Molluscum Contagiosum

What is Molluscum Contagiosum?

Molluscum contagiosum is a contagious skin infection commonly seen in children and occasionally in adults. This condition is characterized by small, round, pearl-like bumps or lesions, typically harmless, caused by the Molluscipoxvirus. The lesions are usually painless and can appear anywhere on the body, but they are most commonly found on the arms, legs, torso, genital area, and face. Molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) belongs to the poxvirus family and has four different types (MCV-1, MCV-2, MCV-3, and MCV-4), with MCV-1 being the most common type responsible for infections.

How is Molluscum Contagiosum Transmitted?

The virus can be transmitted in several ways:
Direct Skin-to-Skin Contact: Touching the lesions of an infected person is the most common way the virus spreads. It can occur among children while playing or participating in sports and among adults during sexual contact.
Indirect Contact: The virus can also spread through personal items used by an infected person. These items may include towels, clothing, toys, or sports equipment.
Autoinoculation (Self-Spread): After touching an infected lesion, a person can spread the virus to other parts of their body. For example, the virus can spread through scratching or friction.
Sexual Transmission: In adults, Molluscum contagiosum can be transmitted through sexual contact and can cause lesions in the genital area.
Waterborne Transmission: In some cases, it is believed that shared water in communal areas like swimming pools may play a role in the transmission of the virus, although this transmission route has not been conclusively proven.

What Are the Symptoms of Molluscum Contagiosum?

The symptoms of Molluscum contagiosum typically manifest as distinctive lesions on the skin. These symptoms may include:
Lesions: The most noticeable sign of the infection is small, round, and usually painless bumps, typically 2 to 5 millimeters in diameter. These bumps can sometimes be larger and often have a firmer texture compared to the surrounding skin.
Pearl-Like Appearance: The lesions often have a shiny surface, resembling a pearl, with a central dimple or navel-like depression.
Color: The lesions can appear in the natural color of the skin or may be slightly pink, white, or reddish in color.
Grouped Distribution: The lesions can occur individually or in small groups and may sometimes spread on the skin.
Itching and Irritation: The lesions can be itchy at times, especially if they are irritated or rubbed.
Molluscum contagiosum lesions are generally harmless and do not cause serious health issues. However, they can raise aesthetic concerns or social stigma and may sometimes lead to secondary bacterial infections.

Who is More Likely to Get Molluscum Contagiosum?

Children: Children, especially those between 1 and 10 years of age, are more susceptible to the transmission of the virus. This may be due to their frequent skin-to-skin contact and the fact that their personal hygiene skills are not fully developed.
Individuals with Eczema or Atopic Dermatitis: Those with impaired skin barriers are more susceptible to the spread of molluscum contagiosum.
Individuals with Weakened Immune Systems: Individuals with diseases that suppress the immune system, such as HIV/AIDS, or those using immunosuppressive drugs for reasons like organ transplantation, are more vulnerable to molluscum contagiosum infection.
Sexually Active Adults: As a sexually transmitted infection, it can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity.
Athletes: Athletes participating in sports that involve frequent skin-to-skin contact, such as wrestling and judo, are at risk of contracting the virus.
Those Living in Hot and Humid Climates: Such climates can provide suitable conditions for the virus to spread.
Individuals Using Common Areas: Shared areas like swimming pools, gyms, and schools can contribute to the spread of the virus.

How Is Molluscum Contagiosum Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of molluscum contagiosum is usually based on the appearance of lesions on the skin. Dermatologists or gynecologists can confirm the diagnosis using the following methods:
Visual Examination: Healthcare professionals can diagnose it by examining typical pearl-like lesions and assessing the number, location, and distribution of the lesions.
Dermatoscopy: This is a device used to magnify skin lesions for a more detailed examination. Under dermatoscopy, the characteristic central dimple of molluscum contagiosum lesions is more clearly visible.
Biopsy: Rarely, when the appearance of the lesion is atypical or needs to be distinguished from other skin conditions, a sample of the lesion may be taken and examined under a microscope.
PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) Test: In very rare cases, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems, the DNA of the virus can be analyzed from a sample taken from the lesion to confirm its presence.
In most cases, the typical lesions of molluscum contagiosum are sufficient for diagnosis, and invasive tests are not required.

How Is Molluscum Contagiosum Treated?

