Molluscum contagiosum in the mouth. Molluscum contagiosum in women

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 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 benign disease, and does not apply to tumor formations, 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 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 a low level 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 viruses smallpox, chickenpox and vaccinations. 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 inner surface hips

However, it has now been established that many people, even if infected, do not get sick with molluscum contagiosum, which is due to the peculiarities of the functioning of 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 skin appear 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 nodules allows you to recognize the disease without using 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 shock, 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 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 in public transport, massage, wrestling, boxing, breastfeeding, etc.) with a person suffering from molluscum contagiosum can lead to infection of any healthy person, regardless of age and gender.

Indirect contact path transmission of molluscum contagiosum is the most common and consists of infection healthy people through touching general subjects household items on which viral particles remain after they were used by a person suffering from an 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 aquatic environment viral particles that can be “picked up” by any other person who comes into 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 result in 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 to 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 reinfection 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. Respectively, approximate period self-healing should be counted by adding 18 months to the date 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 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 vision. hair follicles eyelashes

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 part chest, in the armpits, on the hands and forearms, on the lower abdomen, inner thighs, pubis, around the anus and on the skin in the genital area. However, despite wide range options for the localization of 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, face or abdomen, but all formations are grouped in only one area and are absent from 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 different sizes, but 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, resulting in the formation of crusts and ulcers 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.

Described clinical picture Molluscum contagiosum is the classic form of infection. However, in addition to this, the disease can occur in the following atypical forms, differing from the classical morphological characteristics of 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, resembling milia in appearance ("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.

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 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 harm to the child discomfort, 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, scars or cicatrices are never formed at the site of their localization, only sometimes there may be foci of depigmentation.

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 seal the nodules with an adhesive plaster 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 localizing nodules 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 nodules on the genitals or in the genital area leads to their trauma when sexual contacts, 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. 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.
• Miliums ("grass"). They are small white dots localized in sebaceous glands 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”).

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

Consider the characteristics of surgical and informal conservative methods removal of 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. The best way EMLA ointment 5% relieves pain on 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 5% alcohol solution Yoda 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.

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 a child scratches the nodules, or they cause him discomfort, then it is recommended to try to remove them at home with various ointments and solutions containing components for eliminating 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 crust over 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 that an operation is performed to remove the nodules of molluscum contagiosum.

When using EMLA cream, it is achieved good level pain relief, 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 drugs 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 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.
• Tincture of calendula. 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 leaves The bird cherry is 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.

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

Viral skin disease molluscum belongs to the ospenegenic group of viruses. The virus has 4 types, of which the 2 most common are MCV1 and MCV2, which are most often transmitted sexually in the adult population. The virus is also found in children.

The skin disease molluscum, as we noted above, is sexually transmitted in adults. Unfortunately, modern medicine cannot yet completely cope with the virus and completely rid the infected person of the disease.

It is only possible to create conditions under which the virus will not create relapses and cause discomfort, deterioration general condition health.

If you have promiscuous sex life, you can very quickly catch the causative agent of the disease, because The virus is contagious and dangerous.

If the body experiences very low level immunity, this causes the activation of a harmful microorganism and a relapse of the disease occurs.

Its localization on the surface of the skin of the body will depend on how the virus was infected.

Since adults most often become infected during sexual intercourse, the site of infection will of course be concentrated on intimate place- external genitalia, in the pubic area, can also appear on the lower abdomen and inner thighs.

In the case of the childhood form of the disease, it can concentrate on any area of ​​the skin, because infection occurs most often by everyday means. Children can become infected in the pool if they use hygiene items infected person.

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Activation of the virus and its further development occurs due to an unsatisfactory level of immunity, which was severely weakened due to another viral or infectious disease. The skin disease molluscum can also occur against the background of HIV infection.

When the virus penetrates the deep layers of the skin, it begins to introduce its elementary bodies into the cells of the epidermis, which manifests itself on the surface of the skin in the form of small round or oval-shaped formations. A skin disease such as molluscum has a tendency to grow and develop, and formations that initially appear under the skin, during the development of the virus, gradually come to the surface of the epidermis.

