Molluscum contagiosum in children and adults
Molluscum contagiosum is a common disease that has not yet been fully studied by doctors. The disease is of a viral nature and affects exclusively the skin. It often develops in children between the ages of one and five years. It is less common in adolescents and adults. The clam is not taken seriously. It is perceived as a pimple or wart. In fact, the appearance of a skin growth should not be ignored, since it poses a danger in terms of infection.
The viral infection got its name due to the fact that with multiple magnification, the skin on which there is a neoplasm resembles the shell of a mollusk or snail. The prefix contagious means contagious. The mollusk does not pose any threat to life and health, but it spoils its appearance. A person can experience discomfort, both cosmetic and physical.
Content:
- Causes of molluscum contagiosum
- How does the infection take place?
- How do children become infected?
- Molluscum Contagiosum Symptoms
- Diagnosis of molluscum contagiosum
- Should molluscum contagiosum be treated?
- What complications can there be?
- How is molluscum contagiosum treated?
- What should you not do?
- Prevention measures
Causes of molluscum contagiosum
Molluscum contagiosum appears on the skin when infected with the MCV virus (in Russia, this virus is referred to as VKM). It belongs to the Poxviridae family. Children are more susceptible to infection, since it is their immune system that is not yet mature enough to withstand the attacks of the virus. In addition, in children, the skin has certain characteristics that allow viral particles to easily penetrate the structure of the epidermis. Although adults can also be attacked by infection.
Scientists have identified 2 types of viruses that provoke the appearance of characteristic changes in the dermis:
- The first and second types. They most commonly affect adolescents and adults. The virus is transmitted mainly sexually, with unprotected intimacy.
- The third and fourth type of virus. These viruses mainly affect children, as they are transmitted in the household.
As statistics show, preschoolers suffer from molluscum contagiosum in 80% of cases.
Here are some facts about the prevalence of the disease at different ages:
- Children under 12 months of age do not suffer from molluscum contagiosum, as they have the protection they acquired from their mother.
- The peak incidence occurs at the age of 4-5 years. It is during this period that the most cases are recorded.
- Less commonly, children 5-14 years old are exposed to infection.
- In adults and adolescents, the predominantly genital form of the mollusk is diagnosed. This type of virus is spread sexually.
Each particle of the virus contains its own DNA. Often, for a long time, it exists asymptomatically in the human body, without showing itself. The activation of the virus and its reproduction occurs after the immune forces fail. Such factors can provoke the development of a viral infection as:
- Serious illness.
- Immunodeficiency.
- HIV infection.
- Taking corticosteroids.
- Damage to the skin.
- Tattooing.
- Hormonal imbalance. Sometimes molluscum is activated in pregnant women.
Molluscum contagiosum and human papillomavirus are two different diseases, although they manifest as skin warts and growths. However, with a mollusk, the rashes are of the same type, they never form on the palms and feet.
How does the infection take place?
To date, scientists can only make assumptions about how long a person remains infectious to others after the first elements of the rash appear. Most dermatologists are of the opinion that the presence of characteristic growths on the body is a signal that a person is a spread of infection.
It is reliably known that the virus is transmitted from person to person through close contact, or through household items. Therefore, it is so important to use only personal accessories: a towel, a washcloth, linen and hygiene products.
Animals are not carriers of molluscum contagiosum. They themselves do not suffer from this virus either.
All possible routes of infection:
- Direct contact with the skin of a sick person.
- Skin contact with things that have a virus on it.
The infection spreads faster in a humid and warm environment. Therefore, the population of countries living in characteristic climatic zones suffers from molluscum contagiosum. The disease is also common in states with low levels of sanitation and medicine.
The average incubation period is 2-8 weeks. At this time, the virus does not manifest itself in anything.
What increases the risk of infection?
Facilitates the process of penetration of the virus into the cells of the epidermis by factors such as:
- Damage to the skin. If there are even microscopic injuries on the dermis, the virus can easily penetrate into its deep structures. In this regard, peeling of the skin, its excessive dryness, the presence of scratches and abrasions on its surface are dangerous.
- Bathing. Damp and swollen skin becomes more permeable. Therefore, the likelihood of infection increases while swimming in open water bodies and in the pool.
- Violation of the rules of personal hygiene, as well as the use of other people's accessories.
- Sports activities. Athletes often suffer from molluscum contagiosum. They become infected through water or through close contact. This applies to swimmers, wrestlers and gymnasts.
