Molluscum contagiosum is a common viral infection that manifests itself as a rash on the skin and mucous membranes of domed papules flesh-colored with central indentations in the center, reminiscent of outward appearance a clam shell. The disease has several names: molluscum contagiosum, epithelial or infectious molluscum, contagious epithelioma. Poxvirus is the cause of the disease. Most often, children from 1 to 10 years old and young adults are sick.

Contact-household (much more often) and sexual (less often) are the main ways of spreading the infection. Molluscum contagiosum in most cases goes away on its own. If necessary, resort to the use of mechanical and physical methods: extrusion, curettage, cryotherapy, cauterization, use laser radiation or electrocoagulation.

Rice. 1. Molluscum contagiosum on the face in adults.

Rice. 2. Cotragious molluscum on the face of a child.

The cause of the disease

The reason for the development of molluscum contagiosum is a DNA-containing virus belonging to the Poxviridae family, related to orthopoxiviruses - varicella, natural and monkeypox viruses, smallpox vaccine, pustular dermatitis, etc.

With electron microscopy, molluscum contagiosum virus is no different from other poxviruses. It has a large size (the largest in nature) and a characteristic ovoid or brick-like shape. The genome is dumbbell-shaped, 300 nm in size. The nucleocapsid consists of a 2-layer membrane of lipoproteins. Funnel-shaped fibers are located on its outer side.

The reproductive cycle is complex. During it, more than 100 different proteins are synthesized, most of which are used to build the outer shell.

Pathogens multiply in the cytoplasm of epithelial cells. It was not possible to isolate viruses in cell culture.

Today there are 2 types of viruses and 4 subtypes: MCV I, II, III and IV.

• MCV I is the most common (it is isolated in 96.6% of cases). Causes disease in children and adults.
• MCV II causes disease in 3.4% of cases, mostly in adults.

The morphological manifestations of infection when infected with both types of the virus are the same.

Rice. 3. Poxvirus.

Epidemiology

Molluscum contagiosum is widespread and only among humans. Both children and adults are ill. The incubation period ranges from 2 weeks to 6 months.

The disease is transmitted by contact, mainly in everyday life. The factors of transmission of infection are the patient's personal belongings (washcloth, towel, etc.). The infection is also transmitted through direct contact with the affected skin, which occurs during intercourse. When scratching or touching lesions, viruses spread to other areas of the skin.

Most often, children and young people (more often men) are ill. Shaving contributes to the spread of infection on the face.

In the Russian Federation, about 5% of children suffer from molluscum contagiosum. Basically, these are children from 1 year old. In more younger age the disease is not registered, which is associated with the presence of immunity transmitted from the mother or the long incubation period of infection. Infection occurs in families and organized groups, where children become infected from each other. Even epidemic outbreaks of the disease are possible.

Risk factors:

1. Poor living conditions, overcrowding and non-observance of basic rules of personal hygiene.
2. Long-term use of corticosteroids and cytostatics by patients, which significantly reduces work immune system.
3. The disease is common in HIV-infected patients and those with skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis and eczema.

Rice. 4. Contagious molluscum on the neck and chin area.

Rice. 5. Molluscum contagiosum on the face and behind the ear.

Pathogenesis

Disruption of epidermal growth factor is believed to play a decisive role in the development of molluscum contagiosum. The virus, having invaded the keratocytes of the basal layer of the epidermis, begins to divide intensively. In the thorny layer, viral DNA actively accumulates, as a result of which a nodule forms in the epidermis. In the center of the nodule, destruction occurs - the destruction of epidermal cells.

In the cytoplasm of the cells of the stratum corneum and granular layer, rounded formations are formed - mollusc bodies. They are large, 25 - 35 microns in diameter, rounded, and contain numerous virions.

The inflammatory component is often absent or minimally pronounced. With a long course of the disease, the lesions are represented by granulomatous infiltration.

Rice. 6. In the thickness of the stratum corneum and granular layers in the cells during the disease, rounded cytoplasmic inclusions - mollusc bodies (photo on the left) are formed. Penetration of the hyperplastic epidermis into the dermis. Mollusc bodies with keratin masses fill the crate-like depression (photo on the right).

Signs and symptoms of molluscum contagiosum in adults

The incubation period of the disease varies from 2 weeks to 6 months. A rash in the form of nodules occurs spontaneously.

