The molluscum contagious disease is classified as a viral pathology; it is distinguished by a benign character. Symptoms of this pathology are usually pronounced, its diagnosis does not present any difficulties for specialists, and treatment can be carried out using official medicine or folk remedies.
Clam disease in children and adults is detected equally often.
Causes and ways of infection
The smallpox virus is the main cause of molluscum contagiosum. Scientists put forward the assumption that only a person acts as a natural carrier of this virus, but it is known for sure that the pathway of infection of the mollusk is contact.
It should be noted that the threat is not just an already infected person, but also household items, for example, towels along with bedding, clothes, toys and the like. Moreover, the mollusk virus is able to infect people of various age groups. The most widespread spread of the described disease is recorded in childhood, when a child attends an educational institution, for example, a kindergarten, school and any children's groups in which an outbreak of a mollusk epidemic occurs.
In the event that the localization of the rash in the pathology considered in adults is in the genital area, then the sexual route of infection is quite possible.
How does the molluscum contagiosum disease manifest itself?
Symptoms
The incubation period of the described disease lasts from two weeks to six months. As a rule, at this time already infected people do not show any changes in health. After the incubation period of the mollusk is over, characteristic rashes appear on the skin, which are the first and only vivid pronounced sign of molluscum contagiosum.
The characteristic features of such rashes differ in the appearance of hemispherical nodes. The size of each papule is related to the size of the pin head. Usually the surface of the papules is smooth and shiny, and the consistency of the rashes is quite dense. The color of the rashes is pink or flesh. As the pathology of the pathology progresses, rashes can change their appearance:
- The size of the papules can increase and reach the size of a pea.
- In the center of neoplasms, a depression is formed.
- During pressure on the papules, a whitish mass with a semi-liquid consistency can stand out from the indentation.
It is extremely rare that rashes merge with an ailment, as a result of this, spots are formed with a diameter of up to three centimeters. It is worth paying attention to the fact that no deterioration in health in the form of fever, burning skin, weakness or headaches, even with an extensive rash, is never noted. Such rashes are localized in the presence of a molluscum contagiosum, often in the area of the forehead, neck or eyelids, and in addition, they can be found on the back of the hands, external genitalia, or the inner thighs. It is extremely rare for doctors to fix rashes on the feet and palms.
Diagnostics
How to identify the disease? Often, rashes on the body can be mistaken for chickenpox or for warts. The doctor must differentiate the pathology, then it will be possible to proceed to treatment. You can determine the described disease and yourself. To do this, click on the edge of the papule and examine the discharge from the indentation: in the presence of a mollusk they always have a dense white color and a semi-liquid consistency. It is noteworthy that often the mollusk develops in case of reduced immunity. The doctor will prescribe a full examination in order to identify the main causes of impaired immunity.
Is molluscum contagiosum treated on skin?
Treatment
In most situations, rashes can disappear on their own within eight months. It is in connection with this that doctors often do not prescribe any medications if the patient's general state of health allows. Quite often, surgical removal of the papule is performed.
For this:
- Several punctures are made on the surface of the papule.
- All contents are scraped out with a sharp curette.
- The papule is treated with iodine.
- For three weeks, the area of the removed papule is wiped daily with camphor alcohol.
How to treat a molluscum contagious disease, not everyone knows.
It should be noted that quite often after performing surgical removal of rashes, no scars remain after healing. By the way, some doctors even allow patients to remove papules on their own at home. The only condition is sterility. In no case should infection be allowed to enter opened papules, since otherwise it will not be possible to avoid deterioration in the condition and development of purulent inflammatory processes.
A photo of a molluscum contagiosum disease is presented in the article.
Laser therapy and cryodestruction
In addition to curettage of papules, doctors offer patients the passage of modern treatment in the form of laser therapy. The advantages of this therapy are the following advantages:
- All procedures are absolutely painless.
- The laser completely burns out the papule, while healthy skin is not affected.
- There are practically no contraindications.
- There is no scar left after therapy.
- Laser treatment is carried out on an outpatient basis, which does not require hospitalization or treatment.
Regarding cryodestruction, it is necessary to mention the following features of the procedure:
- Thanks to it, the action of liquid nitrogen on the pathogen of the mollusk appears.
