 weeks. After the incubation period is completed, small, dense, painless nodules, ranging in size from 1 to 3 mm in diameter, appear on the area of ​​the skin where the molluscum contagiosum virus has been introduced. These nodules slowly increase in size to 2–10 mm in diameter over 6–12 weeks, after which they disappear on their own within 6–12 weeks. In total, from the moment the first nodules appear until they completely disappear, an average of 12 to 18 weeks passes, but in some cases the disease can last much longer - from 2 to 5 years. After recovery from molluscum contagiosum, lifelong immunity is developed, so re-infection occurs only in exceptional cases.

However, until all the nodules on the skin have disappeared, self-infection is possible when scratching or rubbing the affected areas of the skin against healthy ones. In this case, new nodules of molluscum contagiosum appear on the newly infected area of ​​skin, which will also grow within 6–12 weeks, after which they will involute on their own over 12–18 weeks. Accordingly, the approximate period of self-recovery should be calculated by adding 18 months to the date of appearance of the last nodule.

Molluscum contagiosum is a harmless disease that tends to go away on its own, without any special treatment, as soon as your own immune system suppresses the activity of the virus. Rashes, as a rule, do not bother a person, since they do not hurt or itch, but are for the most part only a cosmetic problem. In addition, the virus does not spread through the blood or lymph throughout the body and does not affect other organs and systems, as a result of which molluscum contagiosum is a safe disease, which most often for this reason is recommended not to be treated with special means, but simply to wait until your own immunity is killed the virus and, accordingly, the nodules will not disappear.

However, often people do not want to wait until the nodules of molluscum contagiosum go away on their own, but want to remove them for cosmetic reasons, or so as not to be a source of infection for others. In such cases, you need to be mentally prepared for the fact that after removing the existing nodules, new ones will appear, since solely the process of destroying the rash does not affect the activity of the virus in the thickness of the skin, and until its own immune system suppresses it, the pathogenic microorganism can cause the formation of nodules again and again.

After the spontaneous disappearance of the nodules of molluscum contagiosum, there are no traces left on the skin - scars or scars, and only in rare cases small areas of depigmentation can form. If the nodules of molluscum contagiosum were removed by various methods, then small and inconspicuous scars may form at the site of their localization.

Sometimes the skin around the nodules of molluscum contagiosum becomes inflamed, in which case topical application of antibiotic ointments is necessary. The appearance of a nodule on the eyelid is a problem and an indication for its removal, since the growth of the formation can lead to visual impairment and loss of eyelash hair follicles.

If a person develops molluscum contagiosum nodules in large numbers, in different parts of the body, or are very large in size (more than 10 mm in diameter), this may indicate immunodeficiency. In such cases, it is recommended to contact an immunologist to correct your immune status.

Symptoms of molluscum contagiosum

The main and only symptom of molluscum contagiosum that can be seen with the naked eye is the characteristic nodules protruding above the surface of the skin. Nodules can be localized on any part of the skin, but most often formations form on the face, neck, upper chest, armpits, hands and forearms, lower abdomen, inner thighs, pubis, around the anus and on the skin in genital area. However, despite the wide range of localization options for molluscum contagiosum nodules, as a rule, all formations are always grouped in only one area of ​​the skin. For example, nodules can be located on the neck, on the face or on the abdomen, but all formations are grouped in only one area and are absent on other parts of the body. Moreover, usually all nodules of molluscum contagiosum are located on the area of ​​​​the skin into which the infection virus has penetrated. In rare cases, nodules can be randomly located over the entire surface of the body.

The nodules do not appear one at a time and gradually, but almost simultaneously, several formations are formed that begin to grow slowly. As a rule, from 5 to 10 nodules appear, but in some cases their number can reach several dozen.

At the time of appearance, the nodules are small, 1–2 mm in diameter, but within 6–12 weeks they grow to 2–10 mm. Sometimes some elements can grow up to 15 mm in diameter, and usually there are nodules on the skin of different sizes, but of the same appearance. If the formations of molluscum contagiosum are located close to each other, then they can merge, forming one giant tuberous surface up to 5 cm in diameter. Such giant nodes can become inflamed and suppurate, as a result of which crusts and ulcers form on their surface.

At any stage of growth, the nodules protrude above the surface of the skin, have a hemispherical shape and slightly flattened on top, smooth edges, dense consistency, and are colored pearl-white or pale pink. Moreover, at the beginning of the disease, the formations have a dome shape, a very dense consistency and a color slightly lighter than the surrounding skin, but over time they become soft, take on the shape of a semicircle, and the color may change to pinkish. Often the nodules may have a waxy sheen. A few weeks after the appearance of the formations, a depression similar to a navel appears in the central part of the formations. When the nodules are squeezed from the sides, a white, pasty mass containing dead epidermal cells and viral particles is released from the umbilical opening.

The nodules have a smooth surface and are slightly different in color from the surrounding skin. The skin around the formations is usually unchanged, but sometimes an inflammatory rim is observed around the perimeter of the nodules. The formations do not bother a person because they do not hurt, do not itch, and, in principle, may not be noticed at all if they are localized in areas of the skin that are usually covered by clothing and are not visible. In rare cases, the nodules may itch occasionally. At these moments, it is very important to restrain yourself and not scratch the formations, since scratching and traumatizing the nodules can lead to subsequent transfer of the virus to other areas of the skin. In such situations, self-infection occurs, and elements of molluscum contagiosum form on another area of ​​the skin into which the virus was introduced. It must be remembered that until the last nodule disappears, molluscum contagiosum remains infectious.

When nodules are localized on the eyelids, molluscum contagiosum can lead to conjunctivitis.

The described clinical picture of molluscum contagiosum is a classic form of infection. However, in addition to this, the disease can occur in the following atypical forms, which differ from the classical morphological characteristics of the nodules:

• Giant form– single nodules measuring 2 cm in diameter or more are formed.
• Pedicular form– large large nodules are formed by the merging of closely located small ones. Moreover, such large nodes are attached to the unchanged skin with a thin stalk, that is, they seem to hang on the skin.
• Generalized form– several dozen nodules are formed, scattered over the entire surface of the skin of the body.
• Miliary form– the nodules are very small, less than 1 mm in diameter, in appearance resembling milia (“grass”).
• Ulcerative-cystic form– large nodes are formed by the fusion of several small ones, the surface of which becomes ulcerated or cysts form on it.

Regardless of the form of molluscum contagiosum, the course of the infection is the same, and the differences relate only to the morphological characteristics of the nodules.

