The appearance of mollusks on the face does not pose any danger to human health. But such growths form visual cosmetic defects, which many tend to get rid of. There are two ways to fulfill this desire.
Firstly, you can wait until the rashes disappear on their own. The fact is that self-healing occurs twenty-four months after infection. Secondly, you can always seek help from a doctor. To decide which way to go better, you need to have a complete picture of the disease and the causes of its occurrence. This will be discussed further. We will also figure out how to treat mollusks on the face. A photo of the symptoms will be presented.
Symptoms and signs of the development of the disease
The appearance of such a neoplasm on the face indicates infection of the basal layer of the skin. This virus causes an acceleration of the process of cell division, which leads to the formation of rounded small nodules that rise above the epidermis. Due to the fact that the cells of the dermis are destroyed, some indentation occurs in the center. The growths, as a rule, contain particles of the virus and are located in a chaotic order over the entire area of the appeared neoplasm.
When a person has mollusks on his face, this should not cause any concern. Such manifestations of the skin do not belong to tumor formations, since there are no inflammatory processes in the growth zone.
This infection has an incubation period. From the moment the virus enters the body until the first manifestations on the skin, it can take, for example, two weeks or even six months. The formation of the first nodules triggers the development of the active stage of the disease. The number of dense, and at the same time protruding growths can very quickly increase. Sometimes the nodules merge, turning into large plaques that have a diameter of up to five centimeters. When such a clam occurs on the eyelid, it can cause tangible discomfort.
The growths have a dense shiny structure, they have a pearly color. Shellfish grow on the skin extremely slowly and usually reach their maximum size only after twelve weeks. Having completed their growth, the nodules instantly die. Not all plaques have an impression in the region of the center, but only fifteen percent of the total. Inside the growth there is a mixture of viral particles, and in addition, dead epidermal cells.
Against the background of the progression of mollusks on the face of an adult, the total number of papules regularly increases. This is due to the process of self-infection. A person can independently spread the virus cells over the skin, therefore, the appearance of a mollusk directly on the eye, in the armpit area, and also on the abdomen, in the genital area, and so on. Less commonly, mollusks can be found on the lips, on the scalp or on the cheek mucosa. But, as a rule, their distribution is quite clearly localized, and the boundaries are noticeably pronounced.
Virus infection methods
The causative agent of mollusks on the face is orthopoxvirus, a relative of parasites that cause chickenpox, as well as smallpox. To date, only four of its varieties have been identified and studied. The following species are directly to blame for the appearance of nodules in people on the face: MCV-1 and MCV-2. They can be transmitted by contact. Close contact is required for infection. Indirect methods of infection are also possible, for example, the use of general hygiene items, underwear, dishes, toys and so on.
Scientists have found that far from always close contact leads to infection. Strong immunity can prevent the virus from multiplying, suppressing it and completely destroying it. This prevents the transition of the disease into the active phase.
Causes
So, the clam on the face is a viral infection. The causes of the appearance of these spherical papules in a person's face are very common and commonplace. First of all, we are talking about such factors:
- Infection occurs as a result of direct contact with an already infected person.
- The cause may be dirty hands.
- Sexual intercourse with a virus carrier.
- You can get infected through water, for example, in a bath, sauna, pool and so on.
- The presence of weak immunity
- Living in household unsanitary conditions.
- Absolute untidiness.
- Disregard for personal hygiene.
- Adverse environmental conditions.
As a rule, mollusks on the face are formed in adults quite rarely. But in the event that this nevertheless happened, it is required to be able to distinguish the disease in time from another similar rash, which requires a completely different approach. For this, it is important to at least partially present the clinical picture of the disease.
Clams on the face of a child
The main factors provoking pathology:
- Weakened immunity.
- Stay in a hot, humid climate.
Molluscum contagiosum on the face of a child often occurs. It is transmitted:
- in common areas;
- skin contact with objects that are already infected.
The disease is easily confused with chickenpox, rubella, measles, but there is one distinctive symptom: if you click on a tubercle, white contents appear from it, similar to a mushy granular mass, where mollusks are located.
Bubbles are located on the stomach, head, hips, neck, limbs. Sometimes a clam forms a whole meadow on the child’s face. Very rarely, nodules can be found on the palms and feet.
