Molluscum contagiosum
| Molluscum contagiosum | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Water warts |
| Typical flesh-colored, dome-shaped and pearly lesions | |
| Specialty | Dermatology |
| Symptoms | Small, raised, pink lesions with a dimple in the center[1] |
| Usual onset | Children 1 to 10 years of age[2] |
| Duration | Usually 6–12 months, may last up to four years[1] |
| Types | MCV-1, MCV-2, MCV-3, MCV-4[3] |
| Causes | Molluscum contagiosum virus spread by direct contact or contaminated objects[4] |
| Risk factors | Weak immune system, atopic dermatitis, crowded living conditions[2] |
| Diagnostic method | Based on appearance[3] |
| Differential diagnosis | Warts, herpes simplex, chickenpox, folliculitis[5] |
| Prevention | Hand washing, not sharing personal items[6] |
| Treatment | None, freezing, opening up the lesion and scraping the inside, laser therapy[7] |
| Medication | podophyllotoxin[7] |
| Frequency | 122 million / 1.8% (2010)[8] |
Molluscum contagiosum (MC), sometimes called water warts, is a viral infection of the skin that results in small raised pink lesions with a dimple in the center.[1] They may become itchy or sore, and occur singularly or in groups.[1] Any area of the skin may be affected, with abdomen, legs, arms, neck, genital area, and face being the most common.[1] Onset of the lesions is around seven weeks after infection.[3] They usually go away within a year without scarring.[1]
The infection is caused by a poxvirus called the molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV).[1] The virus is spread either by direct contact, including sexual activity, or via contaminated objects such as towels.[4] The condition can also be spread to other areas of the body by the person themselves.[4] Risk factors include a weak immune system, atopic dermatitis, and crowded living conditions.[2] Following one infection, it is possible to get re-infected.[9] Diagnosis is typically based on the appearance of the lesions.[3]
Prevention includes hand washing and not sharing personal items.[6] While treatment is not necessary, some may wish to have the lesions removed for cosmetic reasons or to prevent spread.[7] Removal may occur with freezing, laser therapy, or opening up the lesion and scraping the inside.[7] Scraping the lesion can, however, result in scarring.[9] The oral medication cimetidine, or podophyllotoxin cream applied to the skin, may also be used for treatment.[7]
Approximately 122 million people globally were affected by molluscum contagiosum as of 2010 (1.8% of the population).[8] It is more common in children between the ages of one and ten years old.[2] The condition has become more common in the United States since 1966.[2] Having an infection is not a reason to keep a child out of school or daycare.[10]
- ^ a b c d e f g "Molluscum Contagiosum". U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 11 May 2015. Archived from the original on 16 June 2017. Retrieved 10 June 2017.
- ^ a b c d e "Risk Factors | Molluscum Contagiosum". U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 11 May 2015. Archived from the original on 10 June 2017. Retrieved 10 June 2017.
- ^ a b c d Ramdass P, Mullick S, Farber HF (December 2015). "Viral Skin Diseases". Primary Care (Review). 42 (4): 517–67. doi:10.1016/j.pop.2015.08.006. PMID 26612372.
- ^ a b c "Transmission | Molluscum Contagiosum". U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 11 May 2015. Archived from the original on 10 June 2017. Retrieved 10 June 2017.
- ^ Ferri FF (2010). Ferri's differential diagnosis : a practical guide to the differential diagnosis of symptoms, signs, and clinical disorders (2nd ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier/Mosby. p. Chapter M. ISBN 978-0323076999.
- ^ a b "Prevention | Molluscum Contagiosum". U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 11 May 2015. Archived from the original on 17 June 2017. Retrieved 10 June 2017.
- ^ a b c d e "Treatment Options | Molluscum Contagiosum". U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 11 May 2015. Archived from the original on 17 June 2017. Retrieved 10 June 2017.
- ^ a b Vos T, Flaxman D, Naghavi A, et al. (December 2012). "Years lived with disability (YLDs) for 1160 sequelae of 289 diseases and injuries 1990-2010: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2010". Lancet. 380 (9859): 2163–96. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(12)61729-2. PMC 6350784. PMID 23245607.
- ^ a b "Long Term Effects | Molluscum Contagiosum". U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 11 May 2015. Archived from the original on 17 June 2017. Retrieved 10 June 2017.
- ^ "Day Care Centers and Schools | Molluscum Contagiosum". U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 11 May 2015. Archived from the original on 17 June 2017. Retrieved 10 June 2017.