DEFINITION

It is a viral infection that it causes pápulas or nodules like perlitas in the skin.

CAUSES, INCIDENCE AND FACTORS OF RISK

The contagious mollusk is a frequent contagious injury, which pox-virus is caused by a virus of the family. This virus is called Molluscipoxvirus Molluscum Contagiosum.

It is a very frequent infection in children. One sees often in the face, neck, armpits, arm and hands, but it can appear in any part of the body, except in the palms of the hands and feet. Sometimes one sees in the genitals.

In the adults, the mollusks appear in the genitals like a sexually transmitted disease. This is very significant between the increasing number of persons with inmunodepresión caused by the AIDS, which can develop a fulminating case of contagious mollusk.

The injury of the mollusk begins with a kidling pápula that then is enlarged towards a pearly colored nodule. The nodule, often, has a dimple in the center (umbilicado). These nodules appear in line, where the person scratches. The plastered one or another local mechanism irritativo does that the virus spreads in line or in groups (cultivation). The nodules measure of approximately 2 to 5 millimeters in diameter and they are not painful. Neither is inflammation and, therefore, reddening, unless the person rubs or scratches the injuries. In the ripeness of the mollusk, the top of the nodule can be opened by a sterile needle and there is seen a nucleus of waxed aspect that it salts being too tight.

The contagious mollusk is a chronic infection and the injuries can remain for some months or years. These injuries in the end disappear without leaving scars. The primary injuries can be confused with herpes but, in contrast to what it happens with the herpes, these injuries are not painful.

The virus is contagious for direct contact, as one sees in the children, but it can be transmitted by sexual contact. (Autoinoculation) can be spread locally by the effusion of the virus of the injuries towards adjacent areas of the skin.

PREVENTION

To avoid the direct contact with the injuries. To be careful in the sexual relations, using the condom, which it can help in the prevention of this viral infection.

The condoms can prepare the expansion of the virus when they are used of suitable form. The condom is the best protection before the illness when the sexual couple is not known, and for the prevention of the contagion, not only of the contagious mollusk but also of other infectious illnesses.

SYMPTOMS

Injuries in the skin, with the following characteristics:

• In the shape of pápula or nodule.
• Kidlings (of approximately 2 to 5 millimeters in diameter).
• Umbilicadas (with a dimple in the center).
• Initially firm, of color meat, pearly aspect and form of vault.
• Later they become softer, gray and can suppurate.
• Central nucleus of viscous humid material.
• Painless.
• the only or multiple (more times multiple).
• Located normally in face, trunk, arms and legs in case of the children.
• Located normally in genitals, abdomen and face interns of the thighs in the adults.

ANALYSIS AND TEST

The diagnosis is based on the appearance of the injury and can be confirmed by a biopsy. The doctor must examine the injuries to discard other problems.

TREATMENT

In the persons with a normal immune system, the injuries disappear spontaneously in a period of months or years. In the persons with the immune system affected by other problems, like the AIDS, the injuries they can be wide. The individual injuries can be extirpated surgically, by means of curettage, freezing or electrical needle. Normally it is done by curettage. They can help the medicines used for the warts.

PROGNOSIS

The injuries of contagious mollusk usually disappear in 2 ó 3 months. The finished disappearance happens after 6 to 18 months. The injuries can remain in persons inmunodeprimidas.

COMPLICATIONS

• Persistence, expansion or reappearance of the injuries.
• Secondary bacterial infections in the skin.

WHEN TO GO TO THE DOCTOR

Call for an appointment if it has suggestive symptoms of contagious mollusk. Also if the injuries persist or spread, as well as if new symptoms appear.

WHAT DOCTOR CAN TREAT ME?

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