The origin of the name of the pathology
This disease got such an interesting name due to the fact that the warts formed in its process, as a rule, are filled with a liquid of curd consistency. Scientists, in turn, discerned in it microbodies that are vaguely reminiscent of mollusks. In addition, the mollusk on the face (the photo can be seen in the article) is called contagious, as it is transmitted mainly through contact with the peddler of the virus.
Classification of the disease and its form
By the nature of the distribution, there are only five varieties of mollusks on the face:
- The classic form is diagnosed when the mollusks are located in a single order.
- Against the backdrop of a gigantic type, the presence of merged individual elements is observed, which are grouped within just one plaque, with a diameter of up to five centimeters.
- In the formation of the pedicular type, mollusks participate, which merge into one plaque holding on to the skin with the help of a thin leg. The number of such nodules on the face can reach ten pieces.
- The generalized form can be a profuse rash. The number of mollusks located in the affected area usually amounts to several tens.
- The milar type is similar to the generalized type. The difference is that the mollusks are smaller.
Treatment of a mollusk on the face should be carried out only under the supervision of a physician.
Diagnose this disease, and in addition, determine its form, does not present any difficulties for experienced dermatologists. This requires an examination along with a medical history, on the basis of which the corresponding conclusions are made and the required treatment is prescribed. In situations in which doubts arise that are related to the similarity of the neoplasm with any other rashes, for example, with a vulgar wart or milia, the doctor sends the patient for a biopsy. Affected skin fragments are examined under a microscope. A conversation regarding how to get rid of cosmetic defects will take place immediately after receiving the results of a biopsy.
So, how is contagious mollusk on the face treated?
Treatment
It is worth saying that people of any gender and age are affected by this disease. Molluscum contagiosum can appear not only on the face, but also in the mouth, nose, neck, limbs and so on. Those that are located on the eyelids, it is recommended not to treat at all. After eighteen months, immunity will necessarily cope with this disease on its own, and even this trace will not remain from this unpleasant formation. Usually, doctors are cautious about the mandatory treatment of the disease described. And there are certain reasons for this.
The fact is that the virus is to blame for the appearance of a molluscum contagiosum on the face. The immune system against the background of its appearance is included in the fight against it, developing immunity. This process does not last a week, as with otolaryngological diseases, but several years. For example, it can take five or six years. In that case, if you independently remove the nodule on the face immediately after its appearance, then you can leave a scar. In addition, the risk of relapse with a much larger area of damage increases. This is primarily due to the fact that the infection is still active. In this regard, dermatologists always vote in order to wait for self-healing. As for the indications for medical intervention, they usually boil down to the following:
- Too long course of the disease.
- Tangible discomfort.
- Elimination of a cosmetic defect in a prominent area of the body, which is important when mollusks are poured on the face.
To remove mollusks on the face, ministries of health recommend various conservative and surgical techniques, which will be discussed later.
Effects on the virus with drugs
Drug therapy consists of taking medications, treatment with ointments and solutions that can destroy the structure of unaesthetic nodules. For this, agents based on cantharidin, tretinoin and trichloroacetic acid are used. Drugs such as Chlorophyllipt, Fluorouracil, or benzoyl peroxide may also be suitable. Treatment with drugs compared to surgical tactics is considered not so traumatic and sufficiently effective.
But it’s worth mentioning once again that doctors are against helping the body fight this virus. In situations of identification of a generalized type, antiviral treatment is carried out together with local therapy. Patients are prescribed Viferon along with Acyclovir or Isoprinosine. It is also considered appropriate treatment with immunomodulators.
How to remove clams on the face?
Tumor Removal
It should be emphasized that surgical treatment is very painful, in connection with this, local anesthetics are used to perform the necessary manipulations. A five percent ointment called “Empla” is best anesthetized in the skin. To achieve this goal and remove mollusks on the face, the following methods are used:
- The removal procedure in the clinic using the curettage technique, which involves curettage of the formation with a Volkman spoon.
- Conducting cryotherapy, in the framework of which the growths are affected by liquid nitrogen.
- Performing electrocoagulation, in which mollusks on the face are cauterized by current.
- Exposure to affected points with a laser.
