Molluscum Contagiosum
GENERAL INFORMATION:
What is molluscum contagiosum? Molluscum (mo-LUS-kum) contagiosum (con-tay-jee-OH-sum) is a skin disease that happens because of a viral infection. Both children and adults may get this disease. It can appear almost anywhere on the body. Molluscum contagiosum often causes bumps or sores on the face, chest, arms, and legs. Adults may get this disease from having sexual intercourse (sex) with an infected person. When this happens, the skin infection may be found in the pubic area and on the genitals (sex organs). Without treatment, these bumps may take months or even years to go away.
What causes molluscum contagiosum?
- Molluscum contagiosum is caused by a germ called a pox virus. It is contagious (kon-TAY-jus), which means it can be easily spread to others. This can happen if another person touches the infected area of your skin. It can also be spread on items you have used, such as clothes or washcloths. You can spread molluscum contagiosum from one place to another on your own body. It can spread when you scratch it, or if you touch the infected area and then touch somewhere else. Children may pass it to each other through saliva (spit) or from swimming pools. Adults may get the virus from having sex with infected persons.
- Children with atopic dermatitis (another skin condition) are more likely to get molluscum contagiosum. This disease is also more common among people who have trouble fighting infections, such as those with AIDS or other immune system problems.
What are the signs and symptoms of molluscum contagiosum? The virus may not cause symptoms for weeks to months after it has entered your body. You may see small, raised bumps on your skin. The bumps are firm, smooth, and are skin-colored or white. Bumps caused by molluscum contagiosum are often thought to be warts. They usually do not hurt or itch. Adults may have these bumps on their inner legs, abdomen (belly), and genitals. Children may have them on their face and body.
Is surgery done to treat molluscum contagiosum? Your caregiver may want to remove the bumps surgically or by freezing them (cryosurgery). Your caregiver may use medicine called liquid nitrogen to freeze the bumps. This may feel uncomfortable. Your skin may be numb or feel like an ice cube is stuck to it. These treatments may leave a scar. You may need to apply medicine to the bumps to help them go away. Your caregiver will tell you how long you need to use this cream.
What should I do to treat and avoid spreading molluscum contagiosum?
- Wash your hands: Always wash you and your child's hands after caring for or touching the infected area. Hand washing with soap and warm water should be done often. You should also wash your hands before touching food, your eyes, or other people. If no water is available, use germ-killing hand lotion or gel to clean your hands. Alcohol-based hand lotion or gel works best. Germ-killing hand cleaners may not kill all the germs on your hands, so wash your hands with soap and water as soon as possible after using it.
- Around the house: Children should not bathe together or share towels if one of them has the disease. Do not share or reuse items that have come in contact with molluscum contagiosum bumps or sores. Examples may include bedding, washcloths, or eating utensils. These items may be used again after they have been cleaned with hot water and soap. You can clean these items by hand, or by using a dishwasher or washing machine.
- Avoid spreading the illness: Do not scratch the bumps. This may spread the infection to other parts of the body or to other people. Do not have close contact with other people, including sexual intercourse, until the bumps are all gone. Keep skin areas that have bumps covered with clothing.
CARE AGREEMENT:
You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.
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