Molluscum contagiosum is a common chronic viral skin infection caused by a virus Molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV). It is a poxvirus of the Molluscipox virus genus, which affects the top layers of the skin usually causing one or more small pearly or waxy, flesh-colored lesions/bumps and a white material inside. The lesions/bumps often has a dimple in the center (umbilication) that don't hurt or itch there is no pain or discharge from these but they may bleed if cut. In the mature molluscum, the top of the nodule may be opened with a sterile needle and a small waxy core can be seen and squeezed out of the lesion. This virus produces a benign self-limited papular eruption of multiple umbilicated cutaneous tumors. This common viral disease is confined to the skin but it is not particularly harmful or painful. Molluscum can infect any part of the skin, but it is especially common on the face or in the groin and pubic areas. Most of lesions/bumps are less than half an inch in diameter. Virus (MCV) can be found worldwide with a higher distribution in the tropical areas where warmth and humidity favor the growth of the virus; the things wouldn't be much trouble except for their tendency to spread and create concern in the parents. Usually molluscum contagiosum is more prevalent in children with the lesions involving the face, trunk, and extremities and is transmitted through direct contact. In adults, the bumps are usually located on the genital area and inner thighs, abdomen and chest; it is not a serious disease and usually clears up within a few months. It can, however, last for up to two years. This disease is in its higher availability within institutions and communities where there is overcrowding, poor hygiene, and poverty is spread. MCV was once a disease primarily of children, but it has evolved to become a sexually transmitted disease in adults. Molluscum can be spread by direct skin-to-skin contact, sexual contact, scratching, picking or breaking the blisters and touching one another (especially in preschool and elementary school children), sharing the towel and the cloth that came in contact with a lesion or from swimming pools. In people who have an impaired immune system, such as HIV infection, symptoms of molluscum contagiosum are more severe and are very difficult to treat. The molluscum virus is very common, and almost everyone has it in his or her body. A healthy immune system will control molluscum so that if lesions appear, they do not last a long time. Men with HIV often develop molluscum on their face. Shaving with a razor blade can spread it. Molluscum is a self-limited disease. For people with a normal immune system bumps usually go away on their own in 2 to 4 months, although it may take longer. But people, with weakened immune systems such as those with AIDS and certain skin disorders such as atopic eczema should seek professional treatment for the disease. It may take longer for children whose immune systems aren't fully developed. If treatment is desired, the goal in children is of course to get rid of the things without discomfort. Treatments for the disease are {Cryosurgery} where liquid nitrogen is used to freeze off the growth, Taking medication by mouth (oral medication), Putting medication on the skin (topical medication), They can be cut or "scooped" out surgically (This treatment can be painful and can leave scars), They can be burned with an electric needle (electrocautery) or a laser, Electrical current (They can be burned with an electric needle (electrocautery) or a laser), Burning growths off with a potent acid, such as Trichloracetic Acid. Scraping with a medical instrument called a curette. They can be treated with chemicals used on warts such as trichloroacetic acid (TCA), podophyllin or podofilox. These chemicals cannot be used on sensitive skin or near the eyes. Liquid nitrogen, dry ice, or Frigiderm are applied to each individual lesion for a few seconds. Repeat treatments in 2-3-week intervals may be required. Molluscum can be avoid by avoiding touching, rubbing or scratching the papules, avoiding the use of other's cloths, towels, hairbrushes or other personal items, avoiding sexual contact until the papules are treated and have completely resolved.
Submitted By:shoaib

5/3/2007

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