Outside, you can see nodular formations, which can be single or group in nature. Such a nodule can grow, be a single formation or group.

Human infection occurs through sexual or domestic contact when you used personal hygiene items of an infected person. Often, the disease is transmitted to in public places- swimming pools, baths in medical treatment rooms.

A long period of time may pass from the moment of infection before the first symptoms of the disease appear - from a couple of weeks to several months, when you begin to notice a rash on the skin.

A viral skin disease, molluscum manifests itself as a nodular formation on the skin, which is flesh-colored, in some cases colored in pearlescent tones. Such formations are somewhat painful in nature and can be of different sizes, up to the size of a pea.

When such a nodule is opened, you can see a white, granular mass inside, which is the spreader of the infection.

When such a virus is accompanied by another viral or infectious disease, this can lead to inflammation of the mollusk.

Today medicine distinguishes three main stages of virus development in the body:

• Typical development when characteristic symptoms of the disease manifest themselves - the appearance of nodular formations with characteristic contents or viral bodies;
• Generalized development, in which the number of formations increases and they begin to affect different areas skin, which may be located at a considerable distance from the site of infection;
• Complicated development It is dangerous because the body already contains pathogenic microorganisms that accompany the underlying disease. At this stage of the development of the disease, the formations may become red and inflamed, and discharge in the form of pus appears from the nodules, which causes discomfort and anxiety in the patient.

To make an accurate diagnosis, you should clinical examinations, which will show the exact picture. If the examination results are unsatisfactory, then biological material is taken - the contents of the nodule - and an accurate diagnosis is made.

Molluscum contagiosum in adults and its treatment

Molluscum contagiosum in adults is not completely eliminated from the body; the doctor can simply create favorable conditions so that the virus does not recur and does not bother the infected person.

In the case when the nodular formations do not cause discomfort or pain, do not become inflamed, and in a word do not bother you in any way, the treatment will consist of the fact that the infected person should take medications to improve the level of immunity, follow a nutritious diet, to enrich the body useful substances. When health returns to normal, the body itself will cope with the virus and will not allow it to show its symptoms.

Molluscum contagiosum in children and adults, which enters a healthy body, will never show its symptoms until health deteriorates. And in this case, it will be possible to see the affected face, groin, stomach, inner thighs.

But when the incubation period ends, symptoms and pain appear, therapy with immunostimulants is not enough. In this case, complex therapy is used, consisting of antiviral drugs local use (for treating affected areas of the skin), immunostimulants, antibacterial agents. Much attention should be paid to personal hygiene and the household sphere, so as not to become infected from a carrier of the infection.

Using tweezers, carry out mechanical removal viral contents of nodular formations, so that they do not open themselves, and their pathogenic mass of bodies does not further infect the skin. The wound that remains after squeezing out the contents is treated with antiseptic solutions and iodine. Disinfecting the wound must be carried out to prevent another infection from getting into it, which can lead to various complications.

Mechanical removal of the pathogenic mass from the formation is painful Therefore, before the procedure, the site of infection is treated with a local anesthetic.

After the wound heals, a small mark remains on the skin, which completely resolves over time.

Today, molluscum contagiosum in adults is removed using a laser, which actively affects viral formation and in 1 or several procedures, completely relieves the patient from the symptoms of the disease. After using the laser, the skin is treated with antiviral agents.

With the help of folk remedies, you can get rid of formations on the skin and increase the level of immunity of the body. Apply garlic to the affected area for several days and, thanks to biologically active substances, the nodule will dry out and fall off. To treat children, crushed garlic into a pulp is mixed with butter so as not to create a burn on the skin.

Fresh celandine juice or herbal tincture in alcohol helps effectively. Lubricate the nodules daily and after a few days they will dry out and fall off. Alcohol tincture calendula has the same effective properties.

Treatment of children consists of removing formations using various methods and antiviral medications.

Molluscum contagiosum: how to treat to completely remove manifestations

Many people wonder, having suspected they have molluscum contagiosum, how to treat this disease quickly and effectively. The main method used today to treat this disease is not drug therapy, but removal of the affected areas.