Treatment for molluscum contagiosum may not be necessary in healthy individuals, as the infection often resolves on its own. However, concerns such as the visibility of lesions, underlying atopic conditions, and a desire to prevent transmission may necessitate treatment. Treatment is usually recommended, especially for lesions in the genital area (on or near the penis, vulva, vagina, or anus). If lesions are present in these areas, a healthcare professional should perform the treatment as there is a possibility of having another sexually transmitted disease.
Physical Removal Methods:
• Cryotherapy (Freezing the lesion with liquid nitrogen)
• Curettage (Puncturing the core of the lesion and scraping off the cheesy material)
• Laser Therapy
These methods are quick and should be performed by a specialist, may require local anesthesia, and can result in post-procedure pain, irritation, and scarring.

Does Molluscum Contagiosum Infection Resolve on Its Own?

Yes, molluscum contagiosum infection often resolves on its own in healthy individuals. The lesions caused by this virus can often heal without the need for treatment within a few months when recognized and intervened upon by the immune system. However, this process can vary from person to person, and in some cases, lesions can persist for several years.
In individuals with normally functioning immune systems, lesions typically disappear within 6 to 12 months, but this process can sometimes take longer. In individuals with weakened immune systems, lesions may be more resistant and may not resolve without treatment.
While waiting for lesions to heal on their own, it is important to avoid touching the lesions and to not share personal items (towels, clothing, etc.) to reduce the risk of transmission.

Can Immunity Be Gained After Molluscum Contagiosum Infection?

There is no scientific consensus on whether individuals gain immunity after a molluscum contagiosum infection. Some people may develop some level of immunity after an infection, but the duration and effectiveness of this immunity can vary from person to person.
Because there are different types of Molluscipoxvirus, immunity developed against one type may not provide protection against other types. Additionally, the immune system may retain memory of the infection, but this does not guarantee that the individual will not get re-infected. Especially in children and individuals with weakened immune systems, re-infection is possible.
People who have had the infection should practice good hygiene and take necessary precautions to prevent re-infection, especially after their skin lesions have completely healed.

What Are the Complications Associated with Molluscum Contagiosum?

Molluscum contagiosum is generally harmless and does not lead to serious health problems, but some complications can occur, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems.
Secondary Bacterial Infections: When lesions itch or become irritated, it can allow bacteria to enter and lead to infection. This can manifest with symptoms such as redness, swelling, and pain.
Scarring of the Skin: Scraping or incorrect treatment of lesions can leave scars on the skin.
Eczema: Molluscum contagiosum lesions can cause eczematous reactions on the skin, especially in individuals with atopic dermatitis (eczema).
Spread of Lesions: Touching the lesions can lead to the spread of the virus to other parts of the body (autoinoculation).
Eye Problems: Rarely, when lesions develop around the eyes, it can lead to eye problems such as conjunctivitis.
Psychological Effects: The appearance of lesions, especially on the face and genital area, can negatively affect an individual's self-esteem and social interactions.
Risk Associated with Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Genital lesions can indicate the presence of other sexually transmitted diseases and increase the risk of their transmission.

What Can Be Done to Prevent Molluscum Contagiosum Infection?

Preventive measures to avoid molluscum contagiosum infection include:
Limiting Personal Contact: Avoiding direct skin-to-skin contact with infected individuals is the most effective way to prevent the virus from spreading.
Not Sharing Personal Items: Personal items like towels, clothing, razors, should not be shared.
Maintaining Skin Integrity: Cuts, scratches, or other wounds on the skin can increase the risk of infection, so it is important to maintain skin integrity.
Hygiene: Regular handwashing and skin cleansing can help prevent the spread of the virus.
Being Cautious in Shared Areas: Practicing personal hygiene measures and ensuring the cleanliness of items in shared areas like swimming pools, gyms, and other communal spaces is important.
Protection Against Sexually Transmitted Infections: Safe sexual practices are important to protect against sexually transmitted molluscum contagiosum infection.
Covering Lesions: If there are lesions, covering them with a bandage or clothing can be beneficial in preventing transmission.
Management of Eczema or Other Skin Conditions: Individuals with skin conditions like eczema should receive appropriate treatment to strengthen the skin barrier.
Education for Children: Providing education to children about not coming into contact with infected individuals and not sharing personal items.
Monitoring Skin Lesions: Regularly monitoring existing lesions to prevent their growth and spread and seeking treatment if necessary.

Molluscum Contagiosum Treatment

Each lesion is opened with fractional laser, and the cheesy substance inside is gently squeezed out. In our clinic, Molluscum Treatment with Fractional Laser is performed.

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