Molluscum contagiosum is a condition characterized by the growth of skin lesions that can be found anywhere on the body, states the American Academy of Dermatology. The growths look like warts and can cause stress to patients who develop multiple lesions. Molluscum contagiosum is not a serious disease, and most doctors consider it a relatively benign condition. Patients should understand the cause of the disease and how it is spread to prevent the disease from infecting others.
Viral Cause
A highly virile and contagious virus is responsible for molluscum contagiosum. The virus is aptly named the molluscum contagiosum virus. It is a member of the poxvirus family, reports MayoClinic.com. The virus enters the skin and causes the customary growths after a few weeks of incubation. The growths contain a number of maturing viruses that spread, once the lesion ruptures. The other organs of the body are spared from viral infection.
Viral Spread to Other Areas of the Body
Patients may inadvertently spread the virus that causes molluscum contagiosum from the primary infected area to other parts of their body. This may occur when the patient rubs or scratches a molluscum growth and then touches unaffected skin, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Patients may also spread the disease while shaving. Patients should be aware of the potential for spreading the disease and be taught how to avoid this exacerbation.
Direct Contact
Patients with the molluscum contagiosum virus can spread their disease via direct skin-to-skin contact, according to MayoClinic.com. The virus is present within the characteristic lesions of the skin. If another person accidentally touches or brushes up against the patient, there is a chance that the virus will be transferred. There is a greater chance of direct transmission during the later stages of the disease because that is when the virus ruptures out of the skin growths.
Sexual Contact
Molluscum contagiosum can also spread during sexual contact, reports MedlinePlus, a National Institutes of Health website. The growths are often seen in the groin and genital region and any friction or pressure in that area can cause them to rupture. Molluscum lesions may be mistaken as genital warts or herpes, but unlike herpes, the growths associated with molluscum contagiosum are painless.
Infected Objects
Objects that have come into contact with an infected individual can help disseminate the virus, reports the American Academy of Dermatology. The objects spread the disease by coming into contact with infected skin lesions. The virus transfers from the infected patient to the object. An unsuspecting individual picks up or uses the contaminated article and is exposed to the virus. Towel, clothing and toys are some common objects that spread the disease. There have been cases where the virus has spread through swimming pools or a gymnastics mat.
