Contagious mollusc
Contagious mollusc is a viral disease that manifests itself on the skin by the formation of characteristic bubbles (papules). As a rule, they have sizes from one to ten millimeters and are localized on the genitals, in the lower abdomen, on the inner surface of the thighs. Inside the papules there is a liquid with whose help the virus can be transferred.
Reasons
A filtering virus from the group of smallpox viruses is responsible for the manifestation and development of the disease. It is close in nature to the causative agent of smallpox. It is not transmitted to animals and affects only humans. It is often transmitted contagiously and sexually. Very often they get infected in swimming pools, especially children. There are cases of the formation of characteristic skin elements after visiting tattoo parlors. In this case, papules are formed directly on the tattoo drawing.
Symptoms
The symptoms of the disease, which has an incubation period of half a month to several months, are very characteristic.
Raised nodules of spherical shape form on the unchanged skin. They can be either single or multiple. At the same time, they have either a similar color to the skin, or slightly pinker than the general skin. The hemisphere of the bubble has a depression in the middle. Often it is visually similar to a human navel. When pressed, a cork is released from the bubble as from an eel. It looks like a curd content. Often, a contagious mollusk disappears by itself without treatment. There have been cases of not seeking medical help due to the absence of serious troubles associated with the course of this ailment. After all, as a rule, subjective feelings practically do not develop. Sometimes there may be a feeling of itching.
And although a contagious mollusk is recognized as a disease without significant consequences, however, doctors should be contacted when it appears. This should be done because its appearance may indicate a weakened human immune system. At the same time, the manifestations of the mollusk are easily confused with the characteristic elements of other skin ailments. Therefore, the role of differential diagnosis is important.
Diagnostics
Diagnosis does not cause difficulties. As a rule, it is established on the basis of the clinical picture. In difficult cases, cytological examination of the skin can also be connected. A contagious mollusk should be differentiated with such ailments as multiple keratoacanthoma, lichen planus, warts, epithelioma.
Treatment
Often, with a primarily healthy body, treatment is not prescribed to the patient. It is recommended to be monitored by a dermatologist for six months. Often the clinical picture disappears by itself.
Various methods of treating this ailment can be connected to accelerate the process and, depending on the severity of the course, the state of the patient’s immune system. Such techniques are:
diathermocoagulation;
scraping (squeezing out bubbles followed by disinfection of the skin);
skin treatment with antiviral ointments and taking immunomodulators;
prescribing antibiotics for generalized (multiple) forms of mollusk.
In general, the prognosis of the disease is favorable. But it is not necessary to treat it at home, since its differentiation requires the advice of an experienced doctor, and in some circumstances the appearance of this condition may require a comprehensive examination and serious treatment.
Prevention
Preventive measures include:
discrimination in sexual relations;
modern treatment of the patient and his sexual partner;
compliance with the rules of personal hygiene;
periodic preventive examinations of persons attending preschool institutions, schools;
compliance with the rules of personal hygiene after sexual intercourse, visiting a public swimming pool, baths, saunas;
compliance with measures to isolate patients with contagious mollusks from family members at the time of treatment or observation of the patient (using only their own belongings, avoiding sexual and other physical contact with family members, refusing to visit the pool, sauna, bath).
