Molluscum Contagiosum
It is a common viral skin infection of childhood that causes localised clusters of epidermal papules called mollusca.⠀ ⠀ ⏩It mainly affects infants and young children under the age of 10 years. It is more prevalent in warm climates than cool ones, and in overcrowded environments. Adolescents and adults are less often infected.⠀ ⠀ ⏩It tends to be more numerous and last longer in children who also have atopic eczema, due to deficiencies in the skin barrier. It can be very extensive and troublesome in immunocompromised patients.⠀ ⠀ ⏩It is caused by a poxvirus, the molluscum contagiosum virus. There are 4 viral subtypes.⠀ ⠀ ⏩There are several ways it can spread: ⠀ ✅Direct skin-to-skin contact⠀ ✅Indirect contact via shared towels or other items⠀ ✅Auto-inoculation into another site by scratching or shaving⠀ ✅Sexual transmission in adults. ⠀ ⠀ ⏩Transmission is more likely in wet conditions, such as when children bathe or swim together. The incubation period is usually about 2 weeks but can be as long as 6 months. .⠀ ⠀ ⏩Complications of Molluscum contagiosum can include:⠀ ✅Secondary bacterial infection from scratching (impetigo)⠀ ✅Conjunctivitis when the eyelid is infected⠀ ✅Disseminated secondary eczema; this represents an immunological reaction or 'id' to the virus⠀ ✅Numerous vesicles and widespread may occur in immune-deficient patients and often affect the face⠀ ✅Spontaneous, pitted scarring ⠀ ✅Scarring due to surgical treatment. ⠀ ⠀ ⏩There is no single perfect treatment.⠀ In many cases no specific treatment is necessary. ⠀ ⠀ ⏩Physical treatments include:⠀ ✅Picking out the soft white core (this could lead to autoinoculation)⠀ ✅Cryotherapy (can leave white marks)⠀ ✅Gentle curettage or electrodessication (can scar)⠀ ✅Laser ablation (can scar).⠀ ⠀ ⏩Medical treatments include: ⠀ ✅Antiseptics such as hydrogen peroxide cream or povidone iodine solution⠀ ✅Podophyllotoxin cream⠀ ✅Wart paints containing salicylic acid⠀ ✅Cantharidine solution.⠀ ✅Imiquimod cream and sinecatechins are sometimes used.⠀
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