MOLLUSCUM CONTAGIOSUM

General Information

DEFINITION--A contagious, common, benign virus infection of the skin.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Skin anywhere on the body. The virus usually occurs on the face in children. In adults, it usually occurs on the inner thighs, abdomen and genitals.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--Both sexes; all ages.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS--

Papules (small, raised bumps on the skin) with the following characteristics:

• Bumps are firm, smooth, domed with a central pit and skin-colored or white. The overlying skin is transparent and thin.
• Bumps are usually 2mm to 3mm in diameter. A few may be as large as 10mm.
• Bumps cause eye irritation if they are on the eyelids.
• Bumps don't hurt or itch.

CAUSES--DNA virus of the pox group. For adults, this virus may be transmitted sexually. For children, transmission can occur from swimming pools. The incubation is 2 weeks to 2 months.

RISK INCREASES WITH

• Immunosuppression from drugs or illness.
• Close contact with an infected person.

HOW TO PREVENT

• For adults, avoid contact with infected people.
• To prevent spread to other parts of the body or to other people, don't scratch bumps.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

• Doctor's treatment to remove the papules with liquid nitrogen, curettage (See Glossary) or topical medication.
• Self-care after removal.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS--Scarring or disfigurement.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--If untreated, a few papules may increase to 20 to 50 lesions in several weeks. They will disappear spontaneously in 10 to 24 months. However, they should be treated to prevent their spread to other persons.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES--

• After treatment with liquid nitrogen, leave the blisters alone. The tops will come off spontaneously in 7 to 14 days.
• Keep blisters dry. Cover with small adhesive bandages any that may be irritated by clothing.

MEDICATION--Medicine usually is not necessary for this disorder. In some cases, your doctor may apply cantharidin (Cantharone) or other topical medication to kill the virus.

ACTIVITY--No restrictions, except to avoid sexual relations until bumps disappear.

DIET--No special diet.

Call Your Doctor If

• You have symptoms of molluscum contagiosum.
• The following occurs after treatment: Fever. Signs of infection (swelling, redness, pain, tenderness or warmth) at the treatment site.