Infection by contact with the virus does not always occur. If the immunity is strong, then it will not allow its particles to penetrate the skin structures. When there is no immunity to the virus, and the body's own defenses are reduced, infection will surely happen. In the thickness of the dermis, viruses begin to actively divide, which in the near future will manifest as characteristic rashes.
How do children become infected?
A child can become infected through contact with other infected children or adults. Molluscum contagiosum is also transmitted through household items.
Ways of spreading infection in childhood:
- Interaction with another child who has molluscum contagiosum on their skin. Often, infection occurs in kindergarten, at school, in country camps.
- Sleep on the bed linen of a sick person.
- Interaction with toys that have virus particles on them.
- Using a washcloth or towel previously used by a sick person.
- Swimming in the open water, in the pool. Infection occurs if sick people were in the same water.
- Sandbox games where infected children played.
When the first elements of the rash appear on the skin, the child begins to comb them. This causes the infection to spread throughout the body. He also carries particles of the virus to the surrounding objects. This happens with normal touch. Molluscum contagiosum viruses are persistent in the environment and able to remain active for some time.
Adults do not become infected in this way. Infection occurs during intimacy. Their rashes will be concentrated in the area of the external genital organs.
Molluscum Contagiosum Symptoms
The main and only symptom of the disease is skin rashes:
- The rash appears smoothly. First, small spots form on the dermis, which are difficult to distinguish with the naked eye. Their size does not exceed the head of a pin.
- The spot is flesh-colored, may rise slightly above the surface of the skin.
- The elements of the rash tend to grow slowly. The stains do not hurt and do not cause any discomfort to the person. Gradually, the spot begins to resemble a wart, which can be of different sizes (up to 5-8 mm).
- The skin above the growth is taut, and there is a depression in its upper part.
- Mature elements of the rash look like balls. Their color can be milky, white, pink or beige. Sometimes they give off a pearly sheen.
- Inside the build-up there is a substance that resembles pus or cottage cheese in its consistency. This substance is represented by dead blood cells, virus particles and lymphocytes.
- Sometimes only one mollusk appears on the dermis, and sometimes a whole group of rashes. They are located in close proximity to each other.
Molluscum contagiosum can appear anywhere on the body, on the face. However, these neoplasms never form on the palms and feet. This is their main difference from HPV.
The favorite places for localization of molluscum contagiosum in children are areas such as:
- Arms and legs.
- Armpits.
- Chest.
- Stomach.
- Face.
- Groin and genitals.
In adults and adolescents who have begun to live sexually, rashes appear in areas such as:
- External genital organs.
- Inner thighs.
- Crotch.
- Skin around the eyes and mouth.
There can be 1-2 elements, and maybe about 20. The growths do not itch, do not hurt and do not cause any discomfort. Although they can itch in children. This leads to the fact that patients violate their integrity and carry them to other parts of the body.
Redness and swelling of the growths is observed when a secondary infection joins. Suppuration also develops. This complication requires treatment.
Diagnosis of molluscum contagiosum
It is impossible to diagnose on your own. Often parents turn to the Internet for help, find photos of contagious molluscs and compare them with rashes on the skin of children. It seems to them that they made the diagnosis correctly and can begin treatment. This is the most dangerous diagnostic method, since it has no medical justification. The fact is that diseases such as tuberculosis, smallpox, syphilis, etc. can be hidden under the guise of a molluscum contagiosum. Incorrect diagnosis and treatment can be extremely dangerous to health.
It is possible to make sure that the skin growth is a consequence of infection with molluscum contagiosum is possible only in the doctor's office. For a dermatologist, an examination is often enough to make the correct diagnosis. To clarify it, a skin scraping or biopsy of the affected tissues may be prescribed. Subsequently, the collected material is examined under a microscope. This will allow visualization of shell cells typical of molluscum contagiosum.
Should molluscum contagiosum be treated?
There is no consensus among dermatologists on the need for treatment.
There are two cardinal opinions on this score:
- No treatment needed. A number of experts believe that there is no need to treat the infection. The rash does not cause discomfort to the person, with the exception of some defect in appearance. After a certain time period, the growths will pass on their own. This can take from several months to several years. If the immune system is strong, then the rash may not appear at all, or be minimal and after a few weeks they will completely disappear. However, there is evidence that after some elements of the rash disappear, new ones form in their place. This is a cyclical process that can last more than 1.5 years (up to 4 years maximum). After that, a stable immunity will form in the body, and this viral infection no longer threatens it.