• The rash in adults is localized on the skin of the trunk, face (often on the eyelids), neck, armpits, sometimes in places of trauma. When the infection spreads through sexual contact, the rash occurs on the skin of the pubis, abdomen, genitals, inner thighs, and around the anus. Nodules have been reported on the scalp, tongue, lips and cheek mucosa. The appearance of a rash on the soles and feet is atypical localization. In children, nodules are localized on the face and trunk.
• The number of elements of the rash is different - from single to multiple (in persons with immunodeficiency). In HIV-infected patients, the rash is profuse (hundreds of nodules).
• The nodules are located separately, randomly, rarely merge into large conglomerates, which is called "giant molluscum contagiosum."
• The color of the papules is pink, pink-orange, yellow, pearl white or normal skin color. They are shiny, translucent. They have a rounded, hemispherical shape with an impression in the center in the form of a navel filled with horny masses.
• Most of the nodules have a depression in the center filled with horny masses, which is clearly visible when magnified with a hand lens, dermatoscope, or otoscope.
• When pressed from the sides, a dense, cheesy-looking keratin mass, containing Lipschütz's mollusc bodies, with a huge number of virions comes out of the nodule. In atypical or advanced cases, this symptom is absent.

At the beginning of the disease, tiny papules (1 - 2 mm) appear. Over time, they increase and reach 2 - 4 mm, in some cases - 5 - 10 mm. The nodules reach their maximum size within 1 to 3 months.

Molluscum contagiosum forms:

• Agminant. When papules merge, giant conglomerates ("giant molluscum contagiosum") are formed, reaching a diameter of 2 cm.
• Horny. Keratinization of the elements of the rash is noted.
• Generalized. It is noted with dissemination of the rash.

Within 1.5 - 3 months, under the influence of the body's immune system, the nodules disappear even without treatment, but if the infection is transferred to other areas, the rash appears again and again. The total duration of the disease is 6 - 9 months. In some cases, molluscum contagiosum lasts up to 3-4 years.

Rice. 7. In the photo there are elements of a rash in case of a disease.

Molluscum contagiosum on the face

During normal functioning of the immune system, nodules on the face are single and disappear without treatment within 1.5 - 3 months. With immunodeficiency, the disease is more severe. In HIV-infected individuals, many facial nodules appear. In some patients, they merge and form "giant" elements that disfigure a person's appearance. Shaving contributes to the spread of infection.

Especially often nodules appear on the eyelids. They have a classic appearance: papules, similar to pearls with a depression in the center, filled with horny masses, painless. The nodules contain many mollusc bodies with numerous virions.

When the formations are located at the edge of the century, chronic follicular conjunctivitis of weak or significant severity often develops, often recurrent, superficial keratitis or micropanus. Corneal erosion is more likely to occur in the upper areas, sometimes over the entire surface. They are small, often combined with punctate epithelial keratopathy.

Facial molluscum contagiosum should be distinguished from epidermal cysts, syringomas, and keratoacanthomas.

With an uncomplicated course, it is better not to touch the lesions, since in most cases the disease goes away on its own within 1.5 - 3 months. If necessary, apply electrocoagulation, cryodestruction or laser therapy. The nodules dry up and fall off on their own without leaving scars.

The prognosis of molluscum contagiosum on the face in persons with normal immune systems is favorable. Transfer of the infection to other parts of the body should be avoided.

Rice. 8. Contagious molluscum on the face. Lumps on the upper and lower eyelids.

Rice. 9. Molluscum contagiosum on the face Multiple nodules on the upper eyelid.

Rice. 10. Molluscum contagiosum on the face Multiple nodules on the lower eyelid.

Molluscum contagiosum in HIV patients

Molluscum contagiosum in HIV-infected patients is recorded in 5 - 18% of cases. The disease is more severe than in people with normal or slightly reduced functioning of the immune system.

Characteristic rashes in the form of dome-shaped nodules with an umbilical depression in the center are often recorded on the skin of the face and genitals. They are numerous (hundreds of elements), fast-growing, and significantly disfigure the patient's face. There is a tendency towards grouping and the formation of giant conglomerates. In 5% of patients, the rash appears on the eyelids.

Often, the disease is resistant to traditional therapy... In some cases, against the background of treatment, the progression of the infectious process is noted.

For HIV-infected patients, concomitant superficial keratitis and follicular conjunctivitis are not typical.

The disease must be differentiated from deep mycoses, for which a morphological study should be carried out.

Treatment of molluscum contagiosum in HIV patients should be carried out with antiretroviral therapy.

Rice. 11. Molluscum contagiosum on the face in HIV-infected patients.

Diagnosis of the disease

Diagnosis of molluscum contagiosum is based on the clinical picture of the disease, data from microscopic and histological types of research, in controversial cases, a study of biopsy material is shown. In some hospitals, PCR diagnostics are performed.

Usually, the diagnosis is made on the basis of the clinical picture. The diagnosis is specified using microscopic examination. The discharge from the nodule (horny masses) with subsequent Gram staining is subject to examination under a microscope. Microscopic examination reveals mollusc bodies - eosinophilic cytoplasmic inclusions lying outside the cells or in the cytoplasm of the stratum corneum or granular layers of the skin, containing a huge amount of virions.

