How Dangerous Is Molluscum Contagiosum?

Molluscum contagiosum is a skin disease which occurs because of viral infection. In this small whitish patches develop on the face, trunk, genitalia and buttocks. These patches are small, painless and firm. This problem is very common in children but it equally affects people of different age groups.

Usually molluscum contagiosum is not dangerous, but if the patch gets scratched or injured then the problem can spread to the underlying skin. It is a communicable problem and can spread from one person to another though touch. As the patch develops on genitals also so doctors also consider it as a sexually transmitted disease. Safe sex is one of the best ways to avoid transfer of this disease from one person to another.

Some of the common symptoms of molluscum contagiosum include:

• The patch is small, round and usually flesh colored
• Size if may is almost six millimeter in diameter
• Itchy patch
• With time patch turns red
• In children it develops on face, armpits, hands and neck
• In adults it develops on buttocks, lower abdomen and genitals.

The patches on the skin turn red and itchy. Doctor believe that this skin disease is adverse response of immune system on the body. The complications increases if the affected area is scratched or injured. This is because in this condition the infection starts to spread in the lower skin layer as well.

As such there is no cure for molluscum contagiosum, but with time the growth of the infection slows down and goes away on its own. On an average it has been observed that the bumps or the infected patch go away between six to twelve months. In some cases the disease may take more than a year to get cured on its own and this is when patients go for medical treatment. Also, as the disease is highly communicable so it is always a safe option to get rid of the problem with proper medication.

After the surgery, patient is called again for follow-up. During this visit the infected area is re-exanimated to identify if the infection still exists or not. If infection still exists then an antiseptic is given to patient for preventing further spread the infection.

Another way of treating the problem is by laser technique and scraping.

When it comes on medication, two types of medication is used treating molluscum contagiosum. First is a topical medication which contains retinoids, this medicine is available as ointment which needs to be applied on the bumps. Second medication contains salicylic acid which is also applied on the bumps dissolving the wound. It takes some time to get rid of the problem completely.

Some of the effective ways by which one can prevent the spread of the disease:

• One should wash their hands frequently, this will prevent spread of virus from one person to another.
• Done touch the patch or save the infected area because any scratch on the bump can spread the infection. The disease is not dangerous but if injury occurs on the bump then the infection spreads on the inner skin layer, which can make the problem dangerous.
• As molluscum contagiosum is a communicable disease, so should keep their personal belongings like hairbrush, towel etc. strictly to themselves only.
• Person suffering from this skin problem on genitals should avoid sexual contact with others.
• One should always keep the bump covered so that the bumps does not come indirect contact with other people.

Even after the treatment, there is possibility for the problem to reoccur. As body immune system fail to fight again this problem hence, if the person comes in contact with this skin disease again then there is a high possibility that the person will get this problem again. Prevention is the only key to keep oneself protected from this skin problem. The prevention methods are simple but very effective.

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Also Read:

• Molluscum Contagiosum (MC): Causes, Risk Factors, Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention
• Alternative Treatment For Molluscum Contagiosum
• Is Molluscum Contagiosum The Same As HPV?
• Complications Of Molluscum Contagiosum
• What Is A Home Remedy To Get Rid Of Molluscum Contagiosum?
• Can My Child Go To School With Molluscum Contagiosum?
• Can You Swim In A Pool With Molluscum Contagiosum?