Molluscum contagiosum: characteristics of the rash, infection, incubation period, symptoms, quarantine, consequences (opinion of a dermatovenerologist) - video

Molluscum contagiosum in children

About 80% of cases of molluscum contagiosum occur in children under 15 years of age. Thus, it can be said that children are more susceptible to infection compared to adults. Molluscum contagiosum most often affects children aged 1 to 4 years. Until the age of one, children almost never get an infection, because, as scientists suggest, they are protected by maternal antibodies received during fetal development. In addition, children who suffer from eczema, atopic dermatitis, or who are taking glucocorticoid hormones to treat any other condition are known to be at greater risk of infection.

Most often, children become infected with molluscum contagiosum when visiting a swimming pool and playing sports that involve close tactile contact and body contact with each other (for example, wrestling, boxing, etc.).

Symptoms and course Molluscum contagiosum in children is exactly the same as in adults. However, due to weak volitional control of their desires, children can often scratch the nodules of molluscum contagiosum and thereby become self-infected, transferring the virus to other areas of the skin, which leads to the constant appearance of new foci of rashes and prolongs the course of the disease. In addition, scratching the nodules can lead to their inflammation and secondary infection, which requires treatment with antibiotics.

In children, nodules can be localized on any part of the body, but most often they are located on the chest, abdomen, arms, legs, armpits, groin area and genitals. The location of formations in the genital area does not necessarily mean that the child became infected during sexual contact. The baby could simply get the molluscum contagiosum virus on his fingers from a sick person, and then scratch the skin in the genital area, as a result of which the infection occurred precisely in this area of ​​the skin.

Diagnostics Molluscum contagiosum in children is not difficult, since the nodules have a characteristic appearance. Therefore, a dermatologist will make a diagnosis based on a simple examination of the formations. In some cases, when the dermatologist is in doubt, he may take a biopsy or scraping from the nodule to examine its structure under a microscope.

Treatment Molluscum contagiosum is usually not performed in children, because after 3 months - 4 years all nodules disappear on their own, that is, self-healing occurs as a result of the immune system suppressing the activity of the virus. Therefore, given the fact that molluscum contagiosum heals itself after some time, so as not to cause discomfort to the child, the nodules are not removed. However, in some cases, doctors recommend removing nodules on the skin of children, since they constantly scratch them and become self-infected, as a result of which the disease lasts a very long time. In such situations, the nodules are removed mechanically, by freezing with liquid nitrogen, or using formulations containing wart-removing agents, such as salicylic acid, tretinoin, cantharidin, or benzoyl peroxide.

Despite the availability of various methods for removing molluscum contagiosum nodules, doctors prefer not to use them in children, since all these methods will only help eliminate the formations, but will not prevent their reappearance while the virus in the skin is active and is not suppressed by the child’s own immune system. In addition, any method can lead to the formation of scars, scars, burns or areas of depigmentation at the site of localization of the nodules. And when the nodules go away on their own, no scars or cicatrices are ever formed at the site of their localization; only sometimes foci of depigmentation may remain.

For the fastest self-healing of molluscum contagiosum in children, the following rules must be followed:

• Do not scratch, rub or injure the nodules;
• Wash your hands frequently with soap;
• Wipe areas of the body with nodules with disinfectant solutions (alcohol, chlorhexidine, etc.) 1–2 times a day;
• If you are going to have contact with other children or people, then to reduce the risk of infecting them, it is recommended to cover the nodules with adhesive tape and cover them with clothing;
• Do not shave hair on areas of the body where nodules are located;
• Lubricate dry skin with cream to avoid cracks, ulceration and inflammation of nodules.

Molluscum contagiosum in women

The clinical picture, causative factors, course and principles of treatment of molluscum contagiosum in women do not have any features compared to men or children. Molluscum contagiosum also does not affect the course of pregnancy, the growth and development of the fetus, so women who are carrying a child and become infected do not have to worry about the health of the unborn baby.

Features of the disease in men

Molluscum contagiosum in men, like in women, does not have any obvious features. The only feature that may be a distinctive feature of the infection in men is the possibility of localization of nodules on the skin of the penis, which leads to difficulties in sexual intercourse. In women, molluscum contagiosum never affects the mucous membranes of the vagina, but can only be localized on the skin in the genital area. Of course, this also creates difficulties during sexual intercourse, but not as pronounced as when nodules are localized on the penis.

Features of molluscum contagiosum of various localizations

Molluscum contagiosum on the face. When localizing nodules on the face, it is recommended not to remove them, but to leave them and wait for self-healing, since if the formations disappear on their own, then in their place there will be no traces and scars that create cosmetic defects. If you remove nodules using any modern method, there is a risk of scars and cicatricial formation.

Molluscum contagiosum on the eyelid. If the nodule is localized on the eyelid, it is recommended to remove it, since otherwise it can injure the mucous membrane of the eye and cause conjunctivitis or other more severe eye diseases.

Molluscum contagiosum on the genitals. If the nodules are localized near the genital organs, in the anus or on the penis, then it is better to remove them in any way, without waiting for them to disappear on their own. This tactic is based on the fact that the location of the nodules on the genitals or in the genital area leads to their traumatization during sexual intercourse, which, in turn, provokes infection of the partner and the spread of infection to other areas of the skin. As a result, nodules that appear on the genitals can very quickly spread throughout the body.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis of molluscum contagiosum is not difficult and, as a rule, is made on the basis of examination of characteristic nodules by a dermatologist. In almost all cases, no additional diagnostic methods are required to confirm the diagnosis of molluscum contagiosum.

However, in some rather rare cases, when the doctor has doubts to confirm molluscum contagiosum, additional examinations are carried out. Such additional examinations involve taking a small piece of the nodule and then examining it under a microscope. Microscopy of a nodule biopsy allows one to determine exactly what the nodule is and, accordingly, whether it is a manifestation of molluscum contagiosum or some other disease (for example, keratoacanthoma, syphilis, etc.).

Nodules of molluscum contagiosum must be distinguish from the following externally similar formations, also localized on the skin:

• Flat warts. Such warts, as a rule, are multiple, localized on the face and back of the hands, and are small round-shaped blisters with a smooth surface, colored in the color of the surrounding skin.
• Vulgar warts. As a rule, they are localized on the back of the hand and are dense blisters with an uneven and rough surface. Papules may be scaly and lack a umbilical-shaped depression in the center.
• Keratoacanthomas. They are single convex formations, hemispherical in shape and colored pale red or a shade of normal surrounding skin. Keratoacanthomas are usually located on open areas of the skin and have depressions on the surface that look like small craters, which are filled with horny scales. Horny masses are easily removed from the craters, and their cleaning does not cause bleeding. Attempts to remove the pasty contents of molluscum contagiosum nodules, on the contrary, often lead to bleeding.
• Milia ("millet"). They are small white dots located in the sebaceous glands of the skin. Milia are formed due to the production of too dense sebum, which does not flow out of the pores, but remains in them and clogs their lumen. These formations are associated with a disorder of fat metabolism and are localized on the face in the form of numerous or single white dots.
• Acne vulgar. They are inflamed conical-shaped papules with a soft consistency, colored pink or bluish-red.
• Scabies. With scabies, small red or flesh-colored papules appear on the skin, arranged as if in lines. Scabies papules itch very much, unlike molluscum contagiosum nodules. In addition, scabies nodules are usually localized in the spaces between the fingers, on the crease of the wrist and under the mammary glands in women.
• Dermatofibromas. They are hard and very dense nodules of various colors that are pressed into the skin when you press on them from the side. Dermatofibromas are never found in groups.
• Basal cell carcinoma. Externally, the formations are very similar to the nodules of molluscum contagiosum; they also have a pearlescent sheen and are raised above the skin. But basal cell carcinoma is always single; these formations are never located in groups.

