Skin Conditions: Molluscum Contagiosum

Molluscum Contagiosum is a skin infection that is caused by a virus of the poxvirus family. The eruptions are benign in nature but are very contagious and are more common among children than among adults. It is a chronic infection that children usually pick up at school, public pools or when they come in direct skin-to-skin contact with other children who have open lesions or blisters. The disease is not normally seen in adults but when it does occur it is usually spread through sexual contact.

The lesions are most frequently seen on the arms, hands, neck and face and look like warts or pimples. In adults who have contracted the disease through sexual contact the lesions will appear in the pubic area, on the external genitalia, on the buttocks and on the inner thighs. They often look like warts or herpes but are painless. The blisters on other parts of the body begin as small bumps that are raised and can be colored. The center of the lesions are depressed and contain a white "pus" that is contagious. Because they itch a person will tend to scratch at them and release this fluid. A person whose immune system is suppressed may also experience lesions on other parts of the body including the face and the scalp. The infections usually clear up, without scarring, in two to three months but can last for years. The lesions can be removed surgically through cryotherapy, scraping, burning, chemical obliteration or needle electrosurgery. There is the chance of scarring if a person chooses to have the blisters removed in this manner.

The characteristics of the lesions are so distinct that a diagnosis is commonly made by observation alone. Other tests such as the evaluation of biopsied skin are done to confirm the diagnosis. The condition is chronic and once the virus enters the body it will stay there. Outbreaks can recur but an otherwise healthy person's immune system is able to manage the outbreak. The disease is also much more pervasive in a person who is infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or has full blown Acquired Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

Avoiding direct contact with skin lesions especially those that are broken or open can prevent Molluscum Contagiosum. Abstinence can prevent the condition as well as sexually transmitted diseases but for those that are sexually active a monogamous relationship with a partner who is not infected is ideal. Condoms should always be used if one partner has lesions. The virus can still spread over areas that aren't covered by the condom.