Molluscum contagiosum: causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment
Molluscum contagiosum: the term skin molluscs refers to a particular skin infection, which is infectious in nature and of viral aetiology
This name is derived from the characteristic appearance of the lesions that appear on the skin of those suffering from this disease.
In fact, the bubble-like spots resemble small molluscs, from which the disease takes its name.
The symptoms of Molluscum contagiosum can affect the skin and mucous membranes
Moreover, the contagious nature of this disease makes control essential, as although in most cases it is a self-limiting condition, in more serious cases it can lead to complications of various kinds.
The diagnosis of Molluscum contagiosum is simple, as this disease is characterised by specific symptoms.
Despite this, more specific tests may be required in more severe cases.
In addition, there are several very effective pharmacological remedies and treatments that are useful in eliminating the skin infection.
The symptoms of Molluscum contagiosum can appear in adults as well as in children.
This disease is highly contagious, which is why there is a high incidence especially among children, particularly in the more sensitive and contact age groups.
Symptoms
Among the symptoms of molluscs of the skin are mainly the papular lesions, i.e. the patches on the skin that characterise these diseases and inspire their name.
These lesions mainly affect the superficial layer of the epidermis, but the infection may also involve the mucous membranes.
The papules that characterise the disease are flesh-coloured and often appear raised or swollen.
In addition, when examined closely, these lesions have several distinctive features, such as the umbilication in the centre, the waxy consistency, the very smooth surface and the whitish material that makes up the interior.
The size of these papules can vary depending on the severity of the infection and the stage of the disease and can be up to 15 mm.
In addition, lesions, a typical symptom of molluscs of the skin, may form on the face, lower or upper limbs and trunk.
In adults it is also common for papules to appear on the penis, pubis and vulva.
This is usually the only symptom of this disease.
Despite this, however, itching and extensive skin inflammation may also be present in some rare cases.
The latter symptom is caused by the patient’s need to scratch, which he or she cannot resist, causing further damage, especially common among young children.
Other symptoms, much less frequent and often related to other diseases, include:
- conjunctivitis
- diarrhoea
- petechiae
- skin scales
- swelling
- fever
- asthenia
Diagnosis
As anticipated, diagnosing Molluscum contagiosum is not complicated.
In fact, direct observation of the papules characterising this disease is often sufficient to establish its presence, especially in younger children.
In some cases, however, further tests may be necessary.
For example, it may happen that a general practitioner or a specialised dermatologist requests a tissue biopsy.
Thanks to this minimally invasive test, it is possible to analyse the epidermis under a microscope and establish with absolute certainty the nature of the lesion, an indispensable operation in doubtful cases.
Other specific tests are prescribed if other pathologies are present at the same time, such as:
- dermatitis herpetiformis
- keratoacanthoma
- lichen planus
- fibrous papules of the face
- particular skin spots, such as milia
- basal cell carcinoma
- other viral skin infections
The causes of Molluscum contagiosum can be diverse
Certainly this infection is characterised by the infection of the DNA virus of the phylum Nucleocytoviricota family, characterised by a double strand and a viral membrane.
Specifically, the virus that causes skin molluscs is known as Molluscum Contagiosum Virus, also known by the abbreviation MCV.
This acronym stands for four different virus types, with MCV-1 being the most common and MCV-2 being the least common.
The main cause of this type is contagion by another infected patient.
In fact, transmission occurs through direct contact, which can also be venereal.
The infection is particularly contagious, so much so that a patient can also be infected just by using towels, sheets or sponges shared with the infected patient.
Molluscum contagiosum can also appear following sexual intercourse, which is why papules very often affect the genital areas in adults.
Finally, transmission of this virus may also occur following the use of a bath used by an infected patient.
Risk factors
We can identify risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing this skin infection.
Certainly, there are patients who are more prone to being infected, for example people with a compromised immune system.
In fact, many of the patients who present with the symptoms of skin molluscs also suffer from other pathological conditions that can weaken their immune system.
In fact, the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology states that about 33% of AIDS patients suffer from this condition.
At the same time, people taking corticosteroid drugs also have a debilitated immune system, which is more prone to skin infections.
Finally, those with lymphoproliferative diseases are more exposed.
Risk factors for Molluscum contagiosum include
- contact with many people, especially in sports, such as martial arts, football and rugby;
- ages between 1 and 6 years, especially for those attending kindergartens and places with other children where contagion can occur;
- tropical climates;
- presence of other diseases, such as atopic dermatitis, which causes rashes and itching.
Treatments
Remedies for molluscs are many.
Often this condition can regress on its own, without the need for drug therapies.
Despite this, however, doctors advise treating the condition to avoid infecting other people.
In addition, the wait for resolution without medication can be very long and even exceed two months, whereas with medication, resolution can be much faster.
Medications for Molluscum contagiosum include
- potassium hydrochloride
- a keratolytic drug, such as salicylic acid;
- tretinonin or retinoic acid; it is the doctor’s advice not to prescribe these to pregnant or breastfeeding women, and sunbathing after taking the medication is not recommended.
Medical treatments for this condition include:
- scraping of the lesion;
- laser therapy;
- discolouration with specific chemical agents.
Cryotherapy
Cold therapy is also a widely used remedy for molluscs, especially in severe cases.
This treatment, also known as cryotherapy, exploits the potential of cold to solve various pathologies and aesthetic conditions.
Cryotherapy is suggested for many pathological conditions.
In spite of the numerous applications of cryotherapy in the aesthetic field, this practice is not recognised in the medical landscape as an alternative medicine therapy.
Many physicians have specialised in this field, which has been applied to many different pathologies.
For the treatment of molluscs in particular, liquid nitrogen at low temperature is used, as it is able to burn the lesions typical of this condition.
This remedy is not very painful, but can lead to swelling and hypersensitivity of the treated area.
In spite of this, many people opt for this therapy to avoid surgery that could leave scars.
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