Rice. 12. In the photo there is an element of a rash (nodule) in case of a disease.

Rice. 13. Mollusc bodies (photo on the left). Penetration of the hyperplastic epidermis into the dermis. Mollusc bodies with keratin masses fill the crate-like depression (photo on the right).

Rice. 14. Poxviruses. View through an electron microscope.

Differential diagnosis

Molluscum contagiosum should be distinguished from flat warts, acrochordons, keratoacanthomas, pyogenic granulomas, epitheliomas, hyperplasia sebaceous glands, dermatofibroma, benign squamous keratosis, genital papilloma. In HIV-infected patients, the disease should be distinguished from deep mycoses - cryptococcosis, histoplasmosis, coccidioidosis and penicillinosis.

Rice. 15. During transmission of infection during intercourse, nodules form on the skin of the abdomen, genitals, anorectal region and inner thighs.

Treatment of molluscum contagiosum

In patients with a normally functioning immune system, the lesions resolve on their own within 1.5 - 3 months. In the case of constant transfer of infection to other areas, the rash appears again and again. The total duration of the disease in this case is 6 - 9 months. In persons with immunodeficiency, the disease is resistant to treatment and lasts for about a year.

Treatment of molluscum contagiosum is carried out in order to prevent self-infection and includes the following techniques:

1. Extrusion with tweezers is the most effective method of treating the disease. After extrusion, the skin is treated with a 5% alcohol solution of iodine.
2. Cauterization of the lesion with phenol, which is moistened with the end of a thin wooden stick.
3. Removal of individual lesions with a curette (coretage) involves superficial scraping of the curdled rod. After the procedure, the nodule is lubricated with a solution of nitrogenous silver, a 5% alcohol solution of iodine, or a 3-5% solution of potassium permanganate.
4. Cryotherapy (using a liquid nitrogen spray) is effective. Used until the nodules disappear at intervals of 2 to 4 weeks.
5. Electrocoagulation is used for multiple rashes and the presence of large elements that are not amenable to cryotherapy. The procedure is performed using local anesthesia. Very large lesions are removed in several steps.
6. Applying the Cantharidin patch to the affected skin for 1 to 3 days or using trichloroacetic acid. The plaster has a skin-blistering effect, trichloroacetic acid is used for the purpose of peeling.
7. Application of podophyllotoxin or aromatic retinoids - 0.025% gel or 0.1% Tretinoin cream.
8. Laser treatment is used for multiple rashes and the presence of large elements that do not respond to cryotherapy. It is the safest and most "civilized" method of treating molluscum contagiosum. The course of treatment requires the use of several sessions.
9. For common forms of the disease, antiviral drugs are prescribed.

With multiple lesions and resistance to therapy, the patient should be excluded from diseases occurring against the background of immunosuppression: HIV / AIDS, sarcoidosis, systemic diseases and sexually transmitted diseases.

Rice. 16. Molluscum contagiosum in women.

• Lesions should not be combed.
• During the period of treatment, the patient should often and thoroughly wash his hands, bathing is prohibited.
• People who are sick should not go to swimming pools or public baths.
• People with HIV should not shave their faces to avoid spreading the infection.
• Bed linen should be boiled and then ironed with a hot iron.
• The affected areas of the skin must be treated with antiseptics and antiviral drugs.
• If an eye disease is detected, you should immediately consult an ophthalmologist.
• When a secondary infection is attached, antibacterial drugs are used.

Rice. 17. Rash with molluscum contagiosum on the limbs and buttock.

Many different viral diseases are known, and when strange skin rashes appear on the skin, you cannot immediately determine what it is? Especially when smooth nodules up to 3 mm in diameter suddenly appear outside on the genitals, pubis or perineum. But this is a molluscum contagiosum that quickly spreads throughout the body in case of weakening of the immune system.

What is molluscum contagiosum?

- this is viral disease that only affects humans. It is more common in children who become infected in a household way.

But in recent years, it increasingly affects men and women who become infected through sexual contact. Sexually transmitted infection leads to the appearance of papules in the form of granular pink snails in the groin area, on the genitals, delivering many inconveniences to the infected.

Molluscum contagiosum in women

The shellfish is contagious. In appearance it is very similar to others skin diseases... Therefore, when bumps appear on the body, do not hesitate to visit a dermatologist for differential diagnosis. Most often, women catch the infection, often during pregnancy from their partner against the background of unstable immunity and hormonal changes.

The virus first goes through a 2-week incubation period. Further, it quickly begins to progress. If you knock off a knot with a blunt object, then a curdled mass will flow out, which is precisely the source of infection. Women need to be extremely careful. Even if there is itching, try not to scratch the affected areas, consult a doctor for a prescription of treatment.

This infectious disease is contagious. Usually does not lead to anxiety if the immune system copes. But with a decrease in immunity, a burning sensation and may appear. Perhaps the addition of syphilis, papillomavirus and other infections.

