Molluscum contagiosum can potentially result in itchy bumps on the skin.
Molluscum contagiosum is a viral skin infection that affects individuals of all ages, causing small, raised bumps on the skin. This condition, caused by a poxvirus, is usually harmless but can be itchy, especially for those with eczema.
In children, molluscum contagiosum commonly appears on the face, arms, legs, torso, and armpits. However, in adults, it typically affects the genital area, groin, buttocks, abdomen, and thighs. Other less common locations include the neck and, rarely, the mouth, palms, or soles of feet.
Associated symptoms include itching, mild redness, soreness, or swelling, though the lesions are generally painless. Some cases may develop surrounding eczema or mild irritation. Lesions may discharge a cheese-like substance and can become infected secondarily if scratched, potentially spreading the virus to other parts of the body or other persons.
To prevent the transmission of molluscum contagiosum, it is advised to wash hands regularly, not scratch or pick at molluscum lesions, cover lesions with clothing or bandages, not share personal items, and avoid sexual activities if lesions are near the genitals.
For individuals with chronic skin conditions such as eczema, lesions in the genital area, weakened immune systems (like those with HIV or AIDS), and extremely irritating symptoms, molluscum contagiosum may require treatment. Treatment options include physical removal methods like cryotherapy and surgical techniques, topical treatments such as trichloroacetic acid, podophyllotoxin, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, potassium hydroxide, tretinoin, and oral options like cimetidine or cidofovir.
It is important to note that antibiotics do not work against viruses like molluscum contagiosum. A doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat infections in the surrounding skin caused by picking or scratching molluscum lesions.
Molluscum contagiosum has an incubation period that ranges from weeks to months and is highly contagious, transmitting through direct skin-to-skin contact or indirect contact through towels or other items. The body usually clears the infection within 6-9 months, but it may take up to a year for all the spots to disappear in healthy individuals.
For individuals with compromised immune systems, it is advisable to contact a doctor and receive treatment to successfully clear the infection. Molluscum contagiosum is self-limited and goes away on its own in healthy individuals, but aggressive treatment and frequent scratching may leave a pitted scar, similar to a chickenpox scar.
References:
[1] Mayo Clinic. (2020). Molluscum contagiosum. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/molluscum-contagiosum/symptoms-causes/syc-20356412
[2] NHS. (2021). Molluscum contagiosum. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/molluscum-contagiosum/
[3] AAFP. (2021). Molluscum contagiosum. https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/health/it-molluscum-contagiosum.html
[4] Cleveland Clinic. (2021). Molluscum contagiosum. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17142-molluscum-contagiosum
- Despite being harmless in most cases, molluscum contagiosum can cause an itchy sensation, especially for individuals with skin conditions like eczema, highlighting the importance of skin care and health-and-wellness practices.
- In addition to the skin, molluscum contagiosum can affect various other areas, including the genital region in adults, which often requires medical-condition attention due to its sensitive location.
- Skin-care routines and preventive measures, such as not scratching or picking at lesions, washing hands regularly, and covering lesions, play a crucial role in managing the spread of molluscum contagiosium, as it is highly contagious and has a lengthy incubation period.
