The molluscum contagiosum virus infects the skin, causing clusters of small, raised growths. Common sites of the growths, or mollusca, include the skin folds of the arms and groin, and the chest, trunk, face and buttocks. The molluscum contagiosum virus does not cause systemic disease and rarely poses a serious threat to overall health.
Classification
The molluscum contagiosum virus belongs to the Poxviridae family of viruses, which also includes the cowpox, smallpox, tanapox and monkeypox viruses, according to the medical reference text "Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases." All viruses in this family contain double-stranded DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, which is the same genetic material contained in human genes.
Population Affected
The molluscum contagiosum virus most commonly affects children ages 1 to 10, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC. Adults can also be infected with the virus. People with a weakened immune system, such as those living with HIV/AIDS, may have an increased susceptibility to infection with the molluscum contagiosum virus.
Transmission
Molluscum contagiosum spreads from person to person through skin contact with the virus, states the American Academy of Dermatology. Transmission most commonly occurs via direct skin-to-skin contact with a person who has the virus. Physical play among children and sports that involve skin contact, such as wrestling and rugby, prove common routes of transmission. Sexual contact with an infected person is a frequent source of infection among adults.
The molluscum contagiosum virus can survive on inanimate surfaces, such as toys, countertops, athletic mats and towels. Skin contact with a contaminated surface can cause molluscum contagiosum infection.
Prevention
The CDC recommends covering visible molluscum contagiosum skin lesions with a watertight bandage to prevent spread of the virus to others. The CDC further recommends frequent hand washing with soap and water for a minimum of 10 to 15 seconds to prevent spread of the virus.
Frequent disinfection of inanimate surfaces, including toys and athletic mats, can reduce the spread of molluscum contagiosum. The CDC advises against sharing towels, razors, clothing and other personal items that contact the skin.
Treatment
Among people with a normal immune system, molluscum contagiosum usually clears without treatment in approximately six months to a year, notes MayoClinic.com. The risk of spreading the virus to others, however, prompts many medical professionals to advise treatment for older children and adults.
The American Academy of Dermatology states that treatment options for molluscum contagiosum are the same as for warts. Topical retinoids and antivirals are commonly prescribed for at-home treatment. Other professionally-administered treatment options include topical acids, freezing, laser therapy, electrocautery and scraping the growths from the skin surface with a scalpel.
References
- "Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases, Sixth Edition"; Gerald L. Mandell, M.D., et al., Editors; 2004
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Molluscum (Molluscum Contagiosum), Frequently Asked Questions for Everyone
- American Academy of Dermatology: Molluscum Contagiousum
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Molluscum (Molluscum Contagiosum), Specific Frequently Asked Questions for Policymakers and Businesses
- MayoClinic.com: Molluscum Contagiosum