- Freezing of the papule is achieved and the further spread of rashes is prevented.
- Any injuries to the skin during such a procedure are not caused.
- Immediately after therapy, no scars or scars appear on the site of the papules.
- Cryodestruction does not require registration of the patient in a medical institution, since the procedure is performed on an outpatient basis.
Moreover, any changes in the patient’s usual rhythm of life will also not occur. It is worth noting that surgical removal of papules with a clam is not a very painful procedure. Cryodestruction with laser therapy will be an excellent treatment option for this disease.
General treatment
As part of the treatment of mollusk, specialists can prescribe and take various medications. The choice of medicines directly depends on a number of factors, namely, how long the disease lasts, in what condition the patient’s health is, and more. As a rule, all people diagnosed with a mollusk are prescribed a course of immuno-fortifying medicines and antiviral agents. In no case should you make the choice of medicines yourself: this is done by the doctor after the examination.
Treatment of molluscum contagiosum in adults can take place at home.
Treatment and folk techniques
There are a lot of folk recipes that help to quickly get rid of rashes with this disease. But their use must be coordinated with the attending physician, in addition, the diagnosis must be correctly made. The most effective remedies for treating this disease are the following recipes:
- Several garlic cloves are crushed, 50 grams of butter is added to them, then everything is thoroughly mixed until a gruel-like mixture is formed. Apply the medicine to the affected area of the skin twice. But you need to keep in mind that garlic sometimes causes burning and irritation even on a healthy area of the skin, in this regard, you should try to use it with extreme caution.
- The grass of the string is crushed and a decoction is made. Then the broth is insisted for ninety minutes. Only then filter the product through a strainer or gauze. Such a decoction is used in the form of lotions. There are no restrictions on the number of procedures per day.
- Use of potassium permanganate solution. A cotton swab is moistened in it, which is applied to the papule. It should be borne in mind that after the use of potassium permanganate, burns occur on the skin, so you need to be careful and specifically treat the papule, acting pointwise on it.
You can apply some plants that help in a short time to get rid of papules. For example, juice from bird cherry, which is squeezed and kept in a cool dark place, copes with this task perfectly. Further, a cotton pad is moistened in the juice and the skin is processed after removal of the nodules. Moreover, the use of this tool is allowed for a long period, until the wounds are completely healed.
Often it is recommended to use celandine juice for treating a mollusk, which is really very good for cauterizing papules, since it helps to quickly get rid of a characteristic rash. But you should know that celandine juice is classified as a poisonous remedy. In this regard, in the case of inept use, therapy will bring additional suffering to the patient.
To prevent this from happening, you must remember the following rules:
- You must first make sure that the patient is not allergic.
- Celandine juice is applied pointwise to a specific papule.
- The procedure is carried out only with gloves.
Celandine juice can be prepared independently or purchased from it in a pharmacy, which, perhaps, will be the most reasonable solution. Considered to be quite effective medicine and the collection of medicinal plants, which includes yarrow grass along with calendula flowers, juniper berries, birch buds, eucalyptus leaves and pine buds. To prepare the collection, you need to take three tablespoons of each ingredient and mix everything thoroughly. Next, they take a spoonful of the finished mixture and pour it with 300 milliliters of boiling water, after which they insist for half an hour. A collection broth is used for wiping and internal consumption of 100 milliliters in the morning and evening.
Molluscum contagiosum in women is often detected. A photo of the disease is presented in the article.
Features of the treatment of mollusk on the genitals in women
In the event that a characteristic rash appears in the genital area, specific therapy is required. First of all, the doctor must find out if there are any genital infections. It is worth noting that surgery is prohibited in this case. For the treatment of molluscum with localization on the genitals, it is most appropriate to prefer laser therapy or cryodestruction. With regard to traditional medicine, in this case, only one recommendation can be made, namely, it is necessary to carry out hygienic procedures using herbal collection or a decoction of a string.
Dermatologist Tips
In order to prevent infection, you need to try to adhere to the following dermatologist tips:
- After visiting such institutions as baths, pools and gyms, you need to carefully monitor the condition of the skin integument, and if any papules occur, you need to urgently contact the doctors for help.
