Infectious molluscum contagiosum is a contagious skin disease caused by infection with the infectious molluscum contagiosum virus. Molluscum contagiosum is a pox virus, of which four subtypes have been identified, but MCV-1 is the most common. Molluscum contagiosum in children is almost always caused by MCV-1, but in immunocompromised individuals (especially those with HIV infection), about 60% are caused by MCV-2. Close skin-to-skin contact is the main mode of transmission, but it can also be transmitted through sexual contact, swimming pools, and other public facilities.
Clinical manifestations of infectious molluscum contagiosum The disease affects children, sexually active people and immunocompromised people. The lesions can be found anywhere, but in children they are more likely to be found on the back of the hands, limbs, trunk and face, while in adults they can be found on the genitals, buttocks, lower abdomen, pubic bone and inner thighs if they are transmitted through sexual contact. The incubation period is 1 week to 6 months. Typical lesions are hemispherical papules 3 to 5 mm in diameter, gray or pearly, with a waxy surface and a central umbilical depression containing milky white cheese-like material (molluscum contagiosum).
Diagnosis and differential diagnosis of infectious molluscum contagiosum The diagnosis of this disease can be confirmed based on typical clinical manifestations. Single large lesions sometimes need to be differentiated from keratoacanthoma and basal cell epithelioma.
Prevention and treatment of infectious molluscum contagiosum Avoid scratching in order to prevent the spread of the disease. Do not share clothing and bath towels in kindergartens or group living, and pay attention to disinfection.
Physical therapy is the main treatment for this disease. The molluscum contagiosum can be broken under aseptic conditions with dental tweezers or curved vascular forceps to squeeze out the contents and then topical iodine to prevent bacterial infection.