Molluscum contagiosum
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Template:DiseaseDisorder infobox | }} Molluscum contagiosum are wart-like tumors of the skin caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV-1 to -4), a DNA poxvirus. This condition is commonly found in young children and affects the body, arms, and legs. It is spread through direct contact, saliva, or shared articles of clothing.
In adults, molluscum infections are often sexually transmitted and usually affects the genitals, lower abdomen, buttocks, and inner thighs. In rare cases, molluscum infections are also found in the lips and mouth.
Symptoms
Molluscum contagiosum lesions are flesh-colored, dome-shaped, pea-sized bumps with a dimpled center that may itch, become irritated, tender or painful. In about 10% of the cases, eczema develops around the lesions.
In most patients, the lesions are asymptomatic. They may be complicated by secondary bacterial infections. They may cause itching and consequent eczema around the tumors.
The central waxy core contains the virus. In a process called auto-inoculation, the virus may spread to neighboring skin areas. Children are particularly susceptible to auto-inoculation, and may have widespread clusters of lesions.
Treatments
Dermatology is the medical specialty that best treats this condition. Molluscum contagiosum infections are often self-limited, so treatment is sometimes optional. For mild cases, over-the-counter wart medicines, such as salicylic acid may shorten infection duration. Topical application of tretinoin cream ("Retin A") may trigger resolution. Repeated application of adhesive or duct tape after bathing for 16 weeks led to cure in 90% of patients in one study.
Surgical treatments include cryosurgery, where liquid nitrogen is used to freeze and destroy lesions, as well as scraping them off with a curette. Scarring or loss of color can complicate these treatments. Although no longer available in the United States, the topical blistering agent cantharadin can be effective.
Pulsed dye laser therapy for molluscum contagiosum may be the treatment of choice for multiple lesions in a cooperative patient (Dermatologic Surgery, 1998). Unfortunately, not all dermatology offices have this 585nm laser.