Molluscum contagiosum is an infection that affects only the skin. Although anyone can develop the infection, it is particularly common in children because they tend to engage in more skin-to-skin contact than adults, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. The infection causes no symptoms other than small skin lesions, and poses few risks of complications, although treatment is often recommended.
Symptoms
A child with a Molluscum contagiosum infection will develop small skin lesions that are usually pinkish or flesh-colored. In most cases, these papules are not painful, and there is not usually any redness or swelling surrounding the lesions, according to MedlinePlus. They can appear dimpled or have a white center. Because the infection can be spread by scratching the affected skin, children often have patches or lines of papules. In children, lesions are most common on the arms, legs, trunk and face.
Causes
Molluscum contagiosum is caused by a virus and is spread as other viruses are--through contact with infected individuals. The virus is common in children and also in people who have weakened or suppressed immune systems, MedlinePlus reports. The virus that causes Molluscum--a member of the poxvirus family--affects only the skin, so no other areas of the body are affected.
Transmission
Lesions caused by Molluscum are contagious and can be spread through physical contact with someone who has the infection. A child can also spread the infection on his own body by having the lesions come in contact with unaffected skin. It can also be transmitted sexually in teens and adults. If your child has Molluscum contagiousum, keep the lesions covered so the infection is not easily transmitted, recommends the University of California San Diego Student Health Center.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of a Molluscum infection is typically made after a doctor examines the child's skin lesions. To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor may scrape a small amount of skin from the lesions to be examined under a microscope, according to MayoClinic.com. This biopsy is not always performed, however, when doctors can rule out other causes for the lesions and confidently conclude that Molluscum contagiosum is the culprit.
Treatment
Because it is caused by a virus, Molluscum cannot be treated with oral or topical antibiotics. Instead, treatment involves removing the skin lesions either by freezing them with liquid nitrogen, applying acids or using laser therapy or an electric needle, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Because the infection is limited only to the skin, treatment is not required. The infection will go away on its own, but doctors often recommend treatment to prevent scarring as well as avoid spreading the infection to others.
Prognosis
Complications from Molluscum contagiosum are rare, although the lesions can cause scarring if a child scratches them frequently. Scratching can also cause skin infections in and around the lesions, according to MedlinePlus. Even in healthy individuals, it can take 2 or 3 months for a lesion to disappear, and as long as 18 months for the entire infection to clear up.