Which doctor should I contact for molluscum contagiosum?

If molluscum contagiosum develops, you should contact Dermatologist (make an appointment), which diagnoses and treats this disease. If the dermatologist is unable to perform any necessary removal procedures, he will refer the patient to another specialist, e.g. surgeon (make an appointment), physiotherapist (make an appointment) etc.

Molluscum contagiosum - treatment

General principles of therapy

Currently, molluscum contagiosum, unless the nodules are localized on the eyelids or in the genital area, is recommended not to be treated at all, since after 3 to 18 months the immune system will be able to suppress the activity of the orthopoxvirus, and all formations will disappear on their own, leaving no traces on the skin. or traces (scars, scars, etc.). The fact is that immunity to the molluscum contagiosum virus is developed, but this happens slowly, so the body needs not a week to heal itself from the infection, as in the case of ARVI, but several months or even up to 2 - 5 years. And if you remove the nodules of molluscum contagiosum before they disappear on their own, then, firstly, you can leave scars on the skin, and secondly, this increases the risk of their reappearance, and in even larger quantities, since the virus is still active. Therefore, given that self-healing always occurs, and it is only a matter of time, doctors recommend not treating molluscum contagiosum by removing the nodules, but simply waiting a little until they disappear on their own.

The only situations when it is still recommended to remove nodules of molluscum contagiosum are their localization on the genitals or eyelids, as well as severe discomfort caused by the formation to a person. In other cases, it is better to leave the nodules and wait for them to disappear on their own after the activity of the virus is suppressed by the immune system.

However, if a person wants to remove the nodules, then this is done. Moreover, the reason for such a desire, as a rule, is aesthetic considerations.

For the removal of molluscum contagiosum nodules, the following surgical methods have been officially approved by the Ministries of Health of the CIS countries:

• Curettage (scraping out nodules with a curette or Volkmann spoon);
• Cryodestruction (destruction of nodules with liquid nitrogen);
• Husking (removing the core of nodules with thin tweezers);
• Laser destruction (destruction of nodules with CO 2 laser);
• Electrocoagulation (destruction of nodules by electric current - “cauterization”).

In practice, in addition to these officially approved methods for removing molluscum contagiosum nodules, other methods are used. These methods involve exposing the nodules of molluscum contagiosum to various chemicals in ointments and solutions that can destroy the structure of the formations. Thus, currently, ointments and solutions containing tretinoin, cantharidin, trichloroacetic acid, salicylic acid, imiquimod, podophyllotoxin, chlorophyllipt, fluorouracil, oxolin, benzoyl peroxide, as well as interferons alpha-2a and alpha 2b are used to remove nodules.

Such chemical methods for removing shellfish cannot be called traditional methods, since they involve the use of medications, as a result of which they are considered to be unofficial, practice-tested methods, but not approved by the Ministries of Health. Since these methods, according to reviews from doctors and patients, are quite effective and less traumatic compared to surgical methods for removing molluscum contagiosum nodules, we will also consider them in the subsection below.

Removal of molluscum contagiosum

Let's consider the characteristics of surgical and informal conservative methods of removing molluscum contagiosum. But first, we consider it necessary to point out that any surgical methods for removing nodules are quite painful, as a result of which it is recommended to use local anesthetics for manipulation. EMLA ointment 5% provides the best pain relief to the skin. Other anesthetics, such as lidocaine, novocaine and others, are ineffective.

Laser removal of molluscum contagiosum. The nodules are targeted with a beam of a CO 2 laser or pulsed laser. To destroy formations, it is optimal to set the following parameters of the laser beam: wavelength 585 nm, frequency 0.5 - 1 Hz, spot diameter 3 - 7 mm, energy density 2 - 8 J/cm 2, pulse duration 250 - 450 ms. During the procedure, each nodule is irradiated with a laser, after which the skin is treated with a 5% alcohol solution of iodine. If, after a week after the procedure, the nodules have not crusted over and fallen off, then another session of laser irradiation of the formations is performed.

These methods are unsuitable for removing nodules for cosmetic reasons, since as a result of curettage or peeling, sinking scars may form at the site of the formations.

Ointment for molluscum contagiosum - removal of nodules with chemicals. To remove nodules of molluscum contagiosum, they can be lubricated regularly, 1-2 times a day, with ointments and solutions containing the following substances:

• Tretinoin (Vesanoid, Lokacid, Retin-A, Tretinoin) - ointments are applied to the nodules pointwise 1 - 2 times a day for 6 hours, after which they are washed off with water. The nodules are lubricated until they disappear;
• Cantharidin (Spanish fly or homeopathic preparations) - ointments are applied to the nodules pointwise 1 - 2 times a day until the formations disappear;
• Trichloroacetic acid - a 3% solution is applied pointwise once a day to the nodules for 30 - 40 minutes, after which it is washed off;
• Salicylic acid - 3% solution is applied 2 times a day to the nodules without rinsing off;
• Imiquimod (Aldara) – cream is applied to the nodules pointwise 3 times a day;
• Podophyllotoxin (Vartek, Condilin) ​​- cream is applied pointwise to the nodules 2 times a day;
• Fluorouracil ointment - applied to the nodules 2 - 3 times a day;
• Oxolinic ointment - applied pointwise to the nodules 2 - 3 times a day in a thick layer;
• Chlorophyllipt - the solution is applied pointwise to the nodules 2 - 3 times a day;
• Benzoyl peroxide (Baziron AS, Ekloran, Indoxyl, Effezel, etc.) - ointments and creams are applied pointwise to the nodules in a thick layer 2 times a day;
• Interferons (Infagel, Acyclovir) - ointments and creams are applied to the nodules 2 - 3 times a day.