Routes of infection with molluscum contagiosum

Contagious molluscum is transmitted:

• sexually;
• household (often in children) on contact healthy person with an infected person through shaking hands, using household items, toys.

Molluscum is often accompanied by other sexually transmitted infections.

Symptoms of Molluscum Contagiosum Infection in Women

The main symptoms include:

• the appearance of erythema, nodules in the lower abdomen, in the groin, pubis, thighs from the inner sides;
• the spread of spots from pink to dark color throughout the body, on the face and legs with the development of a generalized form of molluscum contagiosum as a result of immunodeficiency in patients.

Pregnant women are not protected from this virus due to weak immunity... By itself, the mollusk is not dangerous to the fetus, since it cannot penetrate the placental barrier. But the infection of children during the period breastfeeding or passing through the birth canal is possible.

Usually, a rash on the body appears 2-3 weeks after infection, although sometimes the virus may not manifest itself in any way up to several months with stable immunity. The activation of the disease occurs when the body is weakened.

It is possible that only a single specific nodule appears with a gradual increase in their number, spreading over different parts body in contact with hands, clothing. The virus quickly settles on healthy areas body.

When infected sexually, rashes are localized on the genitals, lower abdomen, inner sides of the thighs, in the groin area. As it develops and spreads, molluscum contagiosum can be found on the soles, palms of the hands, and the mucous membrane of the mouth.

You may be interested in another disease in the intimate area -.

Molluscum contagiosum is differentiated from warts, keratoacanthomas, epitheliomas, lichen planus.

Diagnostics

Specialists quickly diagnose this ailment based on specific signs.

A phased differential diagnostics with the study in the first place:

• anamnesis of the patient;
• visual examination of the skin;
• identifying symptoms typical of molluscum contagiosum;
• conducting a histological examination for the presence of the virus.

The symptoms of molluscum are similar to lichen redness, so only differential diagnosis will allow the doctor to establish the true cause of the disease and the final diagnosis.

Home treatment for molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum is treated with medications, creams or ointments, such as:

• acyclovir,
• cycloferon,
• isoprinosine,
• epigen-intimacy (in the form of a cream, ointment),
• viferon,
• velaxin,
• oxolinic ointment,
• silver nitrate solution.

The number and size of bubbles filled with a mushy mass varies for various reasons. A dangerous dermatological disease requires timely and serious treatment.

Characteristics of the disease

Proven:

• a virus that has DNA gets into human body after contact with an infected person;
• the infection belongs to the smallpox virus group. The shape of the virus is rectangular or oval, reproduction occurs in the cytoplasm of the cell;
• animals as a carrier of infection are excluded;
• with the timely start of treatment, symptoms can be removed and the effect of the virus can be weakened within a short period;
• the risk of relapse persists for up to nine months;
• it is impossible to completely get rid of the virus. In a "conserved" form, a viral infection persists in the body. Provoking factors activate the virus.

Causes of occurrence

The increase in the number of people with contagious dermatosis, scientists associate with several provoking factors. The main causes of molluscum contagiosum are:

• deterioration of the ecological situation. Decreased immunity paves the way for viral infections;
• the AIDS epidemic is contributing to an increase in the number of patients. Many patients diagnosed with HIV suffer from contagious dermatosis;
• high population density is one of the factors in the transmission of the virus by contact and everyday life;
• promiscuity in sexual relations, an increase in the number of sexual partners.

Infection routes

The virus is transmitted in several ways:

• Contact. Most often - during intercourse. In most countries, the infection is not classified as a sexually transmitted disease. The penetration of the virus occurs with close skin contact between partners. Localization sites - lower abdomen, inner thighs, groin.
• Domestic. The virus is transmitted by contact with objects that the patient has touched. Rashes appear on the face and hands.
• In children's groups. Close contacts, overcrowding of children in schools and preschool institutions often lead to an epidemic.

Symptoms and Signs

The incubation period lasts from a couple of weeks to two months. Once a rash is found, it is difficult to establish the source of the infection.

The stages of development and symptoms of molluscum contagiosum on the skin are characterized by a different number of rashes and the patient's condition.

First step:

• there are single bubbles the size of a millet grain. Shape - spherical;
• self-infection begins, the number of dense bubbles increases, the formations reach the size of a pea;
• the disease progresses, the bubbles merge, papules appear on the skin with a small depression in the center;
• these formations are the main sign of contagious dermatosis;
• localization of papules indicates the route of infection.

What papules look like:

• flesh-colored, with a dense shell;
• form - hemisphere;
• content - curdled, white mass;
• formations itch;
• papules gradually soften.

