Mollusks on the skin are a dermal pathology that can affect both adults and children, although in the latter it is much more frequent. In principle, it is not a serious or dangerous disease, although in people who have certain types of dermatitis or who have some alteration in the immune system it can have some complications. If you want to know more about this condition and know the possible treatment of molluscum contagiosum, keep reading because in a HOW WE explain what are mollusks on the skin and how to remove them, enter more details.
What are and why do mollusks appear on the skin
The contagious mollusks are the result of a skin infection that causes Virus Molluscum Contagiosum (VMC). It is a poxvirus (like the smallpox virus) and although it is not dangerous, it is very contagious, hence the need to detect the infection as soon as possible to prevent its spread and transmission to other people.
Knowing how mollusks are on the skin will allow you to recognize them to go to the dermatologist as soon as possible. The presence of small papules or bumpsHard to the touch, whitish or pearly in color and with a tiny slit in the center, as if it were a tiny navel, it reveals that the virus has come into contact with the skin. Papules can appear in any area of the body, although they are more frequent:
- Face.
- The neck.
- The arms (especially on the inside of the elbow).
- The armpits.
- The sides of the abdomen.
- The feet.
However, seeing bumps in these areas may be due to more causes. For example, here you can read about Why do pimples appear on my arms.
They can arise in isolation, although they generally do so grouped in specific areas and in varying numbers from 10 to 20, even more. Contagious mollusks they do not usually cause pain or severe discomfort, although it should not be ruled out that they are accompanied by symptoms such as:
- The itch.
- Redness.
- A slight swelling of the affected area.
The mollusks come out when the skin comes into contact with the virus and the infection spreads over the next two or three weeks, during which time the granites progressively increase in size. Skin-to-skin contact, with an infected person, or direct contact with the virus, which tends to proliferate especially in humid spaces and where warm temperatures predominate (swimming pools, showers, changing rooms …) are the main causes of the appearance of mollusks on the skin in adults. In older people, they can also appear in the genital area if you have had sexual intercourse with an infected person.
How mollusks heal on the skin
In most cases, molluscum contagiosum disappears on its own, but it must be remembered that, in his presence, it is always necessary go to dermatologist and follow their directions. Keep in mind that the infection may take 2 or 3 months to disappear completely, especially if it is mollusks in children, because the smallest will tend to scratch the papules, thus spreading the infection to other areas of their body without realizing it.
In those cases in which the molluscum contagiosum causes serious discomfort, such as pain in the area or severe itching that ends up causing skin lesions, and also in those in which the virus has spread in a worrying way, or simply when it is intended To avoid contagion, the dermatologist will be able to dictate the need to apply some treatment.
Medicines for topical use, which include in their composition salicylic acid or hydrogen peroxide, help fight infection and are the most recommended, although there are also other treatments whose objective is to remove mollusks from the skin with different little aggressive techniques, What:
- Curettage (remove with a sharp-edged spoon).
- Cryotherapy (apply intense cold therapy).
- The specific laser for this purpose.
Some essential oils, traditionally used to combat skin conditions, such as tea tree oil or calendula oil, can be natural remedies for mollusks on the skin, but before resorting to them it is necessary to consult with the doctor.
How to prevent mollusks on the skin
Knowing how mollusks are spread on the skin is essential to prevent their appearance. Here are some tips:
- Must avoid direct contact, skin to skin, with a person who introduces them.
- For their part, the affected person must take a series of measures to prevent the spread, avoiding as much as possible directly touching the mollusks or scratching the area. To make it easier (especially for children) cover the area it is always an advisable measure to minimize the action of the virus.
- Extreme hygiene, with a frequent hand washing with water and soap.
- Avoid sharing personal belongings such as clothes or towels, especially in environments with the presence of water, such as swimming pools, are two preventive measures that must be taken into account. In the case of the little ones, avoiding sharing toys or school supplies can also help prevent possible infections.
This article is merely informative, at oneHOWTO we do not have the power to prescribe any medical treatment or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
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