Molluscum contagiosum is a benign viral disease of the skin and mucous membranes.
It is caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV).
The virus produces a substance that affects the infected cells and causes their uncontrolled proliferation, resulting in visible clinical lesions.
It can also be transmitted through sexual contact, affecting the genital organs and the skin of the perigenital area.
These are visible, dome-shaped, round papules that are flesh-colored or slightly pink, measuring 2 to 5 millimeters in diameter, with a characteristic central umbilication. The lesions begin as small, skin-colored bumps with a soft texture and later increase in size, become firmer, are not easily ruptured, and contain a solid white core. They usually appear in clusters but can also be solitary.
The incubation period of the disease ranges from 14 days to up to 6 months. The condition often resolves spontaneously within 6 to 9 months, but it may persist for 3 to 4 years. Diagnosis is primarily clinical and is based on the identification of the characteristic umbilicated lesions. In the case of a solitary lesion, differential diagnosis should be made from pyogenic granuloma, keratoacanthoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.
The infective termite includes four types
- Type 1 (MCV-1) mainly affects children
- Type 2 (MCV-2) in adults
- Types 3 and 4 rarely cause infection
The last two types are due to transmission through sexual contact.
The disease is highly contagious and spreads by self-inoculation at points of skin breakdown or after direct contact with skin lesions.
In addition, it can be transmitted through the shared use of clothing, towels and personal equipment in various sports. Itching and scratching the affected area contributes to the spread and multiplication of the lesions.
The treatment of choice for the disease is mechanical excision of the lesions
using surgical forceps.
Other alternative treatment methods include:
cryotherapy,
laser (CO2, Pulse Dye) and
photodynamic therapy.
The fact that you have recovered from molluscum contagiosum does not mean that you have developed immunity to the virus.
There is a possibility of becoming infected again.
Moreover, molluscum contagiosum is not one of the viruses that remain dormant in the body after treatment in a latent state, such as the herpes virus.
If you have been treated and symptoms reappear, it means that you have been reinfected.
Sometimes, molluscum contagiosum is self-limiting and resolves without treatment.
Nevertheless, it is essential to visit a dermatologist and monitor the lesions, because if they increase in size, treatment becomes more time-consuming and the risk of scarring increases.
Laser removal of the lesions is considered a first-line treatment, as it is safe, targeted, and effective.
Specifically, the laser beam targets only the lesion (without affecting the surrounding skin), helping to prevent injury, scarring, and marks.
Once a thorough dermoscopic examination has been performed to detect and locate all lesions, the laser enables their removal, ensuring the effectiveness of the treatment and the complete elimination of all lesions.
Finally, the treated area heals quickly, leaving the skin aesthetically intact.
However, it should be noted that it is the treating dermatologist who will determine the most appropriate treatment approach for each individual case.