It should be noted that the removal method is the most effective, and it helps to avoid further spread of infection throughout the skin of the entire body. Usually, this procedure carried out after consultation with a dermatologist.

If you want to treat molluscum contagiosum using traditional medicine, you should first consult a specialist.

Removal of formations using mechanical squeezing of the contents and further cauterization of the wound with antiviral ointments, potassium permanganate or iodine is also recommended after consultation and with the permission of the attending physician.

In addition, to eliminate similar problem Laser removal of nodules and nitrogen treatment are widely used. All removal methods are effective in combating the virus and its symptoms.

Molluscum contagiosum is a common disease, so steps should be taken preventive measures so that in the future you don’t have to worry about how to treat the disease and prevent complications from occurring.

The most important condition for preventing disease is healthy image life, normal sex life with one partner in whom you are completely confident. You should also not use public places without special protection, that is, it is recommended to use your own bath accessories in the sauna and bathhouse, and wear thick swimsuits when going to a public pool. Your clothes should be clean and ironed; these measures are especially important for children.

Complications of the virus result in additional infections, which enter the nodular formations and cause inflammatory processes, in which pus is formed that can spread over the skin. You should not comb or remove nodules yourself without subsequent treatment with antiseptic and antiviral agents.

Molluscum contagiosum is a disease that can cause a lot of complexes, because by affecting the body and face of a person, formations on the skin can significantly increase in size and number.

Numerous spherical, soft formations may be a symptom of infection Molluscum contagiosum virus. This phenomenon causes significant troubles, both purely aesthetic and associated with a certain discomfort. How diagnose disease and what it is treatment- Find out everything in detail from this article.

Causes of molluscum contagiosum in adults

Molluscum contagiosum- a disease caused by a virus that belongs to the smallpox group. Most often it strikes skin, in rare cases, mucous membranes. The virus is active only against humans; not a single case of infection of animals has been identified.

Molluscum contagiosum virus causes skin lesions

A sick person is the source of danger and spread of the virus, and transmission can occur in two main ways:

• in direct contact with a carrier of molluscum contagiosum (during sexual intercourse, kissing, shaking hands)
• at the household level through the personal belongings of a person infected with the virus (towel, personal hygiene items, and even through water in the pool that had contact with the patient)

Video: Molluscum contagiosum. Elena Malysheva

Symptoms of molluscum contagiosum in adults

Immediately after infection symptoms of the disease do not manifest themselves at all. After several weeks and even months have passed, when the incubation period, the patient can see the first new growths on the skin.

The first manifestations of the disease are expressed in the appearance of single nodules, which have different localizations:

• on the face (usually in children)
• V groin area
• on the genitals
• on the hips
• on the stomach

Initially papules are small in size from 1 to 2 mm and look like waxy pink blobs.

There is a small depression in the center of the formation, and internal contents looks like a white cheesy mass. Soon the size of the nodules begins to increase up to 5 mm, along with this the number is growing.

Number of papules in most cases it fluctuates from a few pieces to ten. In medicine, there are also known cases of the formation of several dozen elements, combined with each other or arising separately. The most common reason for such a massive occurrence of formations caused by this virus is scratching papules and transfer of infectious internal contents across the skin.

Usually, number elements of molluscum contagiosum on the skin depends on the patient's immunity. If the immune system functions well and produces sufficient quantity antibodies, then the formations will be single.

People who suffer from diseases such as AIDS that affect the immune system will have a greater number of formations big size (from 7 mm).

In more advanced cases of the disease itching may occur, in rare cases, painful sensations in the areas where the rash occurs. With constant scratching of the papules, inflammation, redness around the node and the onset of a purulent process may occur.

Molluscum contagiosum in adults on the eyelid, photo

Along with appearing on the body, molluscum contagiosum can appear for centuries. Initially, a small node appears directly on the eyelid or along its edge. In the future, education may increase, as well as their numbers. From a small hole in the nodule when pressed white pulp comes out.