The duration of use of any of the above drugs is determined by the rate of disappearance of molluscum contagiosum nodules. In general, as the observations of dermatologists show, to completely remove nodules with any specified remedy, it must be continuously used for 3 to 12 weeks. All of the above remedies have comparable effectiveness, so you can choose any drug that, for some subjective reason, you like more than others. However, dermatologists recommend trying Oxolinic ointment, Fluorouracil ointment or benzoyl peroxide products first, as they are the safest.

Molluscum contagiosum: removal of papules by curettage, laser, Surgitron, liquid nitrogen (advice from a dermatologist) - video

Molluscum contagiosum, treatment with antiviral drugs and immunomodulators: Acyclovir, Isoprinosine, Viferon, Allomedine, Betadine, Oxolinic ointment, iodine - video

Treatment of molluscum contagiosum in children

Treatment of molluscum contagiosum in children is carried out using the same methods as in adults, and in compliance with the general principles of therapy. That is, the optimal treatment for molluscum contagiosum in children is no treatment and simply waiting for the body itself to suppress the activity of the virus, and all the nodules simply disappear without a trace. But if your child scratches the nodules or they cause him discomfort, then it is recommended to try removing them at home with various ointments and solutions containing ingredients to eliminate warts (for example, salicylic acid, tretinoin, cantharidin or benzoyl peroxide). These solutions are applied pointwise to the nodules of molluscum contagiosum 1 - 2 times a day until they disappear.

Parents report the effectiveness of Oxolinic ointment for removing molluscum nodules in children, so you can use this recommendation. So, parents recommend applying a thick layer of ointment to the nodules 1-2 times a day until they disappear completely. In this case, at first, under the influence of the ointment, the nodules may turn red and become inflamed, but there is no need to be afraid of this, since after 1 - 2 days the formations will become crusty and begin to dry out.

If a decision is made to remove nodules from a child using any surgical method, then this should be done only with the use of adequate anesthesia. EMLA cream 5%, produced by AstraZeneka, Sweden, best anesthetizes the skin and, accordingly, is optimally suited for use as an anesthetic during surgical removal of molluscum contagiosum nodules. For adequate pain relief, the cream is applied to the skin in the area where the nodules are localized, covered with the occlusive film that comes with the drug, and left for 50–60 minutes. After an hour, the film is removed, the remaining cream is removed with a sterile cotton swab, and only after this an operation is performed to remove the nodules of molluscum contagiosum.

When using EMLA cream, a good level of pain relief is achieved, as a result of which the child does not feel pain and, accordingly, does not receive additional stress.

Molluscum contagiosum: causes, treatment, diagnosis and prevention. Relieving itching, inflammation and redness - video

Treatment at home

The best way to treat molluscum contagiosum at home is either pharmaceutical preparations or various folk remedies made independently from medicinal herbs, which are applied to the nodules and contribute to their disappearance.

Thus, the most effective among traditional methods for treating molluscum contagiosum at home are the following:

• Garlic lotions. Fresh garlic cloves are crushed to a paste, butter is added in a ratio of 1:1 (by volume) and mixed well. The finished composition is applied pointwise to the nodules in a thick layer, fixed with a plaster or bandage and the lotion is replaced with a fresh one 2 - 3 times a day. Such applications are applied to the nodules of molluscum contagiosum until they completely disappear.
• Garlic juice. Garlic cloves are passed through a meat grinder, the prepared pulp is placed on cheesecloth and the juice is squeezed out. Rub the nodules with fresh garlic juice 5-6 times a day until they disappear completely.
• Infusion of succession. Pour two tablespoons of dry string herb into 250 ml of boiling water (one glass), bring the water to a boil again, remove from heat and leave for an hour in a warm place. With the prepared infusion, wipe the area of ​​skin where the nodules of molluscum contagiosum are localized 3-4 times a day until the formations disappear.
• Calendula tincture. A pharmaceutical alcohol tincture of calendula is used to wipe the skin areas covered with nodules of molluscum contagiosum 3-4 times a day until the formations completely disappear.
• Bird cherry juice. Fresh bird cherry leaves are washed with water and passed through a meat grinder. The resulting pulp is spread on cheesecloth and the juice is squeezed out of the leaves. The juice of bird cherry leaves is mixed with butter in a volume ratio of 1:1 and the resulting ointment is applied to the nodules overnight.

It is recommended to prepare all folk remedies immediately before use and not store longer than 1 - 2 days, since maximum freshness of the compositions ensures higher effectiveness of treatment.

Molluscum contagiosum - treatment with folk remedies: iodine, celandine, fucorcin, tar, calendula tincture - video

Children's skin is so sensitive to everything around that the various rashes on it sometimes do not even surprise parents. However, there are skin ailments that many mothers and fathers have never even heard of. However, these diseases often affect children. About what it is molluscum contagiosum and how to treat such an illness in a child, we will tell you in this article.

What is it

Molluscum contagiosum is a skin disease of viral origin. It mainly affects the skin, but sometimes the mucous membranes are also affected. The characteristic clam shell-like rash on the skin is caused by a virus that belongs to the smallpox group, but is not smallpox as such. It is considered close to smallpox.

This virus can only infect people; animals do not get sick from it and do not tolerate it. Moreover, most often the insidious agent attacks children from birth to ten years. There are four types of this virus in total. The first and second, designated by the corresponding serial numbers after the name of the pathogen MCV, are usually transmitted sexually. This is an adult disease.

But MCV-3 and MCV-4 are types of molluscum contagiosum virus that most often affect children. The virus spreads through contact. Quite often it is infected through shared toys, household items, dishes and bedding. However, the agent can easily survive in an aquatic environment, and therefore often attacks children visiting the communal pool.

Another way of local spread is self-infection. A child who has several elements of skin rashes scratches them, spreading the infection to adjacent healthy skin. This is how the scale of the damage increases. Molluscum contagiosum is contagious, and therefore a child who has been diagnosed with such an infectious disease should not attend kindergarten or school. Parents must notify the teacher and class teacher about the presence of illness.

Increased safety measures are being introduced in the children's group; the skin of other children is carefully examined by medical workers.

The incubation period ranges from 3 weeks to six months. The first signs of the disease can therefore only be detected after a considerable period of time. In newborns, the incubation period lasts less, and the dermatological disease manifests itself faster - after 2-3 weeks. The risk of infection for an infant comes from parents who are sick with molluscum contagiosum, relatives and family friends who come to visit, and there is also a chance of getting the virus in the so-called vertical way - from mother to child during pregnancy.

Despite its scary name, this virus is not dangerous and does not threaten the life of a child. In most cases, it does not even require specific treatment. However, situations are different, and sometimes the need for therapy still arises.

Causes of the disease

A child who is exposed to poxvirus (molluscum contagiosum virus) does not necessarily become infected with it. Most often, the disease occurs in children with insufficiently developed immunity.