Second phase:

• self-infection through the hands;
• the spread of bubbles throughout the body;
• sometimes the number of papules reaches several hundred;
• upon penetration into the body bacterial infection itching appears;
• when combing, the bubbles are damaged;
• the infection spreads to new sites;
• when pressed on the middle of the formation, lymphocytes and keratinized cells resembling mollusk bodies are released.

Note! A profuse form of pathology is observed in children with atopic dermatitis, leukemia, AIDS. The atypical form is characterized by the small size of the formations. The bubbles do not have a concave center.

Read all the details about dermatitis at the address.

Diagnosis of the disease

At the first symptoms, see a dermatologist. The doctor diagnoses "molluscum contagiosum" based on the clinical picture of the pathology and laboratory data. The analysis of the contents of the papules is carried out.

When examining a patient, it is necessary to exclude the suspicion of the following diseases:

• pustular syphilis;
• chickenpox;
• hydrocystoma;
• syringoma.

Treatment features

How is molluscum contagiosum treated in adults and children? There is no specific therapy. After six months, the body must cope with the viral infection. The task of the doctor and the patient is to increase immunity and alleviate the course of the disease.

Procedure:

• identification of the source of infection;
• limiting patient contacts with healthy people;
• reception vitamin complexes to strengthen the immune system;
• adherence to a dairy-plant diet, limiting the consumption of salt, sweets and fatty foods;
• strict adherence to the rules of personal hygiene;
• taking antibiotics when pathogenic microflora is detected.

The healing process will be faster if you use effective therapies:

• Diathermocoagulation or moxibustion.
• Treatment of the affected areas with an antiviral ointment - Acyclovir.
• Squeezing out the contents of the nodules by the doctor, thorough processing after the procedure with iodine.
• Laser moxibustion (for rare rashes).
• Cryotherapy (for single nodules).

Home treatment of molluscum contagiosum without consulting a doctor is unacceptable. Causes:

• Identified blisters sometimes indicate dangerous skin diseases. You can skip the early stages of malignant tumors.
• Some forms of contagious dermatosis are AIDS-associated infections. These patients require specific treatment.

Molluscum contagiosum in children

In the children's collective, the infection spreads with lightning speed. Children are in close contact with each other during games, joint activities, etc. It is difficult to force a child not to scratch the papules. Self-infection significantly accelerates the development of the disease.

Localization area of ​​nodules:

• face;
• limbs;
• torso.

You can get infected with molluscum contagiosum not only in school or kindergarten. Many students attend:

• pool;
• sports section;
• hobby groups.

Out-of-school facilities are also a site of infection. The infection is most easily transmitted in a humid environment. Children sometimes use one washcloth, towel, flip flops in the shower after classes in the pool.

How and what to treat children

When treating molluscum contagiosum in children, a dermatologist removes nodules with surgical instruments.

Shown:

• laser therapy;
• moxibustion with liquid nitrogen;
• scraping with a Falkman spoon.

Folk recipes:

• reduce irritation and reduce itching at home will help decoction streak(1 tbsp. L. Per liter of water). Wipe your baby's skin gently. Cook the broth every day;
• one more effective method- treatment of rashes tincture of calendula. The drug dries and disinfects the skin.

Important! Do not squeeze out the contents of the bubbles - it is easy to infect. Examine the child's body regularly - you will notice any changes and rashes on the skin in time.

Preventive measures

Eliminate provoking factors:

• observe personal hygiene, keep your home clean;
• when caring for a sick person, disinfect your hands, change bedding and underwear daily;
• examine the skin of the child more often. Any rash is a reason for contacting a dermatologist;
• be choosy when choosing sexual partners;
• after visiting the pools and baths, check the skin for pustules, rashes, neoplasms;
• strengthen the immune system, spend enough time outdoors;
• teach your child the rules of personal hygiene;
• teach from an early age not to transfer personal belongings, hygiene products to anyone.

Skin diseases identified on early stage, easier to treat. This rule applies to a viral dermatological disease - molluscum contagiosum. Attention to the condition of the skin will allow you to detect the first signs of a dangerous chronic disease in time.

In the following video, an excerpt from the TV show "Living Healthy" on the topic "Molluscum Contagiosum":

Content

Molluscum contagiosum on the skin of a child is an infectious disease caused by a virus from the smallpox family. The disease manifests itself as neoplasms on the skin in the form of dense small nodules (papules) with a depression in the center. Typically, infection occurs in preschool age, this is due to the immaturity of the child's immune system. Adults and adolescents who are promiscuous in sexual intercourse are also susceptible to this ailment.

What are shellfish on the skin

A viral infectious contagious or infectious molluscum (molluscum epitheliale) is considered a benign disease, while it does not belong to tumor formations, because the growth and formation of nodules with fluid is due to the effect of the virus on a small specific area of ​​the skin. Inflammatory process there are no nodules in the epidermis. Molluscum contagiosum is a common disease, and people at any age can get it. The infection is more common in children under 6 years of age, adolescents and retirees.

