Molluscum contagiosum, a skin condition characterized by specific rash units, is more than just a nuisance. Infection spreads through close contact with the patient’s skin or contaminated objects, making children and sexually active individuals particularly vulnerable. Even visits to public pools can contribute to the spread of this contagious virus.

What Causes Molluscum Contagiosum?

This skin disease is caused by a virus, with two main types: type 1, which is more common in children, and type 2, prevalent in adults. It’s rare in children under 1 year old due to a long incubation period and their innate immunity. The peak incidence typically occurs between ages 2 and 5.

Symptoms and Clinical Manifestation

The incubation period ranges from 14 days to 6 months. The first sign is the appearance of characteristic rash – small spherical papules with a pearl color and central depression. Initially tiny, these papules can grow to 5-10 mm over a few months. The rash mainly affects the urogenital area in sexually transmitted cases, but lesions can also appear on hands and other parts of the body. Children often have papules on their extremities, but atypical locations like the scalp, lips, tongue, and buccal mucosa are also possible.

Molluscum contagiosum is highly contagious; when papules break, the virus easily spreads to healthy skin, causing rapid growth. The duration of the rash varies depending on the immune system’s strength, typically disappearing within 2 months but sometimes persisting for years. Multiple moles suddenly appearing may indicate HIV.

Healing of the skin lesions leaves depressions on the skin where the papules were located.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis relies on recognizing the characteristic papules with central indentation. For very small lesions, examination with a magnifying glass or electron microscope may be necessary. Histological examination of the mollusks and their contents further confirms the diagnosis.

While mollusks often resolve spontaneously, various treatments are available if they persist or multiply:

• Surgical removal by curettage: Effective but may leave scars.
• Cryotherapy: Freezing with liquid nitrogen, typically used in older children and adults. May require multiple sessions and can also leave scars.
• Treatment with silver preparations: May cause hyperpigmentation.
• Creams containing antiviral medications: Help prevent formation and spread of the virus.

During infection periods, abstaining from sexual contact is advised.