A Simple Overview of Molluscum Warts
Molluscum warts are caused by viral skin, and sometimes mucous membrane, infection. These wart-like growths are very common, particularly in children, but generally harmless. If you or someone you know has contracted molluscum contagiosum and developed unpleasant molluscum warts there are certain things you should know in order to not spread the infection.
Identifying Molluscum Contagiosum
Molluscum warts are easily identifiable. Unlike most common warts, these growths, or mollusca, are pink or flesh-colored and shiny in appearance. A white core or indentation is usually visible in the center of the growth and this can be easily squeezed out, although strongly advised against.
Irritation is common, and this can cause the mollusca to turn bright pink or red.
How the Infection Spreads
Molluscum warts are highly contagious and easily spread. Because of this, certain precautions must be taken to avoid any additional infections if possible. The mollusca are usually spread in three ways: same person spreading, person to person, and object to person.
One wart may soon give way to several dozen on the same person. Simply by scratching at a growth absentmindedly, the virus can then be spread to other parts of the body. Similarly, if the original growth was in an area like the underarm, then it can spread on its own due to folds in the flesh and contact with more skin.
The virus can also be spread from person to person simply by skin contact. It is important to note that a common area for infection is the genitals, and therefore infection through sexual acts is incredibly common. Whether or not condoms may help reduce the chance of infection through sexual intercourse has not been established, but the highly infectious nature of this virus would suggest that sexual contact should be avoided with infected people.
Additionally, molluscum contagiosum can also be spread to people by touching infected objects. This commonly happens with shared towels, clothing, and toys, but there are records of the infection spreading by gymnastic equipment and even swimming pools.
People at Higher Risks
Certain people are at elevated risk of contracting molluscum warts. People with hindered immune systems, especially due to HIV/AIDS and chemotherapy, are at a particularly high risk of contracting this disease after exposure. Healthy children are far more common victims than healthy adults, with young boys being at higher risk than girls. Little ones do not yet have fully developed immune systems and frequently engage in skin to skin contact with others, particularly at day care centers, schools, and even at home.
Home location can also play a part in the likelihood of infection. Infections are more easily spread in areas with high humidity and tropical weather. This virus in particular thrives in warm areas.
Even people with above average health and fitness can be at heightened risk on occasion. Athletes that participate in frequent contact and close contact sports may inadvertently come in contact with infected skin, and rougher sports may rupture or irritate any growths, further increasing the risk.
Treatment
In most cases, this infection will clear up and go away on its own within several months to a year. It in no way affects any internal organs, so there is little or no actual health risk involved, but treatment is still advised, mainly for cosmetic and sexual reasons.
After determining whether or not the growths are from molluscum contagiosum, your dermatologist will either prescribe you an at home treatment, or opt to treat the growths right there in the office.
Common in office treatments include freezing the warts, scraping them off, or destroying them with acid. Discomfort is common with these techniques, as is a possible minor spreading of the growths, but this will go away. In some cases, repeat treatment sessions may be needed, depending on the amount of growths you have.