Molluscum contagiosum in children is viral infection, in which the skin is affected. The main cause of this disease is considered to be an orthopoxvirus from the Poxviridae family. This pathogenic microorganism is ubiquitous; it can infect people of any age. Today, 4 types of the virus are known, which are designated with Latin letters and in numbers: MCV-1, MCV-2, MCV-3, MCV-4.

It is a contagious disease that is usually triggered by the orthopoxvirus MCV-1, and in adults, MCV-2. This is due to the fact that the first type virus is transmitted indirectly and by contact through household items, and the type 2 virus is transmitted through sexual intercourse. As a rule, people are more susceptible to infection with molluscum contagiosum:

• suffering rheumatoid arthritis;
• with weak immunity (allergy sufferers, cancer patients, HIV-infected);
• taking glucocorticoid hormones and cytostatics;
• constantly in contact with the skin (doctors, masseurs, pool trainers).

Infection routes

The causative agent of the disease affects only the skin, therefore, when all papules are cured, the virus is completely removed from the body. The source of infection of molluscs can only be a sick person. Transmission of infection is carried out by using shared toys, bath accessories. Often, infection occurs in country camps, swimming pools, schools, kindergartens. The incubation period of the disease is long, often the first rash appears only four to eight weeks after infection. The risk of developing an ailment increases with the following factors:

• polluted environment;
• a weak immune system;
• stress, nervous breakdowns, disorders.

Molluscs on the body of a child are transmitted indirectly, by contact-household means and through water. As a rule, infection often occurs through touching the skin of a person suffering from an ailment. Any tactile contact (shaking hands, hugging, massage, pressing tightly in public transport) with a sick person can lead to infection. The indirect route of transmission is considered the most common; it consists in infecting people through touching dishes, linens and other household items, on which particles of the virus remain.

Symptoms

The main signs of the presence of the disease are skin neoplasms in the form of small nodules of flesh or white color. As a rule, in children, they can appear on any part of the body, often on the face and chest, almost never on the feet and hands. When pressed on the papules, a white mass is released, similar in consistency to boiled cereals. Occasionally, the nodules merge, forming a giant molluscum contagiosum - a large skin formation with a depression in the center.

Although molluscum contagiosum is an infectious disease, it has no other symptoms other than a skin rash and small acne with fluid. Fever, runny nose and sore throat often do not even appear in the baby. Rarely, mild itching occurs in place of large papules. When scratching or injuring acne, the disease can be complicated by other skin ailments. In this case, the symptoms of contagious infection are:

• the appearance of pus;
• swelling and redness of the skin around the rash;
• temperature increase;
• the appearance of severe pain in the area of ​​the rash.

Treatment of molluscum contagiosum in children

Some experts believe that molluscum contagiosum does not require special treatment... Papules will go away by themselves if you follow the rules of personal hygiene. Rarely, light areas remain at the site of the rash that are not susceptible to sunburn. Other specialists, on the contrary, insist on compulsory treatment in order to avoid complications. At the same time, the doctor may prescribe vitamins, immunomodulators, restorative and antiviral drugs.

As a rule, removal of nodules is recommended for adult patients so that they do not serve as a source of infection for other people. When children are ill, dermatologists often advise not to treat the disease, but to wait a little (4-6 months) until the papules pass on their own, because any procedure can stress the baby. If the disease lasts a long time, then the doctor may prescribe the following methods for removing nodules in children:

• mechanical scraping with a Volkmann spoon;
• cryotherapy - removal with liquid nitrogen;
• usage folk recipes using herbs;
• removal with tweezers;
• the use of special formulations;
• removal by laser or electric shock.

External treatment

Molluscs on a child's face are a viral disease that can cause a lot of inconvenience to children. If the papules have not disappeared on their own, the specialist may prescribe the use of special sparing and at the same time effective means... The most common drugs are:

• Infagel ointment and Viferon cream. These drugs are based on interferon, which strengthens the immune system. These funds prevent the penetration of the mollusk into healthy cells, disrupt the presence of the virus in the blood. For the treatment of the disease, the drugs must be applied in a thin layer to the nodules up to 5 times a day. The course of therapy is 7 days. Contraindications: age up to one year.

• Oxolinic antiviral ointment. Used externally. The drug prevents the multiplication and penetration of viruses into cells. A 3% ointment is used to cleanse the skin. Knots and rashes must be carefully lubricated with a product 4 times a day, the treatment period is 2 weeks. A contraindication is only a special sensitivity to oxolin.