Danger of location of papules Molluscum contagiosum on the eyelid is that being close to the eye can lead to the contents of the nodule getting in into the conjunctival cavity. This can provoke associated diseases, such as conjunctivitis, blepharitis or keratitis. These eye diseases are treated traditionally.

Molluscum contagiosum in adults on the face, photo

One of the most unpleasant manifestations of molluscum contagiosum is the appearance of papules on the face. More often suffer from this:

• chin
• eyes

As a rule, education are not numerous and are not large in size, but even single small papules spoil the aesthetics of the face and cause some complexes in the patient.

Also rashes may itch, and as a result accidental damage become inflamed, which further aggravates the overall picture.

Facial formation Molluscum contagiosum papules occur more often in children than in adults. If this does happen, then this indicates a suppressed immune system and the need to strengthen the immune system, as well as conduct examinations for various immune diseases.

Molluscum contagiosum in adults on the genitals, photo

A specific manifestation of molluscum contagiosum in adults is the appearance of papules on the genitals. They can form either directly on the penis or in the vagina, or in the groin area, on the pubis, on the inner thighs and buttocks.

Nodules in this area of ​​the body do not differ from formations in other places. The papules have a spherical shape, from which a curdled mass is released. Molluscum contagiosum on the genitals can have many elements of varying sizes.

Treatment of molluscum contagiosum in adults

Molluscum contagiosum papules are treated with the following substances:

• fukortsin
• celandine
• hydrogen peroxide
• some acids

In case of pain papules are treated with lidocaine. To enhance the immune response, the doctor prescribes various immunomodulators in the form of suppositories ( Viferon, Laferabion), tablets and drops. It also makes sense to use some antiviral drugs.

It is also important prevent patient contact with contaminated hygiene items and clothing, otherwise the fight against the disease will be unsuccessful - there is a high risk of relapse.

Besides, sexual partners must undergo treatment together and during its period it is necessary to fully refuse sexual intercourse.

Video: What to do with molluscum contagiosum. Komarovsky

Fast and effective way the fight against molluscum contagiosum is considered to be its laser removal. This procedure is carried out quickly and is absolutely painless, as it is performed under the influence of local anesthesia.

The advantage of the method is also that the removal is carried out under sterile conditions, which prevents the contents of papules from reaching other areas of the skin and the occurrence of new formations. If the specialist completely removes all nodules, then the patient is absolutely healthy and new papules will not be formed.

Removal of molluscum contagiosum with nitrogen

An alternative to laser removal of molluscum contagiosum is cauterization with nitrogen. The advantage of the method is an excellent aesthetic effect, since there are no visible scars or cicatrices.

During the procedure, a specialist using applicator, aerosol or cotton pad applies liquid nitrogen to the formation.

After this, the papule turns white, which indicates the death of the mollusk’s body and its destruction. The disadvantage of the technique is that in some cases these manipulations must be repeated, with a break of a week. This may not be very convenient for a patient who wants to get rid of the disease as quickly as possible.

Ointment for molluscum contagiosum

For people who for some reason cannot implement radical removal of molluscum contagiosum, there are more affordable and simple ways get rid of the disease. In particular, you can heal with the help of various ointments.

The range of pharmacies offers such remedies for this viral disease:

1. Viferon- ointment, basic active substance which is interferon- a protein responsible for the body’s immune forces. By rubbing the product into the affected areas, it increases immune resistance body to the virus. Also, being integrated into cells, interferon does not allow the virus to penetrate membranes, which prevents growth formations
2. Acyclovir- an antiviral ointment, which, with regular use, will help get rid of molluscum contagiosum. The remedy is also widely used for smallpox, herpes and other formations of viral etiology
3. Cycloferon- an ointment that has a complex effect. The remedy is immunomodulator, but at the same time it has antiviral effect, relieves inflammation. Its application has its own nuances, so you need to use consultation with a specialist
4. Imiquad- a cream that stimulates the production of interferon, which can fight viruses and resist their effects. The product must be applied to the affected area of ​​the skin long time — at least 9 hours, then its impact will have a result.

