Moluscum contagiosum, sometimes called water wart, is a viral infection of the skin represented by small whitish pimples with a slightly depressed center, without itching and that spread easily.
Any person can be infected, however, children are the most prone, first because they have a more immature immune system, and second because their physical contact, especially at younger ages, is greater. In summer, infection is more common due to more frequent use of swimming pools. The infection can also affect sexually active adolescents and immunocompromised adults
How and where is it spread?
The virus is found inside the pimples and when it breaks, usually by scratching, it is exposed. From this moment, within a period of 2 to 8 weeks the person begins to observe the injury. This mollusk can be contracted through direct skin-to-skin contact, or by touching objects that have it on them, such as clothing or towels.
One of the greatest exposures of this virus occurs in public swimming pools, due to its spread through water and frequent contact between people.
As for the habitat of this virus, we can define an area of warm climates and in regions where people live very close to each other.
Who can become infected with molluscum contagiosum?
Any person can be infected, but, as explained before, it is in the pediatric age when this virus is most spread.
It usually occurs in children between 2 and 10 years old, being very rare before the first year of life. Children with atopic skin are also prone to infection through lesions in their skin.
What Are those lumps on my skin?
We generally become aware of the infection when lumps appear on our skin spread over several areas. These “lumps” are smooth and shiny hemispheric papules, measuring a few millimeters (2 to 5), which have a depression in the center and are skin-colored or pinkish.
Each molluscum contagiosum lesion resolves in a variable period of 3 to 7 months. However, each one can give rise to new lesions, which is known as autoinoculation, which is why it is very difficult to establish the exact time it will take. to disappear permanently.
In children, lesions tend to be more common on the upper part of the body (face, neck, abdomen and arms) and can range from just one mollusk to dozens.
In the case of adults, the virus mainly affects the lower part of the body such as the genitals, thighs or abdomen since it is usually a sexually transmitted infection.
In most people, between 1 and 20 mollusks form. They are usually not painful, but can cause itching, redness and inflammation, especially if scratched
How is it treated?
Treatment is more effective if it is started early, when there are only a few pimples. Each treatment has advantages and disadvantages, but it is important whichever one you choose that you do not try to remove them yourself. yourself, you could spread the infection:
- Curettage: One of the most used treatments. It consists of removing the lesions with a metal tool that scrapes each mollusk. Good results are achieved in a smaller number of visits, and pain can now be minimized by applying a topical anesthetic. However, only 38% are able to eliminate the lesions completely.
- Cryotherapy: Freezing with liquid nitrogen. It is a quite painful treatment with certain contraindications such as a significant scab (sometimes a blister) or residual hypo- or hyperpigmentation. About 3-4 sessions are necessary for healing.
- Specific products for molluscum contagiosum: In 1999 it was demonstrated that It was found that 10% Potassium Hydroxide applied twice a day had very satisfactory results in 30 days. A product of this type is Moluvir, from Sesderma. It acts directly on the focus of the infection and prevents the spread of Molluscum to other areas, also improving healing. The treatment lasts from 2 to 10 days.
How to prevent it from being transmitted?
- Do not touch, scratch or rub the lesions.
- Do not share clothes or towels.
- Keep injured areas clean and wash your hands frequently.
- Do not leave areas exposed if you are going to practice any contact sport.
- Change each bandage daily or when it becomes dirty.
- Do not shave areas where there are bumps.
- Moisturize the skin if it is dry. dry.
