Molluscum contagiosum is a viral infection of the skin that causes discrete papules. While warts are caused by the human papilloma viruse, molluscum contagiosum is caused by a pox virus. In healthy people the molluscum go away eventually once the body becomes immune to them. Because most adults have come in contact with this virus and have developed an immunity to it, the rash is most often seen in children. When found in adults the direct contact was usually sexual contact.
Molluscum contagiosum consists of small, harmless growths. They resemble pimples with a waxy, pinkish look and a small central pit. The rash of molluscum contagiosum is characterized by discrete, two to five mm papules that are flesh-colored and dome-shaped with a central, sharply depressed center, or umbilication.
In children the rash is most often found on the face, trunk, armpits, and extremities. In adults the rash is most often found in the pubic and genital region. The lesions are frequently grouped together and several groups can be found in various areas of the body. One way molluscum contagiosum can be distinguished from warts is that molluscum is usually not found on the palms and soles.
Molluscum contagiosum is spread by direct contact with a lesion and spreading the virus to another area. The virus can also live for a short time on inanimate objects; therefore, it can be contracted by touching an infected object such as a brush or clothing. Each molluscum usually spreads onto skin that comes in contact with it.
They spread much more extensively in skin that has eczema or in people with weakened immune systems. In healthy individuals each molluscum lesion may last six to eight weeks. With continuous spreading, new lesions appear over time, so that the mean duration is about eight months, with some infections lasting up to five years. Scarring may occur, particularly if the lesions become infected.
Molluscum contagiosum is a self-limited disease, meaning it will go away on its own. Each lesion generally lasts for about six to nine months, but they can last for several years. While a lesion is present, there is a chance of spreading the rash to another area of the body. Often new lesions will crop up over a period of months. This gives the appearance that the rash is permanent.
Treatment for molluscum contagiosum must be individualized. A blistering agent or liquid nitrogen will destroy individual molluscum lesions. Scraping off the bumps using a tool called a curette is a common way to surgically remove them. New lesions may still form even while the existing ones are being destroyed. New growths should be treated when they become large enough to be seen. A tiny scar may remain when they heal.
Candidates for removal include children with lesions on their face, older kids who are embarrassed by them and won't change for gym class or sports, and younger kids where molluscum contagiosum is making control of their eczema difficult. Removal is usually curative but even if some do return, those can be dealt with the same way or left in peace without causing problems in most cases.
Irritating drugs applied just to the little bumps speeds resolution. These drugs include salicylic acid, Retin-A, Aldara cream and Condylox solution. Sometimes the oral drug griseofulvin seems to clear up molluscum for reasons that are not known. Some treatments may be painful and would not be the first choice for children. Other treatments are not painful but require diligence over a long period of time. Sometimes the best treatment is reassurance that the lesions will go away on their own.
Plant medicine is composed of high intensity antiviral extracts which have a lethal effect against the molluscum contagiosum virus. This natural molluscum contagiosum treatment provides maximum and rapid penetration of antiviral agents into cell membranes without damaging healthy skin tissue. As a result, this treatment for molluscum enjoys a well earned reputation for its curative effects.
The lipophilic characteristic of plant medicine allows it to penetrate deeply. It is absorbed in the skin and into the system in trace quantities. Therefore, this treatment for molluscumnot only has a direct virucidal effect, but provides total systemic support. Plant medicine is the most effective among the organic molluscum treatments today as it has very strong and real antiviral properties that destroy the virus. To learn more, please go to http://www.naturespharma.org.