Molluscum contagiosum in adults: reviews

The fight against molluscum contagiosum, as numerous experience shows, can be a long and unsuccessful process. This happens due to the use local funds which have only a temporary effect.

To overcome this viral disease necessary complex treatment , including not only an effect on neoplasms in the form of a rash, but also an increase in immune defense.

Therefore, it is very important to apply for qualified help . The doctor will prescribe drug treatment and will choose the most suitable way removal of papules on the body of a patient with molluscum contagiosum.

Video: Molluscum contagiosum: symptoms and treatment

Firstly, this is an infection that is chronic. Causing damage to the skin, the infection can persist from several months to several years, but most often, the rash can be noticed from six months to nine months.

Secondly, contagious dermatosis is a purely human disease, no animals can tolerate it, and infection occurs from contact (hence the name) of an already infected person with a healthy person.

Thirdly, the causative agent is a virus that belongs to the smallpox viruses. Virus reproduction occurs in the cytoplasm of the cell. The shape is oval or rectangular.

1. By touching their skin, sexual partners transmit the disease to each other, but sexual intercourse itself is not a route of infection, so in many countries molluscum contagiosum is not considered a sexually transmitted infection. In this situation, the area of ​​infection is localized on the inner thighs, groin, and abdomen.
2. The second route of infection is household. By using the things of a sick person, you can get infected, but in this case there will be no local rashes, and the rash can appear anywhere, mainly it appears on the hands and face.
3. Children's groups. The determining factor here is crowding and close contacts, which in turn can lead to an epidemic.

Symptoms of molluscum contagiosum

After infection, the incubation period can last from two weeks to a couple of months, and identifying the source of infection is sometimes problematic. After clinical manifestations appear in the form of single spherical vesicles, without compaction or skin changes, a gradual process of self-infection begins. The number of bubbles increases, and they increase in size, from a small millet grain to a medium pea. As the disease progresses, the blisters may coalesce to form giant hemispherical papules with a depression in the center. It is the papules that are the main sign of the disease, and their location indicates the place where the infection occurred. In adults - the genital area, abdomen, inner side hips In children - limbs, face, torso. Papules are characterized by:

1. Dense, flesh-colored, hemispherical in shape and small in size;
2. The core is white, waxy;
3. Over time, the papules soften.

After the first stage of infection and the appearance of the first bubbles, the second stage begins, when self-infection constantly occurs through the hands, so the bubbles cover most bodies in a chaotic order, and their number can be in the hundreds. Constant scratching increases the number of rashes. By accidentally touching or damaging a vesicle, a whitish, porridge-like mass is released, consisting of lymphocytes and keratinized cells, in the form of mollusc bodies, which is where the name comes from.

Existing symptoms of an atypical form of molluscum contagiosum may not show the concave shape of the nodules, and the nodules themselves are very small. The profuse form of the disease is usually observed in children suffering from leukemia, atopic dermatitis, immunodeficiency and HIV.

Diagnostics

The diagnosis of the disease is made possible by laboratory data and the clinical picture of the disease. If there is any doubt about the diagnosis, studies of the contents of the nodules are performed. Molluscum contagiosum must be differentiated from warts, basal cell carcinoma, chickenpox, syringoma, pustular syphilis, hydrocystoma, and keratoacanthoma.

Treatment

Cutaneous molluscum, as a rule, is not treated. It will take a healthy body about six months to overcome the infection. This is what dermatovenerologists focus on so as not to overload the body with medications. But to speed up recovery, the following treatment methods are used, which are selected individually for each patient:

1. Cauterization or diathermocoagulation.
2. Scraping or squeezing out nodules with iodine treatment.
3. The use of antiviral ointments.
4. Excessive rash and drainage of blisters requires treatment with antibiotics prescribed by a doctor.

Treatment at home is dangerous

Treatment of molluscum on the skin without an established diagnosis and at home is dangerous and this is called:

1. There is a danger of missing out serious illness skin, such as malignant or benign neoplasms on the skin;
2. Certain forms of molluscum contagiosum occur together with AIDS, so in such cases special forms of treatment are required.

