What causes molluscum contagiosum?
Molluscum contagiosum is a relatively common viral infection of the skin. The virus is known as the molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) and is part of the pox family of viruses. Sometimes referred to as water warts, the infection causes small firm bumps (Mollusca) to appear on the skin.
The condition was discovered at the beginning of the 19th Century and occurs worldwide but is more prevalent in warm humid climates and in areas where people live closely together.
Photomicrograph of mollluscum contagiosum
How long does it take for molluscum contagiosum to clear?
In many cases, molluscum contagiosum will go away on its own without treatment. However new growths may appear as old ones are clearing up, so it can take 12 to 18 months or longer to clear completely.
What are the symptoms of molluscum contagiosum?
The main symptoms of molluscum contagiosum are several small firm dome-shaped bumps on the skin with a small dimple in the middle.
- they look like small raised blisters and are between 2mm and 6mm in diameter.
- the bumps often have a depressed or wrinkled centre.
- they will have a central core of yellowy, whitish waxy material.
- they can be on their own but are often found grouped together.
The incubation period for molluscum contagiosum is two weeks to six months, lesions may not immediately be seen after contracting the virus. Molluscum bumps can appear anywhere on the body except the palms of hands and soles of the feet.
What does molluscum look like?
The bumps have a shiny or lustrous surface and are often between 2mm and 6mm in diameter however they can grow larger, up to 10mm to 20mm. There may only be 1 or 2 spots, usually fewer than 20, but they are often grouped together.
How is molluscum contagiosum diagnosed?
Your doctor usually can diagnose molluscum contagiosum just by looking at it. The molluscum spots have a very distinct appearance on the skin, but if a spot becomes inflamed, it can look like a boil.
If there’s any uncertainty about the diagnosis, then a skin scraping, or a biopsy can be carried out to confirm the diagnosis. If molluscum contagiosum is diagnosed, it will rule out other causes for the lesions, such as skin cancer, chickenpox, or warts.
What is Molluscum contagiosum? by Jill Irving RN (adult) RN (child) RM RHV JP
Molluscum contagiosum
There is nothing quite like the perfection of a young child’s skin. So, understandably when any parent is confronted with the skin condition of Molluscum contagiosum this naturally causes concern.
Molluscum contagiosum is a highly contagious viral skin infection caused by the Molluscum contagiosum virus which thankfully isn’t serious. It commonly affects children aged between one and five years. Although reported to be very common, as a health visitor I have only seen about two cases within the last year. My colleague who is a Nurse Practitioner at a busy city GP practice has seen a similar number. All cases have involved toddler aged children.Like any condition the doctor or nurse needs to have a sound knowledge of Molluscum contagiosum before they can accurately diagnose it and advise the appropriate treatment. A few years ago, my own son contracted Molluscum contagiosum but as both the family GP and I were unsure what it was; the condition was never diagnosed appropriately. He was at school at the time and felt embarrassed and very self-conscious and reluctant to undress either at home or at school for games.
So, what does Molluscum contagiosum look like?
It appears as small, round, shiny, pearly white or pinkish spots. There are usually no more than about 20 of them and each pimple has a dimple in the middle or a tiny puss filled head. They are usually about 2.5mm wide and tend to grow in number over a few weeks. These spots are not painful but may be itchy. The spots will tend to appear on your child’s chest and stomach or inside joints such as on their inner elbow and behind knees. However, they can break out almost anywhere including your child’s face. Molluscum contagiosum usually clears up within 18 to 24 months without treatment. Although it does not generally cause scarring you may notice each spot leaves a small, pitted mark.
Over a period of about 6-12 weeks, the spots tend to crust over before eventually healing. As the virus is highly contagious there is a high risk that it will spread to new areas of skin so new spots may develop as the old ones are healing. In about 1 in 10 cases of Molluscum contagiosum, a patch of eczema develops around the spots. If your child already has atopic eczema, they will be particularly vulnerable to Molluscum contagiosum.
So why and how has your child become infected with the virus?
Most adults have developed immunity to the Molluscum contagiosum virus so this means that most of us will not develop it. So, despite being a parent and in close contact with your infected child you should be fine. However, people who haven’t fully developed their immune systems, such as young children are at particular risk of infection. It can take between seven days and six months for the pimples to appear after your child has been in contact with the virus. It is not really known how long someone with Molluscum contagiosum is contagious for but is generally thought to last up until the last spot has completely healed.
As the virus is highly contagious, it is easily spread among other young children at nursery and school while playing and sharing contaminated items, which could even be a toy. Consequently, there is a strong chance that is where your child has come in contact with Molluscum contagiosum.
What are the treatment options for Molluscum contagiosum?
Traditionally GPs and Practice Nurses have recommended that the best treatment is to do nothing.
Treatment is usually only recommended for adults and older children who have spots that are particularly unsightly and are affecting their quality of life. Treatment is also be recommended for people with weakened immune systems, as the condition can take several years to clear in these cases.
Some GPs have suggested using cryotherapy by freezing each pimple using liquid nitrogen. You may need several sessions of cryotherapy before each spot clears completely. You’ll need to wait two or three weeks between each treatment session.
Potassium hydroxide is available as a liquid that works by breaking down the skin cells infected by the virus, allowing the immune system to respond to it. The solution should be applied to the bumps twice a day. Stop using as soon as inflammation appears or for a maximum of 14 days. Results can be visible in 1-4 weeks. Side effects of potassium hydroxide can include redness and a slight burning or itching sensation, which usually only lasts for a few minutes after the medication is applied.
As a parent is there anything else you can do?
It is really important that if your child attends a playgroup, a daycare setting or school that the staff is aware that your child has the condition. This will not only help prevent the spread, but it will also help your child receive the correct care whilst you are not present. Your child will not need to stay away from nursery or school and can still continue with all sporting activities including swimming. However, your child should not share a bath.
Molluscum contagiosum thrives under warm and damp conditions, so keep your child’s skin clean and dry. Try to avoid sharing family towels, clothing, and bed linen. I would also recommend avoiding the use of all flannels, which tend to be constantly damp and if you have a busy family household it may be difficult to prevent other children from sharing them with their siblings. If possible, try and prevent your child from sharing their toys. If you think this is impossible, then they should be regularly washed in hot soapy water in an attempt to avoid further contamination.
Keeping your child’s nails very short and whenever possible the spots covered which will encourage your child not to scratch the infected area. Scratching can spread the virus to different parts of your child’s body. It can also increase the risk of either family members or your child’s friends catching the virus.
The good news is that once that your child’s bout of Molluscum contagiosum has completely cleared; it is rare for it to return.
Jill Irving RN (adult), RN (child), RM, RHV, JP
Jill Irving has been a practicing health visitor for 33 years and left the NHS in 2011 to work independently. She has built a small private caseload and works with several international organisations. Jill is the health visiting expert for www.babycentre.co.uk who are recognised as the most complete on-line resource for expectant and new parents. Jill’s work has been published by Babycentre.co.uk in 13 countries around the world. Jill has also had several articles published in professional journals.
Jill was paid to write this guest blog and does not endorse our product or brand.