At risk:

• children with HIV infection and other diseases associated with immune system deficiency;
• children attending large children's groups;
• frequently ill children who are characterized by a certain immune “apathy”;
• children with a history of dermatological and allergic diseases;
• children who neglect to observe hygiene rules;
• children from six months of age, when babies are no longer protected by maternal innate immunity.

Particles of the molluscum contagiosum virus can live in the environment, in dust, and in the air for quite a long time. But they become active only after penetration into the liquid environment of the body. For them, this is the substance that fills skin rashes. Therefore, the risk of infection also exists if the child receives wounds, scratches, or abrasions.

Even after infection, the virus may not appear for a long time, and the first rashes usually coincide with other factors that indirectly “accelerate” the appearance of molluscs on the skin.

These factors include:

• a state of severe stress or prolonged stress experienced by the child;
• previous acute viral or bacterial disease;
• negative external factors - inhalation and skin contact with toxins, carcinogens, allergens;
• food or drug poisoning.

The mechanisms and causes of action of the posquivirus have not yet been fully studied, and on many issues relating to this pathogen, doctors and scientists do not have a consensus, but almost all experts agree on one thing - a person with a strong, hardened immune system is ten times less likely to become infected with a contagious virus. shellfish, even with direct contact with it. But science is not yet able to explain why the virus can infect both the skin and be characterized by subcutaneous nodules.

Symptoms and signs

The main and almost only symptom of the disease is a skin rash. It has the character of individual papules. Each has a round or oval shape. Their size can be very small - from 1 mm in diameter, or significant - up to several centimeters.

At the initial stage, the papules have a typical skin color and are almost invisible. But quite quickly the rashes become pink with an orange tint and acquire a pearly top. If you press on the top, it may produce a thick white cheesy discharge, like some pimples. Sometimes papules in appearance resemble red blood cells, “pancakes” of dense consistency. In the center of each such disc there is a small depression, reminiscent of a human navel.

At the very beginning of the disease, the papules are small. They expand quite quickly and can reach a diameter of 7-10 millimeters. If the mollusks reach a size of more than 2 centimeters, doctors talk about a giant form of the disease.

Quite rarely, papules are located at some elevation above the skin, on a small movable “leg”. Then the disease is called pedicular.

With numerous small papules, molluscum contagiosum is called miliary. The most common form is the usual one - when a child has 1-2 papules, sometimes their number reaches a dozen. In adults, MCV-1 and MCV-2 viruses most often appear on the thighs and genitals. In children, the “geography” of the third and fourth types of molluscum contagiosum virus is more extensive. Most often, the first papules appear on the skin of the face, body, arms and legs. Characteristic pink hemispherical formations are often located exclusively locally - only on the nose, head, neck, eyebrows and chin.

If a child begins to scratch, rub or squeeze out the papules, the infection will begin to spread further quite quickly - to the chest, back, stomach. At an early stage, the papules are quite hard and dense. Gradually they soften and become more loose. The rash does not cause pain. However, many children complain that the papules itch and itch.

The disease does not always require treatment, since molluscum contagiosum goes away on its own. True, this requires quite a lot of time - from several months to several years. Most often, the recovery process takes from six months to a year.

Papules do not leave any traces on the skin after recovery. Scars and depressions as consequences are more characteristic of the poxvirus's closest relative, the smallpox virus. However, the large size of the papules and extensive lesions, coupled with the child’s weakened immune system, may be good reasons for taking therapeutic measures.

Diagnostics

Any pediatrician is able to recognize molluscum contagiosum, as they say, by sight. Diagnosis even with an initial visual examination does not cause significant difficulties. Based on the appearance of the papules, or by opening one of the papules manually, the correct diagnosis can be established.

Sometimes, to make sure of his assumption, the doctor will take the contents of one papule for laboratory analysis. Oval epithelial cells that have undergone significant degenerative effects are usually found in this white granular mass in the laboratory. Inside these cells, protoplasmic inclusions are observed, which are called Lipschutz mollusks.

If such cells are not found during a microscopic examination of the contents of the papules, the doctor will reconsider the diagnosis and examine the child for warts, pimples, scabies, and keratoacanthoma.

No other additional tests or studies are required for molluscum contagiosum. After the diagnosis is confirmed, the child will be sent for a consultation with a pediatric dermatologist, who will be able to answer the main question - whether the baby needs to be treated or is it better to wait until the disease goes away on its own.

Treatment

As already mentioned, molluscum contagiosum can go away on its own, however, you will have to wait quite a long time. Doctors do not agree to this if the child has an immunodeficiency (HIV and other pathologies of the immune system), if he has a serious concomitant infectious disease, and also if the papules are located on the eyelids or genitals. Parents sometimes do not agree to wait for months, especially if the molluscum contagiosum papules are located in a visible place - on the face, nose, eyes, or hands of the child.

In all these cases, they are offered a wide variety of ways to treat the disease. To be more precise, there is no way to treat the mollusk; you can only eliminate cosmetic defects - the papules themselves. However, before complete self-healing, the appearance of new elements in a child under unfavorable circumstances is quite possible. Immunity to the virus is developed, but this happens very slowly. If with an acute respiratory viral infection 3-5 days are enough for the body to take control of the situation “into its own hands” and suppress the virus, then with molluscum contagiosum the period for developing immunity is calculated in months and even years.

If the doctor claims that there is no need to treat the child, and the parents want to rid the baby of papules, then no one will interfere with them, and the doctor will recommend one of the treatment options.

Curettage

This method should not be carried out at home on your own; it is advisable to undergo the procedure in a sterile clinic environment. The temptation to do everything at home with your own hands is great, because the procedure is quite simple. But the consequences of home treatment can be sad - this is, first of all, infection.

The method involves removing the head with tweezers and scraping out the papules with a curette or a special instrument - Volkmann spoon. When the papule cavity becomes clean, it is cauterized with iodine. Sometimes the doctor limits himself only to thin tweezers; for small rashes this is quite enough.

This method has more disadvantages than advantages. Judge for yourself - the procedure is quite painful and unpleasant. For a child, even with the external use of a spray with an anesthetic effect (“ Lidocaine", for example), it will be quite difficult to withstand the curettage to the end. This method is absolutely not suitable for removing papules located on the face, especially in the eye area, since after curettage there is a risk of small local bleeding, and sunken deep scars often remain on the skin.

Parents who, in numerous reviews on the Internet, advise not to spend money on cosmetic procedures, and to do it all at home, are doubly at risk - in addition to the possibility of skin defects, there is added the possibility of infecting the child with pathogenic bacteria.

Cryodestruction

It is quite possible to remove molluscum contagiosum papules with liquid nitrogen or dry ice. Almost any clinic offers this procedure. Papules are destroyed quite quickly under the influence of liquid nitrogen; the procedure is painless and does not require anesthesia. True, according to patient reviews, it still causes some quite tolerable discomfort.

