Molluscum Contagiosum? What is this? What are the signs and symptoms? What causes it? How can homeopathy help you? All of this answered, in this post and of course our doctors always there to help you. Just fill in your details in the form down below and we will answer all your questions for FREE!
1) What is Molluscum Contagiosum?
Molluscum contagiosum is a common skin viral infection of the skin caused by a pox virus. It is characteristically appeared as small lesions (growths). The lesions are typically found on the-
Face
Buttocks
Arms
Trunk and legs and if the bumps are scratched or injured, the infection can spread to surrounding skin.
2) What causes Molluscum Contagiosum?
Molluscum contagiosum is caused by a virus (the molluscum contagiosum virus).
Molluscum contagiosum infection may occur in people with weakened immune system.
Children who have a history of atopic dermatitis due to frequent breaks of the skin.
People who live in the warm area.
Humid climates where living conditions are crowded.
3) Mode of spread?
Molluscum contagiosum spreads easily through:
Direct skin-to-skin contact.
Contact with contaminated objects, such as toys, towels and faucet handles.
Direct person-to-person physical contact and through contaminated fomites.
It can also spread by infected clothing and towels, bathing sponges, pool equipment, and toys.
Infection may also spread by sharing swimming pools.
Molluscum can also spread by touching or scratching a lesion.
4)Who is affected?
Molluscum contagiosum is common in children, who are younger the age of 5 and also in younger adults, particularly those with weakened immune systems.
In case of adults, if the immune system normal, but the molluscum contagiosum infection occurs it involving the genitals is considered a sexually transmitted infection.
5)Is Molluscum Contagiosum contagious?
Yes, molluscum contagiosum is contagious.The virus easily spreads from person to person by unhygienic conditions like sharing towels and clothing.
6)What are the sign and symptoms of Molluscum Contagiosum?
The lesion begins as a small and painless papule but in some cases papule becomes painful.
Raised, round and flesh-colored of the lesions.
Can become red and inflamed.
May be itchy.
It usually appears on the face, neck, armpits, arms, and tops of the hands in case of children.
It is also seen on the genitals, lower abdomen and inner upper thighs in adults if the infection was sexually transmitted.
7)Is Molluscum Contagiosum painful?
Yes, in some cases not usually the papules are painful or itchy but if some conditions can develop like eczema can appear around the Mollusca it causes itching, swelling, and sometimes pain.
8)How will you diagnose a case of Molluscum Contagiosum?
The diagnosis of the case depends on the presence of skin lesions caused by molluscum contagiosum have a different appearance.
A skin scraping or biopsy can confirm the diagnosis
9)How long does it take for Molluscum Contagiosum to go away?
It depends upon the individuality of the person, each individual molluscum typically disappears in about 2 to 3 months.
9)Can Molluscum Contagiosum be prevented?
Yes, molluscum contagiosum is prevented. The following steps are:
Maintaining proper hygiene by washing hands: The best way is to follow good hygiene cleanliness habits. Keeps hand clean is the best way to avoid the infection.
Avoid touching the infected area: It is important not to touch, pick, or scratch skin that has lesions. Scratching can spread the virus to other parts of the body.
Do not share personal items: Do not share personal items such as unwashed clothes, towels, hair brushes, personal items and bar soap with others.
Avoid sexual contact: If you have molluscum contagiosum on or near your genitals, don’t have sex until the lesions are treated and have completely disappeared.
Cover the bumps: It is important to keep the area with molluscum lesions clean and covered with clothing or a bandage so that others do not touch the lesions and become infected. Do remember to keep the affected skin clean and dry.
Swimming pool precautions:
Molluscum contagiosum virus can spread through contaminated chlorinated water found in swimming pools. Mostly found in the swimmers.
10)How long it takes to recover from Molluscum Contagiosum?
It depends upon the individual to individual and the severity of the case. It mostly disappears in about 2 to 3 months and may 2 to 3 years.
11)Can Molluscum Contagiosm reoccur after treatment?
No, most of the cases molluscum contagiosum will usually go away on its own after a while, and it depends upon the susceptibility of the persons because a different person have different susceptibility and once the bumps are gone, the molluscum contagiosum virus is totally gone from your body.
12)What is the prognosis of Molluscum Contagiosum?
The prognosis of molluscum contagiosum is good, as molluscum contagiosum is a self-limiting condition and spontaneous resolution is the rule for individuals who have intact immune systems.
Lesions are completely disappearing within 6 to 12 months in healthy individuals, though they can sometimes be present for up to four years.
(Source = website emedicine)
13)Is there any vaccination for Molluscum Contagiosum?
No, there is no vaccine available for molluscum contagiosum.
14) Is Molluscum Contagiosum curable?
In most of the cases, the lesion will heal on their own time period between 6-12 months. But if this is left untreated the infection may occur again and again. But mostly once the bumps are gone, the infection is considered to be cured.
15)Can Molluscum spread in the pool?
Yes, it can also spread by the pool. The virus can spread through chlorinated water found in swimming pools and mainly due to the sharing of towels etc.
16)Is Molluscum Contagiosum a type of wart?
No, molluscum contagiosum is not the type of wart, molluscum contagiosum is a viral infection that causes a mild skin rash. The rash looks like one or more small growths that are usually pink, white, or skin-colored. The bumps are usually smooth and shiny or pearly-looking and may have an indented center and in case of warts small, fleshy, grainy bumps, flesh-colored, white, rough to the touch with black pinpoints at center.
17)Can homeopathy help in case of Molluscum Contagiosum?
Yes, homeopathy can help in case of molluscum contagiosum. Homeopathic medicines increase the immunity. Some homeopathic medicines are:
Tuberculinum
Silicea
Thuja
Sulfur