- It is important to avoid contact with people who have already been diagnosed with a clam. If this happened in the family, then the patient needs to allocate a special separate towel, providing it with hygienic personal accessories, bedding and utensils.
- It is very important to avoid promiscuous sexual relationships and monitor your own immunity. If necessary, it is best to take a course of vitamin treatment.
A disease such as a molluscum contagiosum is a rather dangerous disease that requires close attention from doctors. You should not try to find some recipes or consult with grandmothers on your own. The treatment of the mollusk takes a long time, so the sooner you diagnose and prescribe professional treatment, the faster the patient will become healthy.
In children, molluscum contagiosum disease is common enough.
Causes in children
This disease is caused by orthopoxvirus, which is a related causative agent of smallpox and chickenpox. The mollusk, as a rule, is introduced into the upper layer of the epidermis, stimulating accelerated cell division. As a result, specific growths can form. The causes of the appearance in children are as follows:
- Contact with an infected person.
- Use of common toys, linen, and utensils with a virus carrier.
- Swimming with an infected person in the same pool.
Photos of mollusk disease in children are abundant.
Symptoms in children
The disease in question provokes only external signs, it is extremely rare that this pathology is accompanied by itching. Clam in children does not occur immediately after infection, but only after a period of two to 24 weeks. Such wide boundaries of incubation are due to the relationship between the state of the protective system and the progression of the disease. With high immune activity, the body can cope with the virus until symptoms appear.
What does mollusk infection look like in a child?
A photo of the clam disease in children is presented above.
The visually described problem is easily differentiated due to its specific appearance. In children, the mollusk is often localized on the face, trunk and extremities. These are small papules up to five millimeters in diameter, with a central recess that resembles a navel. Features of the rashes are as follows:
- The presence of a domed and rounded shape.
- Clear boundaries.
- The presence of pink color with a pearly shade.
- The absence of an inflammatory process and swelling.
A progressive mollusk in children with a weakened immune system is characterized by outgrowths prone to fusion. They can combine into large plaques and reach five centimeters in diameter. The rashes have a dense structure and a shiny, glossy coating, similar to a layer of nacre.
The main thing is not to confuse this ailment with diseases similar to molluscum contagiosum.
What is a mollusk dangerous for children?
Due to the alarming appearance, many parents are very worried about the occurrence of complications from this skin infection. But you should not be afraid. The only negative consequence of this pathology is associated with the attachment of secondary bacterial infections. This occurs against the background of incorrect treatment of pathology, mechanical damage to neoplasms and as a result of non-compliance with hygiene rules. In such situations, the mollusk may be complicated by microbial dermatitis. It is quite simple to get rid of it, but scars may remain in the area of growths.
How to treat childhood disease molluscum contagiosum?
Therapy in children
A feature of the disease is the elimination of pathogenic nodules. Initially, they increase in size and reach a maximum twelve weeks after infection. Then the papules no longer grow, but become very soft and slowly die off. Often, molluscum contagiosum does not require therapy. After six months, the rashes usually completely disappear and leave no residue. Very rarely, this period can be delayed for three years. In the event that the child's parents do not want to wait for such a cure, then special therapy is carried out.
Clam ointment
Adults who are infected with skin disease are molluscum contagiosum, as a rule, prefer to remove any dermatological manifestations of it. As part of therapy for children, gentle treatment methods are recommended, since any options for removing the growth can be associated with stress in children.
The most painless way to eliminate molluscum contagiosum is to treat it at home using local drugs. Usually prescribed ointments containing antiviral active ingredients that affect the causes of the formation of papules. Such components destroy the DNA of pathogens. The funds are applied several times a day for three months, depending on the number of rashes and the presence of their tendency to merge into large formations. The most suitable medicines are Ifagel, along with Viferon, Acyclovir and Oxolin.
Molluscum contagiosum disease sometimes requires surgical treatment.
Clam removal in children
There are several techniques for instant removal of skin growths. Surgical removal of the mollusk is performed by curettage (which is performed under local anesthesia), and in addition, by laser radiation and using high-frequency radio waves and liquid nitrogen. The final choice of methods is performed by a dermatologist, which is based on the nature of the neoplasm, the age of the child and his general condition. . , , .
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