Molluscum Contagiosum-Part-I

A virus called molluscum contagiosum causes the skin infection called Molluscum contagiosum which spreads by direct or close contact with the infected person or contaminated flannels or towels. This is not a serious infection and people do not seek medical help, hence reported cases are much less than the actual number, however children below the age of 15 years constitute 80% of the reported cases. There are many persons who have natural resistant to the virus therefore it may not be a threat to them.
SYMPTOMS OF MCV-(MOLLUSCUM CONTAGIOSUM VIRUS)
Molluscum contagiosum symptoms is the skin infection itself and it may take from seven days to almost six months after one catches the virus for the skin infection to finally manifest. They are small raised spots which appear firm and form clusters. These spots also called as mollusca and are pink or skin coloured or pearly white and in certain cases these spots may have in the centre a pus-like tiny head. They normally appear on the exposed skin, but can happen any where including Arms, hands, Neck, Face or in a few cases on the stomach and chest. It can also happen through sexual contact, and in that case are likely to develop on inner thighs, genitalia or the lower abdomen.
Mollusca normally do not exceed twenty in number, however, if there are more than 100 in numbers and are bigger than 5mm, this could be due to improper functioning of the immunity system and advise of the doctor should be taken.
Normally within 6 to 12 weeks each mollusca will crust, and they also do not leave any scar but if one finds as one mollusca heals another new mollusca is formed, then it is an indication that the infection is going to prolong however in most of the cases the infection will go in about 18 months. In some cases the infection can last up to 5 years to go off completely and once it has gone it is unlikely to come back.
OTHER SYMPTOMS
Mollusca are normally not painful or itchy and only in 10% cases where around the mollusca if eczema develops, this will make the area red, itchy and swollen resulting in pain and discomfort.
If the person gets molluscum contagiosum, it will affect his normal life and he will not remain lively.
MOLLUSCUM CONTAGIOSUM CAUSES
Molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) causes molluscum contagiosum. It easily passes in children when they play and come into contact with each other, share things with each other and includes
Direct contact with the person infected by touching etc.
Sharing flannels, towels, clothes and toys etc. which are contaminated
Sexual contact
Persons who are at high risk of catching molluscum contagiosum are those persons whose immune system is damaged (immunocompromised) including those who are HIV positive and also those having cancer and receiving chemotherapy.
Once a person gets MCV and the infection on the skin appears, the virus spreads to other parts of the skin and it is thought that the contagious period lasts till the last spot has not healed.