The substance is kept on the area affected by molluscum contagiosum for no more than 20 seconds, after which the surface is treated with an antiseptic. In this case, manipulation can be carried out both by hardware and by swab (manual) methods. The area exposed to dry ice or liquid nitrogen temporarily shows all the classic signs of thermal injury - it turns white, swelling appears around the cauterization site, which can last about 3-4 hours.

Then a small bubble forms around the frozen papule, which absolutely cannot be pierced, so as not to infect the child. The frostbitten papule itself is rejected after about a month and a half. This method is not considered the most successful for getting rid of molluscum contagiosum on the face and all exposed parts of the body. Blisters that occur under the influence of cold often leave marks on the skin in the form of small scars even after recovery.

In addition, in childhood an allergic reaction to cold is often observed. To avoid such consequences, it is advisable to undergo a test for such an allergy in advance and begin cryodestruction only when the child is allowed this intervention.

Electrocoagulation

This method is based on cauterization of molluscum contagiosum papules with high-frequency electrical alternating current. Under the influence of current, the surface of the skin and the papule heat up, the mollusk dies, and in its place a small crust forms, which itself comes off after a week and a half. The procedure is carried out with a special device called an electrocoagulator. The skin is first anesthetized. After cauterization, the former papules are treated with iodine or another antiseptic. The result is assessed after a week. The disadvantage of the method is that not all papules may die. Sometimes the procedure has to be repeated.

Laser treatment

To date, this method is considered the safest and most effective. In a clinical setting, papules are targeted with a pulsed laser, after numbing the skin with an anesthetic in the form of a cream. The affected area of ​​skin under the laser beam warms up to 150-155 degrees. At this temperature, the virus dies and the contents of the papules evaporate. High temperature also completely disinfects the affected area, which eliminates infection by bacteria and fungi.

You won't have to wait long for the effect. After the first laser therapy session, about 90% of molluscum contagiosum papules die. Most often, one session is enough to completely defeat the disease. In place of the semicircular spherical papules after laser exposure, reddened spots remain, which usually disappear quite quickly.

The therapy does not leave scars, depressions or other defects, which is why the method is considered the most suitable for removing mollusks from a child’s skin if they are located on the face, near the eyes, on the nose, or chin.

After such exposure, you should not wet the areas that were exposed to laser beams for three days. The child should not visit the swimming pool, bathhouse, shower, or sauna. After three days you can return to normal life. The disadvantage of laser therapy is that it is contraindicated for newborns and children with other skin diseases - microbial, fungal or allergic in origin.

Medications

To treat molluscum contagiosum, the method of chemical cauterization of papules is used. It should be understood that skin rashes with this disease are of viral origin, and therefore they are completely insensitive to alcohol-based antiseptics and “green stuff”. All drying agents can also be dangerous, since drying papules is strictly prohibited.

Other medicines used include:

• Antiseptics are often used " Fukortsin" It allows you to stop the spread of infection, especially if the child constantly scratches, injures and tears off the papules. Lotion " Molyustin", although it is not a medicine, but belongs to the category of cosmetic preparations, leads to the destruction of cells affected by the virus and quite effectively gets rid of papules, but it can only be used for children over 3 years old.

• Medicinal ointments containing tretinoin help well. This " Vesanoid», « Lokacid" These drugs are not prohibited for use in children, but manufacturers do not have sufficient and convincing results of clinical studies in children. Before use, be sure to consult a doctor. If he approves, the ointment is applied to the papules twice a day for at least 5-6 hours, after which the affected skin is washed with warm water and soap. The procedures are continued until the last papule completely disappears.
• Non-protein poison cantharidin, which underlies such a well-known drug as “ Spanish fly", is also quite often used to treat molluscum contagiosum. However, you need to be extremely careful with this remedy, because this poison can cause severe poisoning. For children under 7 years of age, be sure to consult a doctor.
• Cream " Imiquimod", which is often advised to be used for molluscum contagiosum, does not have antiviral activity, and it is not advisable to use it in children under 18 years of age. It is better to give preference to oxolinic ointment. This drug is applied to the papules in a thick layer 2-3 times a day.

Taking antibiotics for molluscum contagiosum is not advisable, since antimicrobial drugs have no effect on the virus at all. In rare cases, the doctor may recommend an antibiotic ointment, but only if the child has a bacterial infection, and some previously injured papules have begun to fester and become inflamed.

Traditional methods of treatment are based on lubricating the papules with garlic juice, calendula tincture, string infusion and bird cherry juice. However, experts do not recommend self-medication, since papules are easy to damage, and in a lack of sterility, the risk of infection will increase many times over. Recovery is considered the period when the last mollusk on the child’s skin has disappeared.

Immunity is not lifelong, and reinfection may occur after some time.

Prevention

The best prevention of molluscum contagiosum is by practicing good hygiene. It is important that from a very early age the child learns to use only his own towel, brush, and slippers. Underwear should be changed daily, and bed linen should be changed once a week. If a child goes to the pool and swims or visits a public bathhouse with his parents, It is important that after each such visit he takes a shower and changes into clean clothes.

If there are several children in a family, then the person infected with molluscum contagiosum is transferred to a somewhat isolated state. It is clear that a child cannot be limited in communication for a whole year until all his papules disappear. But it is quite enough to avoid close physical contact, as well as sharing the same toys, dishes, towels and bed linen. For the patient, all this should be personal.

One of the main points in the prevention of molluscum contagiosum is to strengthen children's immunity. From a very early age, you need to harden your child and provide him with long walks in the fresh air. At an older age, playing sports is encouraged. Nutrition should be balanced and rich in all essential vitamins. During periods of mass incidence of viral respiratory infections, it is better to refrain from visiting public places with large crowds of people with your child, from traveling on public transport during rush hour, from visiting clinics and hospitals unless absolutely necessary. Preventive vaccinations, which are provided for in the National Vaccination Calendar, help strengthen immunity.

You should not refuse them, since vaccines are also training for the immune system, which will not allow the child to become infected with dangerous diseases, and will also reduce the overall seasonal incidence of ARVI.

To learn about what molluscum contagiosum is and how to fight it, see the following video.

The main route of occurrence of the disease is contact with the skin of a sick person. Rashes are usually concentrated at the point of contact; it is in these areas that papules appear.

The main causes of infection with molluscum contagiosum:

• Sexual contact with a carrier of the disease.
• Lack of personal hygiene.
• Unsanitary living conditions.

Infection can occur when visiting a sauna, bathhouse, or swimming pool. An epidemic outbreak is possible in children attending kindergarten or school.

How does molluscum contagiosum manifest?