Drug treatment

Parents often cauterize nodules on the skin of children with iodine, hydrogen peroxide, celandine. This is allowed, but only under the supervision of a doctor. Although it is better to treat shellfish on a child's skin with antiviral agents, also in agreement with the doctor. The most effective drugs are:

• Candles Viferon 500000 IU2. Antiviral and immunomodulatory agent. When using the drug, the level of immunoglobulins increases, and the functioning of interferon is restored. Children over 7 years old are prescribed one candle 3 times a day for two weeks. Children under 7 years old - one suppository 2 times a day.

• Isoprinosine tablets. Immunomodulator, complex synthetic antiviral drug... Blocks the multiplication of viruses and reduces clinical manifestations diseases. Strengthens the effect of interferon. Children from 3 years old are prescribed 50 mg of the drug per 1 kg of weight. The dose is divided into 3 doses per day. The course of therapy is from 5 days until the nodules disappear completely. Contraindications: childhood up to 3 years old.

Folk remedies

Many parents are trying to cure molluscum with remedies traditional medicine: garlic, celandine, calendula. Often, such methods are not always safe, especially without the supervision of a specialist. Although some of them used in conjunction with drugs, help to quickly get rid of an unpleasant ailment. The most popular traditional medicine recipes are:

• Bird cherry juice. Fresh leaves of the tree must be washed with water and passed through a meat grinder. The resulting porridge should be laid out on cheesecloth and squeezed out the juice. This mixture must be mixed with butter in a 1: 1 ratio. The ointment should be applied to the nodules at night. The course of treatment is 2 weeks.
• Garlic lotions. For this recipe, you need to take a few fresh plant cloves and grind to a state of gruel. Next, add butter in a 1: 1 ratio and mix well. The prepared composition must be applied pointwise to the nodules, fixed with a plaster. Change lotions for fresh ones should be 3 times a day. Such applications should be applied to papules until they disappear completely.

Removing shellfish in children

Dermatologists do not recommend independently removing molluscum contagiosum nodules in children so that there are no further complications on the skin. The treatment method can only be prescribed by an experienced doctor. When an illness occurs, the child should not go to school, Kindergarten, pool. An infected baby should undergo a full course of therapy with a dermatologist. As a rule, children rarely resort to the removal of molluscs, because rashes can disappear from the skin on their own over time. Although in rare cases, mechanical elimination of papules is simply necessary. Removal is shown in situations like this:

• if there is a high risk of spreading the infection;
• in the presence of accompanying skin diseases(atopic dermatitis);
• if the localization of the rash occurs on the neck or face.

Mechanical removal

The doctor can remove the papules with tweezers and alcohol solution iodine. During such a procedure, young children are often anesthetized with Emla cream or other surface anesthetic. To remove nodules, the doctor squeezes the jaws of the tweezers and squeezes out the contents of the papules, after which he carefully removes the curd mass, and cauterizes the wound with iodine or hydrogen peroxide.

To remove molluscs from the skin, a specialist can use a curettage or hulling method. This method consists in mechanical scraping of papules with a sharp Volkmann spoon. The procedure is unpleasant, the removal is often accompanied by bleeding, so the specialist uses local anesthesia with lidocaine. After removing all the nodules, the wounds should be treated with a 5% iodine solution. This method of removal can leave scars and scars on the body.

Surgical removal

As the infection progresses, a specialist may prescribe one of the following surgical treatments:

• Diathermocoagulation. You can remove the rash for a child by burning the papules with an electric current. This procedure practically painless, but sometimes it can be accompanied by burning sensation, discomfort, tingling sensation.
• Laser therapy. Modern medical equipment makes it possible to quickly remove molluscum with a laser using local anesthesia. Such removal helps to achieve the destruction of 90% of the papules after the first session. In this case, each nodule is irradiated with a laser during the procedure, after which the skin is treated with iodine (5% solution). If after a week the papules are not covered with crusts, then another radiation session is performed.
• Cryodestruction (cryotherapy). Removal of nodules with liquid nitrogen. The cells with the virus are frozen during the procedure and die. With proper cryotherapy, no scars remain on the skin.

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Attention! The information presented in the article is for informational purposes only. The materials of the article do not call for self-treatment... Only a qualified doctor can diagnose and give recommendations for treatment, based on the individual characteristics of a particular patient.

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Molluscum on the skin of a child: causes and treatment

Compared to an adult organism, a child is more susceptible to the negative effects of the environment, since he has not yet fully adapted to it. The child's immunity sometimes cannot withstand even the simplest ailment. Molluscum contagiosum is a type of viral dermatitis that occurs primarily in children aged 1–6 years, but there are exceptions when adolescents and adults are at risk.

What it is?

The causative agent of the disease is the smallpox virus that infects the skin. A rash appears first., and after the end of the incubation period, small papules with depressions are formed, filled with a white curd. The disease can be confused with rubella or chickenpox, but viral dermatitis has distinctive feature- if you squeeze the formation, the contents of a white shade, in which the mollusks are located, will protrude from it.