Molluscum contagiosum, as a virus that has DNA, causes difficulties in treatment. The level of medicine today does not make it possible to completely get rid of the disease. But it is quite possible to avoid relapses, despite the fact that this disease has chronic form currents. To do this, it is necessary to regularly see a doctor and carry out constant therapy, which consists of a general strengthening of the immune system. At the right approach treatment, it is possible to achieve stable remission and a favorable prognosis.

Prevention

Prevention of molluscum contagiosum consists mainly of excluding the cause of the disease.:

• Personal hygiene and home hygiene. When the first symptoms appear, contact with the patient should be limited, personal hygiene items should be allocated, and underwear and bed linen should be changed daily.
• Visiting baths, saunas and swimming pools. After visiting public baths and swimming pools, it is imperative to carefully monitor the condition of your skin, and at the first suspicion, immediately consult a doctor!
• School and preschool institutions. Kindergartens are especially dangerous in the sense that the spread of cutaneous molluscum in children's groups occurs very quickly, covering almost the entire group. Therefore, the baby should be examined regularly.
• Pickiness in sexual relations.

Molluscum contagiosum is a viral skin disease in the form of multiple round rashes with a depression in the center. Mostly children are affected. Most often does not require treatment. It goes away on its own.
ICD 10 code: B08.1 - Molluscum contagiosum

Synonyms: epithelial molluscum, smallpox-like acne of Bazin, contagious epithelioma of Neisser, warty molluscum, candida molluscum (erroneous name), sebaceous mollusc of Hebra.

Treatment: see a dermatologist.

Cause and mechanism of infection

The cause of molluscum contagiosum is a virus from the smallpox group, from the poxvirus family. In the international taxonomy of viruses it is called Molluscum contagiosum virus: link.

• Only a person is sick. Animals don't get sick!
• Scientists have discovered several types of molluscum contagiosum virus.
• The source of the virus is the patient’s skin lesions.
• The virus is stable in the external environment.
• The virus is transmitted by contact from a sick person (which is often in children's groups). Infection can also occur when using hygiene items or clothing of a sick person, in a pool, in a bathhouse, on the beach, etc.
• The incubation period (the period from infection to the appearance of symptoms on the skin) is from 2 weeks to 6 months.
• Predisposing factor to the disease: decreased general and/or local immunity in the skin. In HIV patients, molluscum contagiosum occurs very often (up to 15% of patients with HIV infection).
• Through microtraumas of the skin and scratching, the virus penetrates the surface cells of the skin epithelium (epidermal cells), integrates into them and begins to multiply. At the same time, the activity of immune cells in human skin is suppressed for a certain time, which also leads to rapid development virus.
• Mostly children and adolescents are affected.
• In adults, when a mollusk appears on the body, one should look for the cause of a decrease in local or general immunity. It could be diabetes or atopic dermatitis. This could be chemotherapy for blood cancer (leukemia) or HIV infection. This may include aggressive antibiotic therapy or the use of corticosteroid ointments.
• After treatment, the virus is no longer in the human body. Immunity to it is unstable. Therefore, after a few years a person can become infected again.

Why “contagious” and why “mollusc”?

Because under a microscope, the contents squeezed out of the skin formation look like a mollusk.
And “contagious” means contagious.

Symptoms and clinic

1) The main symptom of molluscum contagiosum: the appearance of many round formations on the skin.
These formations (papules) range from 1 to 5 mm in size, spherical in shape with a depressed center. Also called umbilical (from the word navel) or crater-shaped depression. Small formations in the initial stage do not yet have a depressed center and look like ordinary ulcers (see photo).

In the photo: this is what molluscum contagiosum looks like

2) Itching almost never occurs. There is no pain either.

3) Localization - the whole body: facial skin, neck, torso, limbs. During the sexual route of infection - around the genitals, on the pubis, on the thighs. Never occurs on the skin of the palms and soles of the feet.

4) The number of papules – from several pieces to several hundred.

5) When you press on the papule, a thick liquid and a cheesy mass in the center are released.

Attention: there shouldn't be any general reaction- no fever, no headache, no weakness.

