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Moluscum:definition, recognize it and how to treat it

Moluscum:definition, recognize it and how to treat it

Children are often prey to infectious diseases such as roseola or chickenpox. The same goes for a very virulent disease known as molluscum contagiosum.

It is a virus that belongs to the pox virus family which generate pustules and are quite difficult to eradicate. It is spread by simple skin contact and is considered an STD in adults.

Nevertheless, there is no need to panic because this virus disappears on its own after a while. However, it can be annoying in children because it can turn into eczema and be very itchy. To follow a treatment is therefore a solution not to be ruled out to cure the disease as quickly as possible.

Molluscum:very virulent but benign

In children, the molluscum is spread by physical contact which is obviously favored during schooling. If the case arises, school eviction is to be considered until the eradication of the virus. This virus manifests itself by causing the eruption of small growths of white color or the same color as the skin. The molluscum turns red when it begins to disappear.

In children, it is usually located on the face, neck, armpits, arms, abdomen, buttocks and then on the thighs. In adults or adolescents, pimples are located on the genitals. It is mainly distinguished from other viruses by the presence of a semi-solid whitish mass when pressure is exerted on it. It is therefore not recommended to remove this mass at the risk of promoting the spread of the virus in the area in question. Otherwise, disinfect your hands and the affected area if it inadvertently bursts or if you have decided to do so.

Modes of contagion of the molluscum

The virus can be easily transmitted directly or indirectly. Highly contagious, contamination can occur through physical contact or by touching the tissue belongings of the already contaminated individual. Contamination also occurs during sports activities when there is significant contact between children during pool sessions, contact sports or other team sports, for example.

In adults and adolescents, it is mainly transmitted sexually. The incubation period of the disease is a few weeks but the pimples may not appear right away. This represents a real danger, because the infected individual can transmit the disease without being aware of it.

The treatments of the molluscum to follow in case of contamination

The first reflexes to have is to see your doctor if symptoms appear. This will allow you to verify that it is indeed the disease or another pathology. If this happens, your doctor can remove it by scraping the mollusca with a curette.

This practice may seem painful but the doctor will apply an anesthetic cream to the pimple an hour before so there is nothing to fear. Treatment with liquid nitrogen is a better way to eradicate the virus. This consists in destroying the pimple with intense cold. Small scars may appear after the operations but the use of cream will be prescribed to make them disappear gradually.

Photo credit:Evanherk from nl via Wikimedia Commons