Molluscum contagiosum is an infectious disease caused by the virus poxvirus, which affects the skin, causing the appearance of small patches or painless blisters on any part of the body, such as trunk, groin or intimate region.
Molluscum contagiosum usually occurs in children, but can also affect adults with a weakened immune system through direct contact with an infected patient or through intimate contact, becoming a sexually transmitted disease.
Molluscum contagiosum is cured, requiring no treatment in children or adults with a healthy immune system. In other cases, the dermatologist may recommend the use of ointments or cryotherapy, for example.
Photo of molluscum contagiosum
Source: Harrison Internal Medicine, 2013
Treatment for molluscum contagiosum
Treatment for molluscum contagiosum should be directed by a dermatologist, in the case of the adult, or by a pediatrician, in the case of the child, since in many cases no treatment is necessary.
However, in cases where treatment is recommended, your doctor may choose to:
- Ointments for molluscum contagiosum: contain acids, such as salicylic acid or potassium hydroxide, which help to dissolve the lesions;
- Creams for molluscum contagiosum: they have antivirals, like Imiquimode, that eliminate the virus, reducing the spots on the skin;
- Cryotherapy for molluscum contagiosum: application of cold on the bubbles, freezing them and removing them;
- Curettage for molluscum contagiosum: the doctor removes the blisters with a scalpel-like utensil;
- Laser for molluscum contagiosum: it destroys the cells of the bubbles, helping to reduce their size.
Usually molluscum contagiosum stains take 12 to 18 months to disappear.
Symptoms of molluscum contagiosum
The main symptom of molluscum contagiosum is the appearance of blisters or spots on the skin with the following characteristics:
- Small, less than 5 mm in diameter;
- They have a darker point in the center;
- They may become red and swollen.
The blisters are rarely contagious, so the individual does not have to stay at home, going to school or work.
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