What do skin rashes look like when you are sick? Papules resemble hemispherical nodes, in some cases they are flattened. The size of each nodule at the first stages of the disease is equal to the head of a pin. Gradually the rash increases, each nodule becomes the size of a pea. A peculiarity of molluscum contagiosum is that when you press on the papule, a whitish discharge resembling a cheesy mass is released from the recess.

Where are the rashes located? Papules appear on:

• face,
• breasts,
• in the groin area,
• on the genitals,
• on the inner thighs.

Nodules on the palms and soles are extremely rare. In patients with low immunity, the rashes occupy a large area of ​​the skin.

How does a patient with molluscum contagiosum feel? The papules are painless, the symptoms do not cause any subjective sensations. Sometimes there may be slight itching, but it appears when scratching.

Treatment methods

Outpatient treatment involves the following procedures:

• Surgical removal - curettage. It is carried out once a month.
• Laser removal.
• Treatment with chemotherapy drugs. But they are not recommended for long-term use due to their adverse effects on the skin.

Therapy is carried out comprehensively, medications are added to the actions described above. During treatment, you cannot visit common areas; you need to disinfect your sleeping area, bathtub, and personal hygiene items more often.

Treatment at home

If you do not want to resort to unpleasant procedures, you should try self-treatment of molluscum contagiosum with folk remedies. Traditional medicine recipes that have an antiviral effect can speed up recovery. Proven recipes for treatment in adults and children:

• Eucalyptus ointment and calendula tincture. This solution is used to treat pathological formations three times a day.
• Collecting a string fill with water and bring to a hot state. For one glass of water, take two spoons of the mixture. The finished broth is covered and infused for an hour. The resulting tincture is used to wipe multiple rashes three times a day.
• Garlic refers to natural antiviral drugs. Garlic ointment is used three times a day. To prepare the ointment, the head of garlic is crushed to a thin paste. Add a spoonful of butter to the mixture and mix. If the skin tolerates garlic treatments well, then it is not forbidden to wipe the nodules with a slice six times a day.
• Celandine juice Apply to papules twice a day. You can make a solution from the plant yourself or buy it at a pharmacy. When using celandine, precautions should be taken. Avoid contact with healthy areas of skin, wash hands thoroughly after procedures, avoid contact with eyes.
• Juniper berries, three tablespoons of birch buds, yarrow herb, eucalyptus leaves, pine buds and calendula flowers are brewed with boiling water and then infused. The resulting tincture is filtered and used to wipe the skin and take it orally. The course of treatment is 2 times a day, a tablespoon. Duration - about two weeks.

Important Note: When treating at home, you should not squeeze out papules yourself. This action can complicate the course of the disease.

What you need to know about prevention

To reduce the likelihood of becoming infected with molluscum contagiosum, you should follow simple rules.

• Don’t forget about personal hygiene and teach your children to be clean. It is advisable to iron your underwear with a hot iron and wash your hands frequently. Toys that are used outdoors should be washed once a week.
• To strengthen your defenses, it is important to walk more, do not forget about physical activity, and healthy food. A decrease in immune strength complicates the treatment of the disease.

The fight against molluscum contagiosum takes some time, but before starting treatment at home, do not neglect a visit to the doctor. Only a specialist can make a correct diagnosis.

From the following video you can learn even more details about molluscum contagiosum:

Molluscum contagiosum is a contagious disease that is viral in nature and manifests itself as a specific rash on the skin. Typically for the disease, the rashes are “pea-shaped” with a whitish filling of varying sizes. The following photos will show you exactly what molluscum contagiosum looks like.

Molluscum contagiosum in the photo

Photos showing manifestations of molluscum contagiosum in adults and children are the result of an encounter between the body and the smallpox virus.

More about the reasons

This virus is transmitted between people and is limited exclusively to skin lesions. What molluscum contagiosum looks like can be clearly seen in the photo.

Who is sick

Risk group

Children with weakened body defenses are at greater risk of contracting molluscum contagiosum, as in the photo. In a child with a normal immune system, initial symptoms should not be expected.

Ways of infection by shellfish

The symptoms of molluscum contagiosum depicted in the photo are expected after direct contact with a patient or a thing that the patient touched.

Localization of symptoms

IMPORTANT TO KNOW!

Manifestations of molluscum contagiosum in the photo can be expressed by characteristic symptoms on the eyelids, neck, arms, forehead, outer surfaces of the genitals, and inner thighs.

Development of the disease - incubation period

A person infected with molluscum contagiosum, as in the photo, does not notice anything suspicious on the skin of the hands, face, or torso for a period of 2 weeks to 6 months.

Characteristic symptoms at the onset of the disease

Immediately after the end of the incubation period, rash elements appear on the legs, face, and arms in the form of hemispherical shiny and smooth but dense nodules, as in the photo, the size of a pinhead.

Further symptoms

With the development of the disease shown in the photo, molluscum contagiosum acne, including on the lips, increases in size, and a depression forms in the center of the papules. Inside there is a whitish semi-liquid mass - it flows out as soon as you press on the pimple.

Diagnostic Basics

As part of the diagnosis, it is necessary to differentiate molluscum contagiosum, which is in the photo, from the initial stage of chickenpox and warts. This is done by dermatologists and infectious disease specialists.

Treatment offered by official medicine

The molluscum contagiosum shown in the photo does not require specialized treatment. The disease tends to go away on its own, but this requires several months (2-3). If this period is critical for the patient, modern medicine suggests using a quick method of removing the mollusk using a laser.

Folk experience against molluscum contagiosum

Garlic, bird cherry and celandine juice will help to forcefully remove molluscum contagiosum, as in the photo, even if it is located on the pubic part.

The molluscum contagiosum shown in the photo, including on the genitals, must not be dried or injured. Taking a hot bath or swimming in the pool is also prohibited, as is drying your skin with a towel. Otherwise, the number of white peas on the body will increase.

Most people associate the word “shellfish” only with seafood, and the disease of the same name is known only in medical circles. Despite the beauty of the name, this disease can cause a lot of discomfort. There is no need to be especially afraid; molluscum contagiosum is a simple disease for an experienced dermatologist.

Molluscum contagiosum is an unpleasant disease

What does a mollusk look like on the skin of the face?

Molluscum contagiosum is a viral disease that affects the skin and mucous membranes. This disease manifests itself as rashes on the skin in the form of spherical papules, with a diameter of 1 mm to 1 cm. Their color ranges from flesh-colored to pinkish, with a pasty mass inside, which, when examined in detail, consists of rounded elements reminiscent of small mollusks. This nuance contributed to the name molluscum contagiosum.

