This book describes the Molluscum Contagiosum and Related Skin Diseases such as Warts, Lichen Planus and Cryptococcosis which are seen in some of my patients in my Family Clinic.
Molluscum Contagiosum is a mild viral infection which appears as small shiny pimple-like rash on the body.
What is the cause of Molluscum Contagiosum?
The causative agent is a virus called molluscum contagiosum which is highly infectious.
It is more common in children between 2 to 5 years of age.
It is easily spread either by direct contact or indirectly through toys, infected clothing or towels or in a swimming pool.
In adults, the virus can also spread by sexual contact.
Early lesions on the genitalia may be misdiagnosed for herpes or warts but unlike herpes these lesions are painless.
Secondary infection may occur from invasion of staphylococcus.
What are the symptoms of Molluscum Contagiosum?
Symptoms:
Pimples like rashes appear 2 to 7 weeks after the infection:
1. They occurs mainly on the trunk, face, hands and rarely on palms and soles
2. They are small dome shaped with a central dimple
3. They are pearly white or flesh colored
4. Pimples varies between 2mm and 5mm in diameter
5. They appear in groups although they can occur singly
6. Scratching causes the virus to spread in a line or in groups called crops.
How is the diagnosis of Molluscum Contagiosum made?
Diagnosis is based on the:
1. Typical appearance of the rash
2. Skin scraping for microscopic examination.
What are the complications of Molluscum Contagiosum?
Complications:
1. Spread to other parts of body and cause disfiguring appearance
2. Secondary bacterial infection
What is the treatment of Molluscum Contagiosum?
Treatment is sometimes unnecessary.
The condition will disappear even without treatment and without leaving scars.
However this may take from a few weeks to a year.
If there is disfiguring spots on the face or if the child has low immunity, then treatment may be necessary:
1. Apply to the pimples podophyllin paint or salicylic acid cream to dissolve the hard layer of molluscum
2. Removal of the pimples by scraping them off (curettage) or freezing them (cryotherapy)
3. Imiquimod cream may also be prescribed
What is the prognosis of Molluscum Contagiosum?
Prognosis:
The condition will disappear even without treatment and without leaving scars.
However this may take from a few weeks to a year.
How is Molluscum Contagiosum prevented?
1. Avoid direct contact with the skin lesions.
2. Do not share towels with other people.
3. Avoiding sex can also prevent molluscum virus and other STDs
TABLE OF CONTENT
Chapter 1 Molluscum Contagiosum
Chapter 2 Warts
Chapter 3 Cryptococcosis
Chapter 4 Lichen Planus
Molluscum Contagiosum is a mild viral infection which appears as small shiny pimple-like rash on the body.
What is the cause of Molluscum Contagiosum?
The causative agent is a virus called molluscum contagiosum which is highly infectious.
It is more common in children between 2 to 5 years of age.
It is easily spread either by direct contact or indirectly through toys, infected clothing or towels or in a swimming pool.
In adults, the virus can also spread by sexual contact.
Early lesions on the genitalia may be misdiagnosed for herpes or warts but unlike herpes these lesions are painless.
Secondary infection may occur from invasion of staphylococcus.
What are the symptoms of Molluscum Contagiosum?
Symptoms:
Pimples like rashes appear 2 to 7 weeks after the infection:
1. They occurs mainly on the trunk, face, hands and rarely on palms and soles
2. They are small dome shaped with a central dimple
3. They are pearly white or flesh colored
4. Pimples varies between 2mm and 5mm in diameter
5. They appear in groups although they can occur singly
6. Scratching causes the virus to spread in a line or in groups called crops.
How is the diagnosis of Molluscum Contagiosum made?
Diagnosis is based on the:
1. Typical appearance of the rash
2. Skin scraping for microscopic examination.
What are the complications of Molluscum Contagiosum?
Complications:
1. Spread to other parts of body and cause disfiguring appearance
2. Secondary bacterial infection
What is the treatment of Molluscum Contagiosum?
Treatment is sometimes unnecessary.
The condition will disappear even without treatment and without leaving scars.
However this may take from a few weeks to a year.
If there is disfiguring spots on the face or if the child has low immunity, then treatment may be necessary:
1. Apply to the pimples podophyllin paint or salicylic acid cream to dissolve the hard layer of molluscum
2. Removal of the pimples by scraping them off (curettage) or freezing them (cryotherapy)
3. Imiquimod cream may also be prescribed
What is the prognosis of Molluscum Contagiosum?
Prognosis:
The condition will disappear even without treatment and without leaving scars.
However this may take from a few weeks to a year.
How is Molluscum Contagiosum prevented?
1. Avoid direct contact with the skin lesions.
2. Do not share towels with other people.
3. Avoiding sex can also prevent molluscum virus and other STDs
TABLE OF CONTENT
Chapter 1 Molluscum Contagiosum
Chapter 2 Warts
Chapter 3 Cryptococcosis
Chapter 4 Lichen Planus