- Treatment is necessary! Some scientists believe that it is necessary to treat the infection, especially when it comes to children. In addition to the fact that they become its distributors, babies often comb elements of the rash. This leads to the addition of a secondary infection and suppuration.
What complications can there be?
Molluscum contagiosum is not associated with the development of any complications. After a while, the growths from the skin go off on their own. There are no traces on it. If there is no treatment, then the period of complete elimination of the elements of the rash can last up to 3-4 years.
After some procedures to remove the rash, scars or scars may remain on the skin. With a reactive body response, some people develop multiple rashes. If a person's immunity is greatly weakened, then the course of the disease becomes pronounced.
When a rash appears on the face, or its elements are too large, it complicates treatment. Such patients are prescribed drugs to increase immunity, as well as local therapy.
How is molluscum contagiosum treated?
There are no drugs that would completely remove the virus from the body. It is only possible to get rid of the elements of the rash that were triggered by this infection. Calling the procedures pleasant will not work. Their children are especially painful.
Therefore, you need to resort to them with caution:
- Cryodestruction, that is, freezing a shellfish with liquid nitrogen.
- Curettage with a Volkmann spoon. In this case, the elements of the rash are either scraped out or squeezed out. Alternatively, the clams can be crushed or cut with a scalpel.
- Removal by chemical means. To do this, use a variety of ointments or solutions. The most popular are salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, cantharidin, tretinoin.
- Processing shellfish with iodine. To get rid of the growths, treatment will need to be carried out for a long time.
- Reception of Cimetidine. This drug blocks histamine receptors. There is information that its use can speed up the process of cleansing the skin from contagious molluscs.
- Removal with a laser.
All of these methods can give the child some discomfort and even pain. After them, scars and scars can remain on the skin, so they are practiced with extreme caution.
Experts recommend starting treatment only if the shellfish gives a person real discomfort, if the rash is itchy or painful. Also, therapy can be carried out with multiple rashes located in a prominent place.
As practice shows, the earlier the treatment is started, the higher its effectiveness. Therefore, therapy should be carried out immediately after the growths have just begun to form.
Video: life is great! Molluscum Contagiosum - Sandbox Disease:
What should you not do?
It is strictly forbidden to try to squeeze out the contents of the shellfish with your hands, nails or tweezers. This can cause the infection to spread throughout the body. You should not cauterize the growths with garlic or celandine, as such treatments injure the dermis. You can't try to rip off the clam. Any actions with elements of the rash can only be carried out by a doctor. He will select the appropriate treatment method and implement it competently.
Since the disease is contagious, you need to learn how to live with it correctly. Basic medical recommendations:
- It is necessary to touch the skin rashes as little as possible. Do not rub or comb them.
- After touching the elements of the rash, you should wash your hands with soap and water.
- The skin in the affected area must be treated with antiseptic agents.
- If close contact with healthy people is planned, then it is recommended to cover the growths with a bandage. This will prevent infection.
- Adults should not shave off hair in the area where the growths have formed.
- If your skin is dry, you need to moisturize it. Avoid trauma to the dermis.
These rules will help prevent infection of healthy people. Children with shellfish can attend educational and preschool institutions. It is important to teach your child to follow the simple rules that were described above.
Prevention measures
It is difficult to avoid infection. It will not be possible to restrict the child in contacts, it will not work to isolate him from society. Children should communicate with their peers, lead an active lifestyle. At the same time, it is necessary to instill in them the skills of self-care from an early age, as well as teach them to observe the rules of personal hygiene.
Infection occurs through contact with sick people. Re-infection is unlikely, as the person develops immunity to the disease.
To reduce all kinds of risks, you need to follow simple recommendations:
- After returning from the street, you need to wash your hands with soap and water.
- After swimming in the pool, you need to take a shower with soap.
- You can only use a personal towel, washcloth, etc.
- You don't need to touch other people's skin.
- It is necessary to carefully handle all wounds on the skin, to prevent infection from entering them.
Article author: Mochalov Pavel Alexandrovich | d. m. n. therapist
Education: Moscow Medical Institute. IM Sechenov, specialty - "General Medicine" in 1991, in 1993 "Occupational Diseases", in 1996 "Therapy".
