Molluscum contagiosa are also known as molluscum contagiosa. They are highly contagious but benign skin lesions. They can appear individually or in groups anywhere on the body. They are caused by an infection with the molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV). Molluscum contagiosum can be the size of a pin or a pea.
Here you will find further information as well as selected molluscum contagiosum specialists and centers.
The worldwide spread of the molluscum contagiosum virus(MCV) is usually transmitted by smear infection.
The virus can be transmitted through direct physical contact, especially during sexual intercourse. This is why molluscum contagiosum is a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Molluscum contagiosum occurs very frequently in young adults, usually between the ages of 20 and 29.
However, indirect contact, e.g. through the shared use of towels or clothing, also plays a role.
Molluscum contagiosum around the armpit of a child
Molluscum contagiosum is present all over the world due to its high risk of infection. They are particularly widespread in the tropics and subtropics. It is assumed that around two to eight percent of the entire world population is infected with MCV.
People in poorer areas with a high population density are particularly affected by molluscum contagiosum. This is mainly due to the limited hygiene options in these regions. Sharing hygiene or household items often leads to infection via smear infection.
Many children up to the age of 5 also suffer from molluscum contagiosum. They can easily become infected when playing with children who are already infected or when using the same toys. In addition, children's still weak immune systems make it easier for the pathogens to penetrate the skin.
The patient group of children is followed by the group of young adults aged 15 to 29.
The causative agent of molluscum contagiosum is the molluscum contagiosum virus, which belongs to the poxvirus family.
It is an enveloped, double-stranded DNA virus. There are four forms of MC viruses, known as MCV-1, MCV-2, MCV-3 and MCV-4. The most common form is MCV-1. MCV-2 usually only occurs in adults.
The only host for the molluscum contagiosum virus is humans. It does not infect animals or other living organisms.
Fleeting contact with infected skin is sufficient to transmit virus particles. This can happen when you shake hands or rub your hands together. Infection with MCV is also possible through sexual contact.
The virus then enters the organism through small defects in the top layer of skin. Here the virus multiplies and causes the typical benign skin growths.
The molluscum contagiosum virus also survives for some time outside the body. Infection is therefore possible via shared objects, such as toys or towels. Frequent transmission sites are therefore
Theoretically, anyone can become infected with the molluscum contagiosum virus at any time. There is no vaccination against MCV. Furthermore, an MCV infection does not confer permanent immunity. Anyone who has already been infected once can be infected again.
This is a genuine new infection each time: the immune system completely removes the MCV from the body as soon as it recognizes and combats the viruses.
The viruses are highly concentrated inside the molluscum contagiosum, a pulpy mass. Scratching the wart releases the viruses. This allows them to spread to other areas of the skin and body. Further molluscum contagiosum can then develop there.
Therefore, never scratch open a wart or cut it off!
The risk of actually developing molluscum contagiosum after contact with the MCV depends on
of the person in question. People with a weakened immune system are much more at risk than healthy people. For example, people with a weakened immune system
Skin diseases such as neurodermatitis also promote the development of molluscum contagiosum. Skin diseases make it easier for viruses to overcome the skin's natural protective barrier.
Molluscum contagiosum are circular, pearl-like nodules with a shiny surface. These warts are whitish-yellowish, light red or skin-colored.
In the center, molluscum contagiosum are curved inwards. It is this characteristic dent in the middle that gives molluscum contagiosum its name. Molluscum contagiosum are usually the size of a pin to a pea (one to five millimeters). In people with an immune disease, however, they can also have a diameter of up to three centimeters.
After infection with the MC virus, it takes between two weeks and several months for the first molluscum contagiosum to appear.
In adults, the virus is usually transmitted via sexual intercourse. This is why molluscum contagiosum often occurs
occur. However, all other areas of the body can also be affected by molluscum contagiosum, such as
Molluscum contagiosum does not usually cause any symptoms. Only sometimes do those affected complain of severe itching.
Molluscum contagiosum can occur both individually and in groups.
For diagnosis, the doctor - usually a specialist in skin and sexually transmitted diseases - examines the affected areas of skin. Molluscum contagiosum can usually be identified at a glance due to their characteristic appearance.
Particularly in the early stages, molluscum contagiosum can be confused with other skin diseases. The following have a similar appearance
A histological examination may therefore also be necessary for a reliable diagnosis.
To do this, the doctor takes a tissue sample using a biopsy under local anesthetic. This is then examined under a microscope. This allows the doctor to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other types of warts or even malignant changes to the skin.
Molluscum contagiosum often disappear on their own after six to nine months. However, the prerequisite for this is that they only occur sporadically and the affected person has a functioning immune system. Treatment of molluscum contagiosum is therefore not absolutely necessary.
However, to prevent them from spreading, they should be covered with plasters and never scratched open.
If the molluscum contagiosum does not heal on its own after a few months, various treatment methods are available:
Surgical removal involves removing the molluscum contagiosum with a wart spoon (curettage) or special tweezers. A wart spoon is a sharp surgical instrument. The patient is given a local anesthetic. After removal, the affected skin area is completely disinfected.
Kyrotherapy consists of freezing the molluscum contagiosum with liquid nitrogen. The wart falls off on its own a few days later.
Local treatment with solutions or creams involves cauterizing the wart. The agent is applied directly to the wart and removes one layer of skin after the other.
As an alternative to these treatment methods
may be considered.
The prognosis for molluscum contagiosum is generally very good. Molluscum contagiosum usually disappear on their own within six to nine months in a healthy person with a functioning immune system.
In some cases, however, molluscum contagiosum can persist for several years if left untreated. This can particularly affect people with
can be affected. There is a possibility that the warts will spread even further. You should therefore definitely undergo treatment.
However, molluscum contagiosum can reappear at any time, both after spontaneous healing and after successful treatment.
It is not possible to completely protect yourself from infection. However, following simple rules and measures significantly reduces the risk of infection.
Avoid direct skin contact with other people's warts.
Do not squeeze or scratch molluscum contagiosum. This increases the risk of infection and spreading.
Do not use objects that affected people use, such as hygiene items like
Use condoms during sexual intercourse to prevent infection with molluscum contagiosum in the genital area.
Neurodermatitis patients should take special precautions. They have an increased risk of developing molluscum contagiosum. Take care of your skin with special creams and lotions.