6) Atypical types of mollusks often appear, that is, unlike the classical form of formation:

Diagnostics

In the classic form, the diagnosis of molluscum contagiosum is easy to make. The following factors are taken into account: childhood age, the presence of children with molluscum in the team, multiple spherical formations on the skin with an umbilical depression.

Difficulties in diagnosis rarely arise with atypical forms. But even with atypical appearances, dermatoscopy clearly shows umbilical depressions in the center of the molluscan papules.

This is what a mollusk looks like under dermatoscopy

IN difficult cases The doctor resorts to squeezing the papule with tweezers. If crumbly masses are squeezed out of the papule, with a 99% probability it is molluscum contagiosum.

In even rarer cases, they resort to diagnosis under a microscope. To do this, the crumb-like masses are sent to the laboratory, where a picture corresponding to the given disease is determined under a microscope. In this case, eosinophilic inclusions are found in the cytoplasm of the cells.

Differential diagnosis Molluscum contagiosum is carried out with diseases:

• pyoderma (ulcers on the skin),
• chickenpox ( chicken pox),
• filamentous papillomas (),
• vulgar warts (),
• genital warts on the genitals (),
• milia.

Molluscum contagiosum in adults - features

1) Both women and men get sick equally often.

2) It is imperative to find out the predisposing factor to its appearance in adults. Why did he appear?

3) In adults, the most common location of molluscum contagiosum is the genitals and groin area.
In women: on the pubis and labia. In men - on the penis and pubis. In this case it resembles both initial stage genital warts, so with pustular diseases in the genital area. This arrangement is due to sexual transmission.

4) Treatment needs to be adjusted general disease, which led to a decrease in immunity and activation of the virus:

• treatment diabetes mellitus,
• correction of dysbacteriosis,
• correction of drugs that suppress the immune system (cytostatics, corticosteroids, including locally in the form of ointments)
  treatment of HIV infection.

5) It is quite possible that a child caught a mollusk in kindergarten, and then the adults got sick. All family members must be examined at once.

6) Treatment of pregnant women with molluscum contagiosum differs from other women: you should stop using antiviral and immune drugs, and do not use cauterizing agents such as supercelandine. The only method treatment for pregnant women - removal of molluscum papules.

Molluscum contagiosum in children

Children under 10 years of age are most often affected. During this period, the child actively interacts with the outside world, and the immune system becomes familiar with many bacteria and viruses. During this same period, warts first appear in children; during this period, children suffer from childhood infections.

Is it necessary to treat molluscum contagiosum in children and how?

Only in cases of obvious cosmetic defects and complications. Treatment methods are described below.
Formations on the face should be removed with an instrument with extreme caution so as not to subsequently lead to the formation of scars.

Treatment in children and adults

In children and most adults, without treatment, the symptoms of molluscum contagiosum go away on their own as soon as antiviral immunity is formed. Term - in 4-6 months, sometimes 1-2 years.

Molluscs on the body can only be treated by medical indications: trauma, inflammation. Cosmetic indications- solely at the request of the patient.

Directions for treatment of molluscum contagiosum:

1) Removal of formations

2) Local treatment

3) General treatment

4) Treatment of complications (inflammation, allergies, skin ulcerations)

Removal of cutaneous molluscum

According to reviews of most dermatologists, removal skin rashes is so far the most effective method treatment of cutaneous molluscum.

1) Removal with tweezers or a surgical spoon (curette)

• The doctor preliminarily makes local anesthesia skin with Emla cream or other surface anesthetic.
• The doctor squeezes the jaws of the tweezers and squeezes out the contents of the papule (as in the video below). If necessary, the resulting small cavity can also be scraped out with tweezers or peeled out with a curette (a sharp Volkmann spoon).
  If the papules are small, then no curettage will be needed.
• After this, the doctor carefully removes the curdled masses and cauterizes the resulting wound with 3% hydrogen peroxide and tincture of iodine.
• Some patients at home perform an independent opening of the molluscum papules with a needle, as in this video.
  We remind you: it is not recommended to do this yourself. By wiping the skin with a napkin, thereby spreading and rubbing viruses into neighboring areas of the skin, you only spread the infection even further.
• After removing the mollusk, the wound should be treated with iodine or brilliant green once a day for another 3 days.
• With proper removal of the elements of molluscum contagiosum, no scars remain on the skin.

