Molluscum Contagiosum

Viral infection of the skin is called Molluscum Contagiosum which affect generally child and adults. MC infects humans , other primates and kangaroos. Molluscum contagiosum presents as clusters of small round bumps (papules) especially in the warm moist places such as the armpit, groin or behind the knees. It is a member of the Poxvirus family. It is common worldwide and accounts for about 1% of all skin disorders in the United States. Molluscum contagiosum is a disease caused by a poxvirus of the Molluscipox virus genus that produces a benign self-limited papular eruption of multiple umbilicated cutaneous tumors. The incidence of MC infections in young children is around 17% and peaks between 2-12 years of age. MC affects any area of the skin but is most common on the body, arms, and legs. It is spread through direct contact, saliva , or shared articles of clothing (including towels). In adults, molluscum contagiosum may appear on the genitals and is considered a sexually transmitted disease (STD) in this area. The disorder may be seen in adults with an altered immune system. Molluscum contagiosum spreads through direct person-to-person contact and through contact with contaminated objects. Because it spreads easily, doctors often recommend medical treatment, especially for adults.

Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a skin rash caused by a virus first described in 1817. It's more common in children, although anyone can get it. They resemble pimples with a waxy, pinkish look and a small central pit. Molluscum occur most often in children. In healthy people the molluscum go away eventually once the body becomes immune to them. They spread much more extensively in skin that already has eczema or in individuals with weakened immune systems. In healthy individuals each molluscum lesion may last 6-8 weeks. A blistering agent (cantharone or TCA acid) or liquid nitrogen will destroy individual molluscum lesions. New growths should be treated when they become large enough to be seen. Candidates for removal include children with lesions on their face (quite common), older kids who are embarrassed by them and won't change for gym class or sports, etc, and younger kids where the molluscum is making control of their eczema difficult. Removal is usually curative but even if some do return, those can be dealt with the same way or left in peace without causing problems in most cases. These drugs include salicylic acid, Retin-A, Aldara cream and Condylox solution. Sometimes a rash appears around the growths when the body starts to reject the virus, and the molluscum lesions become red, itchy or sore. Molluscum are contagious, so physical activity should be restricted to avoid transmitting it to others. You can always consider the option of no treatment, as molluscum do eventually clear on their own.

Causes of Molluscum Contagiosum

The common Causes of Molluscum Contagiosum :

The virus is contagious through direct contact, as seen in children, but may spread by sexual contact.
People exposed to the molluscum virus through skin-to-skin contact have an increased risk of developing these growths. Molluscum contagiosum is a chronic infection and lesions may persist from a few months to a few years.
With continuous spreading, however, new lesions appear over time, such that the mean duration is about 8 months, with some infections lasting up to five year .
The lesion of molluscum begins as a small papule which may become raised up to a pearly, flesh-colored nodule.

Symptoms of Molluscum Contagiosum

Some Symptoms of Molluscum Contagiosum :

Painless .
Dimple in center
Pink, pearl-like spots on the face, arms and legs, which can be 1 to 5mm in diameter.
Single or multiple (usually multiple)
Initially firm, flesh-colored, pearl-like, dome-shaped
Central core or plug of white, cheesy or waxy material.

Treatment of Molluscum Contagiosum

Individual lesions can be destroyed by a blistering agent, by liquid nitrogen , or by surgical removal.
Antiseptic applied to the affected areas is helpful only if local infection occurs - which shows as painful red areas around the molluscum spots.
Surgical removal of individual lesions may result in scarring. Medications, such as those used to remove warts , may be helpful in removal of lesions.
Usually no treatment is given since the disease disappears by itself.
Sometimes new lesions will form while existing ones are being destroyed. New growths should be treated when they become large enough to be seen.

Nails Care

Anychia
Clawing of the Nails
Clubbing
Discoloration of the Nail Plate
Ingrowing Toe Nail
Koilonychia
Longitudinal Striations
Loss of Nail Plate
Onycholysis
Paronychia
Pitting of Nail Plates
Pterygium
Thickening of Nail Plate
Transverse Ridges

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