Curettage is a mechanical technique in which a mollusk is scraped with a sharp spoon. Also, tweezers can be used for these purposes. It is worth noting that this procedure is extremely painful, and immediately after the removal of neoplasms, bleeding often occurs. In this regard, there is a need for treating the skin with antiseptics, iodine and so on. The main disadvantage of curettage is the likely subsequent formation of scars. Therefore, this surgical technique is not best suited for cosmetic purposes, when it is necessary to get rid of the pathology.
The most painless, and at the same time effective way to remove formations is a laser. On the installation, which emits a CO2 beam, set the desired wavelength and frequency. During this treatment of molluscum contagiosum, every node is burned on the face. In ninety percent of cases, just one session is usually enough. But in the event that, after this session, the mollusk does not crust and does not disappear, another effect is required.
The principle of cryotherapy is similar to the laser cauterization technique, but liquid nitrogen is used instead of the beam. With its help, they affect the affected areas and destroy especially large growths. True, cryotherapy is not used to remove mollusks on the face and other visible parts of the body. This is due to the fact that immediately after its holding, bubbles may appear, leaving pigment spots on the skin.
The procedure for cauterizing a cosmetic defect with electric current is similar to the technique for treating uterine erosion. This procedure is very effective, but very painful. But given the effectiveness in choosing a surgical technique, the doctor may prefer this one.
Still how to treat a clam on the face?
The use of folk remedies
Treatment with alternative methods is also effective. The advantage of such techniques will be that the products that are used in recipes are always at hand. So, here are the most common recipes:
- Garlic lotions. Four cloves are pulverized, mixed with butter (10 g). Then the resulting ointment is applied to the mollusks. Fix with a band-aid and bandage. The dressing should be changed 2 times a day. Such an application is applied until the nodule completely disappears.
- Tinctures of a series. 2 tbsp. l herbs in a glass of boiling water. Insist. The affected area is rubbed with warm broth 4 times a day.
- Alcohol tincture of calendula. Sold at the pharmacy. The skin is rubbed 4 times a day.
- Juice of bird cherry. Fresh leaves are ground in a meat grinder. Squeeze the juice out of them. The resulting juice is mixed with butter 10 g, in equal proportions. Ointment is applied at night.
How is the treatment of mollusks on the face of a child? Treatment in children has its own specifics and a direct connection with the immune system. To this ailment, immunity develops very slowly in a child, but gradually he can cope with the disease on his own within two months. For this reason, specialized therapy for molluscum contagiosum in children is not considered so necessary.
Therefore, if the child was diagnosed with this, the doctor may insist that you just need to wait until the pathology passes without treatment. There is also an opinion that antiviral agents, suppositories, ointments and procedures do not accelerate the healing process.
But if the treatment is still prescribed, then choose Viferon cream and Ifagel ointment, which contain interferon.
Prophylaxis
In order to protect yourself from this pathology, you must follow the recommendations below:
- It is very important to constantly observe the basic rules of personal hygiene while maintaining cleanliness in your home.
- You also need to constantly strengthen your immune system.
- Contact with sick people should be completely excluded. This is especially important because the disease described is viral in nature.
- Exclusively protected sex should be practiced. Erratic sexual activity can be the cause of not only mollusks, but also other even more dangerous diseases.
- In order to protect yourself from this skin ailment, you need to regularly carry out preventive examinations with the appropriate specialists.
Additional treatment recommendations
Given the fact that this disease has a viral nature, any treatment procedures should be carried out in sterile conditions. It should be noted that this viral infection is sufficiently resistant to alcohol. In the event that a person touched a nodule and accidentally peeled off the skin, it is imperative to disinfect the wound with a solution or laundry soap.
It is undesirable to visit places such as swimming pools, baths and so on during treatment. In addition, do not use cosmetics. It should be borne in mind that poor-quality cosmetics often cause inflammatory processes, for the treatment of which antibiotics will have to be used.
It is important not to forget that, having become infected with this virus, a person is not contagious only until the disease enters the acute stage and mollusks appear on the face. In the event that an infected person is among close relatives, all preventive recommendations must be carefully observed. Against the background of the first appearance of a rash on the face, you must consult a doctor. An accurate diagnosis can only be made by a specialist who will prescribe the correct comprehensive treatment.
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