If there are no infections in the baby's body, there is a chance that the disease will disappear on its own in 5-6 months. With weakened immunity and absence timely treatment the risk of combining several tubercles into one large node - the so-called giant mollusk - increases.

What are the causes of infection?

There are several reasons for contracting viral dermatitis:

The risk of mollusc development increases if:

• being infected with HIV;
• weak immunity;
• prolonged and regular fatigue;
• presence of other infectious diseases;
• living in an area with low level ecology.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

In most cases, molluscs in children appear on the face, neck, abdomen, arms and buttocks, but if you do not take up the treatment of the disease in time, other parts of the body will suffer. At the initial stage the course of the disease, molluscum contagiosum no longer manifests itself, it is a painless ailment: drowsiness and fatigue are not observed, the body temperature does not rise, the appetite does not disappear. A progressive rash is characterized by mild itching, and if the nodules are scratched, there is a risk of infection.

Another feature of the disease is that mollusks do not appear on the child's body immediately - incubation period can last from two weeks to six months. As mentioned earlier, molluscum contagiosum does not cause discomfort, pain or severe itching, therefore, if strange rashes on the baby's body are detected, it is worth consulting with a doctor who can diagnose the disease and prescribe appropriate therapy.

Contagious molluscs in children, experts classify into the following forms:

• in the classical form, white or light pink formations of 2-3 mm with pits in the middle are visible on various parts of the body;
• the giant form is characterized by the fact that several nodes grow together into one neoplasm, reaching up to 1 cm in diameter;
• the generalized form of the disease is accompanied by a profuse rash and large formations;
• if the number of nodules that have grown together is not more than 10 pieces, this form can be called pedicular;
• the miliary form resembles generalized, but smaller eruptions.

In most cases, an experienced dermatologist is able to recognize viral dermatitis by the appearance and localization of skin growths. If necessary, the contents of the papules are sent for analysis, since if there is a disease, a considerable number of molluscum contagiosum bodies will be found in the mass.

By themselves, shellfish on the skin of children do not pose any danger. The virus does not enter the bloodstream, which makes it impossible to damage the internal organs.

Treatment of molluscum contagiosum in children

The child's immunity, strengthening his body and following the rules of personal hygiene will help eliminate the virus if detected initial stage diseases. After the rash disappears, there will be no traces on the skin ... But in the case when the number of knots on the body continues to increase or the rash begins to cause discomfort to the baby, it is necessary to resort to specialized treatment.

Molluscs in children can be removed in the following ways:

• mechanical removal (curettage);
• freezing;
• laser therapy;
• moxibustion;
• medication treatment.

Curettage

Mechanical removal is performed manually using tweezers and a Volkmann spoon. Under sterile conditions, the contents of the nodules are squeezed out with tweezers until blood appears or scraped out with a pointed Volkmann spoon, freeing the papules from molluscs. Immediately after the procedure and throughout the next week wounds are disinfected with iodine or another antiseptic to remove residual virus and prevent re-infection.

This process gives the baby extremely unpleasant sensations, so it is best to numb the skin. If the scale of infection with molluscum contagiosum is very large, doctors use general anesthesia... Another disadvantage of this method is that after treatment, scars may appear at the site of the nodules.

Freezing

The method is carried out with liquid nitrogen. It is applied to papules, which entails their destruction. After the procedure, the skin must be treated with iodine. In places where cryotherapy was carried out, crusts are formed, which in no case can be combed, as a scar may form.

Removal with a laser

This is the fastest and most painless method that can be used to remove shellfish from babies. The sites of localization of papules are lubricated with an anesthetic, and then the upper thin layer of the skin is heated with a medical laser, as a result of which the molluscum contagiosum dies. Places that have undergone laser therapy, treated with an antiseptic. The procedure has the following advantages:

• does not provoke hemorrhages;
• excludes re-infection by the virus;
• does not leave scars and scars;
• during the operation, the tissues located next to the papules are not injured.

Moxibustion

The formations are cauterized with a small charge electric current, after which the sites of localization of nodules are lubricated with iodine solution. The skin is monitored for a week. if the papules remain in place, the procedure is repeated.

Drug treatment

Medicines are used in cases where the above methods have not helped to eliminate the rash. For this, antiviral ointments and pills, immunostimulants and antibiotics are used. For the right choice of the drug, you must consult a doctor who will take into account the characteristics of the child's body and the stage of development of the virus.

Before using folk remedies, you need to consult a doctor, because not every baby is suitable for this or that recipe, and in some situations, in addition to the disease, an allergy to any remedy may occur. Consider the most effective methods of fighting the virus:

How to avoid recurrence of molluscum contagiosum?

After using any remedy, shellfish on the child's body may appear again, so it is important to periodically examine the baby's skin. Parents are required to do the following:

With these simple prevention methods, you can quickly get rid of the disease and keep your child healthy.