2) Electrocoagulation

The doctor cauterizes the papule with an electrocoagulator (electric knife). Subsequently, after such treatment, scars may remain.

3) Liquid nitrogen (cryodestruction) -

The doctor burns the papule with liquid nitrogen. Cells with the virus freeze and die. When cryodestruction is carried out correctly, there are no scars left on the skin. But the procedure can be painful.

4) Laser -

The doctor evaporates laser beam molluscan papule. There are also no scars left.

Local treatment

Antiviral creams and ointments are used:

• Viferon-ointment,
• 3% oxolinic ointment,
• 1% gel viru-merz serol,
• Infagel,
• Acyclovir ointment,
• Virolex ointment,
• Gripferon spray.

General treatment

Stimulation of general immunity and antiviral drugs.

• isoprinosine tablets ()
• Viferon in candles,
• polyoxidonium in candles,
• anaferon for children in tablets,
• other interferon drugs.

Treatment of complications

A complex of medications is used to relieve complications:

• antibiotic ointments - to treat bacterial inflammation,
• antihistamines to reduce allergic reaction skin.

Traditional methods at home

Folk remedies against molluscum contagiosum are ineffective. Therefore, they cannot be recommended by a dermatologist for the treatment of this disease in either children or adults.

Remember: The cause of molluscum is a virus, the predisposing factor is decreased immunity.
Therefore, among traditional methods, you should use general immunity-strengthening techniques and antiviral agents.

1) Increase immunity natural methods.

2) Antiviral plants.

• Garlic.
  Crush a clove of garlic in a garlic press and place on the papules for a few minutes. There will be a slight burning sensation.
  Apply 3-4 times a day also during the entire period of the rash.
  You don’t have to apply it, but simply lubricate the skin.
• Lubricating papules with a solution of potassium permanganate, fucorcin, an alcohol solution of iodine or brilliant green.
  This is an ineffective method, since such antiseptics have practically no effect on the molluscum contagiosum virus. The only use of such solutions is to lubricate wounds at home after removing mollusks with tweezers or a curette.
• Celandine. Celandine juice is poisonous and has antiviral and antitumor effects.
  Clams are lubricated with celandine juice 3-4 times a day throughout the entire period of skin rashes.
• Lubricating papules with juice from bird cherry leaves, infusion of string, calendula - these folk remedies have a very weak effect.
• Super celandine, molustin and molutrex.
  A lotion called Molyustin is sold in Russia. The drug is not a medicine. This is a mixture of plant extracts + potassium lye. Causes a chemical burn to the skin, as a result of which the mollusk papules die. The effectiveness against molluscum contagiosum is low.

  MOLUTREX is a French analogue of molustin. In fact, MOLUTREX is pure potassium hydroxide, without additives, that is, caustic alkali, the French analogue of Supercleaner. Causes chemical burns to the skin. Does not work on viruses.

  Super celandine is a completely different drug than the herb celandine. This is a set of alkalis. Leads to a chemical burn of the skin, as a result of which the mollusk papules die off.

  When treating at home with supercelandine, molutrex and molustin, you should be extremely careful not to cause deep skin burns and subsequent scar formation. You cannot use cauterizing drugs to remove molluscs on the face, labia in women and penis in men.

Prevention

The main thing that should be applied constantly is the prevention of molluscum contagiosum.

• strengthening the immune system using natural methods,
• cannot be accepted hot bath- you can only shower,
• You can’t rub your body with a washcloth - only soap yourself with your hands,
• You can’t rub your body with a towel - just blot it,
• You should not open skin papules yourself, so as not to spread the infection to other areas of the skin,
• a patient with molluscs on the body should be provided with separate personal hygiene items and bedding. Wash his clothes separately. Steam the laundry thoroughly with an iron,
• Always use only personal hygiene items!

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