Features of rashes with molluscum contagiosum:

• have a clear spherical shape;
• the rashes rise slightly above the skin;
• the color of the neoplasms completely merges with the color of human skin, occasionally they can be more pink;
• the hemisphere is slightly depressed in the central part;
• the rashes are filled with a white pasty mass;
• The disease is transmitted only from person to person; animals are excluded as carriers.

The disease affects both adults and children. A person infected with the virus becomes its carrier forever, but does not pose a danger to the people around him. The virus becomes dangerous only in the active phase, when rashes appear on the skin.

Clinical picture

The disease has its own characteristic features:

• The incubation period of the virus takes from two weeks to two months;
• no feeling of discomfort or pain;
• itching and burning sensations occur only when the papules are filled with liquid contents;
• no complications after illness;
• spontaneous disappearance of the disease after 6 months;
• the need for prevention to avoid recurrence of the disease.

Molluscum contagiosum does not require any treatment; after six months no one will notice marks on the skin.

Molluscum contagiosum is caused by a virus

Methods of infection

The virus that causes molluscum contagiosum spreads very easily, passing from person to person.

There are several most common ways of transmitting the disease:

1. Household - the disease is transmitted by using common household items with sick people. When infected by this method, rashes most often appear on the hands and face.
2. Contact – occurs when there is close contact of the skin or mucous membranes with an infected person. Most often this happens during sexual intercourse. Although this disease can be acquired through sexual contact, molluscum contagiosum is not a sexually transmitted disease. With this method of entry of the virus into the body, the inner thighs, groin area, and abdomen are most often affected.
3. Collective - close contacts, especially in children's groups - schools and kindergartens, quite often become the cause of epidemics of the disease.

Causes of molluscum contagiosum

The disease is highly contagious and can only be contracted by touching it. Taking this factor into account, the disease has its own age preferences. Children usually become infected when playing in groups, playing with shared toys, using other people's hygiene items, bedding, towels, and clothes. The peak of the disease usually occurs between 4 and 9 years of age.

The second peak of the disease is associated with the onset of sexual activity in young people, because this virus can also be obtained in this way. The second wave affects people aged 18–25 years.

Other age categories may also succumb to the influence of the disease, this is due to the awakening of a virus that has been dormant until this moment.

There are certain risk areas where it is easiest to get the virus:

• failure to comply with personal hygiene rules;
• being in ponds, saunas, where water can become a carrier of the virus;
• decreased immunity;
• unsanitary conditions in living quarters;
• direct contact with a carrier of the virus, especially if it is in the active stage;
• ignoring hand washing whenever necessary;
• sexual contact with carriers of the virus;
• bad environmental situation.

Poor sanitation is one of the causes of shellfish infestation

Treatment of molluscum contagiosum in adults

This inconspicuous disease can affect any part of the human body. Molluscum contagiosum on the face is extremely rare in adults; the disease most often affects this area in children. And if you can put up with formations on the body and hope for the disappearance of the disease after 6 months, then papules on the face can cause discomfort. Women especially often agree to remove molluscum on the face, not wanting to wait a long time for a cure.

By seeking help from a dermatologist, you can get the following possible solutions to the problem:

• Identification and exclusion of any source of infection.
• Different methods of cauterization of papules. Chemical preparations can be used - acids, iodine, hydrogen peroxide or thermal ones - laser therapy, diathermocoagulation, cryotherapy.
• Treatment with fucorcin helps prevent the spread of the mollusk throughout the facial area.
• Complex therapeutic therapy uses drugs that can increase the body's resistance to the virus.
• The use of antiviral drugs - ointments and tablets.
• Taking vitamin complexes will help strengthen your immune system.
• It is recommended to follow a diet that limits sweets, fatty foods, and excess salt.
• Opening the papules followed by scraping out their contents with a Volkmann spoon.
• Some treatments may use lidocaine as an anesthetic.

It is possible to take antibacterial therapy if pathogenic microflora is identified.

An experienced dermatologist will help you remove mollusks. All manipulations associated with the removal of skin lesions with molluscum contagiosum must be performed under conditions of exceptional sterility. The specialist will be able to carry out the procedure correctly, which will contribute to the rapid healing of wounds.

A good result is obtained by the method of removing mollusks with a laser. It is suitable when rashes have formed on the neck and face, hands, as well as other open areas of the human body. This type of treatment does not injure the healthy tissue surrounding the mollusk, acting strictly in the pathological zone. This technique does not leave scars, and the tissues heal faster than with thermal effects.

Manifestations of molluscum contagiosum on the face should be removed in a hospital setting to avoid possible complications.

For several days after the procedure for removing rashes, traces of them are smeared with iodine. Viferon ointment, acyclovir, cycloferon can be prescribed as complex therapy. They will help avoid relapses.

To prevent re-infection, after removing shellfish, disinfection of the sick person’s personal belongings, bedding and underwear, and general cleaning of the home should follow.

Viferon helps avoid relapses

Treatment with traditional methods

You can try to treat molluscum contagiosum with traditional medicine. The treatment process is unlikely to go away quickly, but there will be no harm to the body from the use of herbal preparations.

Garlic juice

You need to lubricate the affected areas of the skin every 5-6 hours. The course of treatment should be carried out within one month.

Celandine juice

Fresh juice from this plant has a good therapeutic effect. In cases where it is impossible to get the plant, an alcohol tincture is used, which is not difficult to find.

Tincture of string

Pour a glass of boiling water over a few tablespoons of crushed leaves. Let it brew in a dark place for several hours, covering the vessel with the broth well. Use a cotton swab to wipe the affected areas.

A series in the form of a tincture is used for molluscum

Having discovered molluscum contagiosum on the body in adults, you can choose one of two approaches - remove the unwanted pellets or put up with them for a while. Fighting a viral infection will not leave the disease a chance, but you will still have to live with it for some time.

• The virus that causes this disease is immune to antiseptics based on alcohol, incl. brilliant green. Apart from aesthetic inconveniences, there will be no benefit from this procedure.
• You need to treat papules on your face with care, try not to damage them or overdry them.
• If you accidentally touch molluscum contagiosum, you need to thoroughly disinfect all objects that come into contact with the disease. These same papules contain a virus that can spread throughout the body and be transmitted to other people.
• Treatment of the disease must be completed, even if the plaques are not visible at all. Such carelessness can lead to re-treatment of the disease.
• It is necessary to limit the amount of facial cosmetics. Excess foundation can cause inflammation of the rash.

During treatment, it is better to refrain from visiting public bodies of water and not to be exposed to high temperatures - baths, saunas, and solariums should be avoided for some time.

The appearance of molluscum contagiosum on the face is not dangerous, but not the most pleasant of skin diseases. It is painless, does not cause much discomfort, and the main troubles associated with it are the aesthetic aspect and the long process of treatment with antiviral drugs.