- What is molluscum contagiosum?
It is a common skin infection which is caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV). It can affect anyone of any age, but is more likely to be seen in children between the ages of two and five. Adults can also contract it, but it is more common in people who have a lowered immune system, such as those receiving chemotherapy treatment.
Most people who contract molluscum contagiosum will develop a lifelong immunity to it and will rarely get it again. It is not known how common the infection is, because most people do not seek advice from their doctor.
- How is it passed on?
As the name suggests, the virus is contagious. It is usually passed through skin-to-skin contact, although the virus can live on items such as toys. It is usually spread among young children when they play together, swap toys or share towels.
- What are the symptoms of molluscum contagiosum?
The virus causes small pearly-white or pink lumps (molluscum) on the surface of the skin, usually on the face, neck, chest, arms or legs. Other parts of the body, such as the genital area, can also be affected. They are not usually itchy or painful. Most children develop between one and 20 molluscum, although it is possible to develop more than 100. The small lumps usually appear about two to seven weeks after a person has come into contact with the virus. The lumps are usually round with a dimple in the centre, and appear in groups. They are usually about 2mm-6mm in diameter and contain a white fluid.
Scratching can cause them to spread. The skin next to the molluscum can occasionally become infected. This can be treated with antibiotics. A small number of children will also develop an eczema-type reaction on the skin around the molluscum.
The lumps usually crust over and disappear after six to 12 weeks, although new ones may appear as the virus spreads to other areas. It may take up to 18 months for the condition to clear completely.
- How is molluscum contagiosum disease treated?
In most cases, no treatment is needed and the molluscum will eventually disappear in time. Leaving the molluscum to clear up on their own also limits the risk of scarring.
However, if they're very numerous or causing the child problems (for example, by rubbing on clothing and becoming inflamed, or because they're unsightly), there are a number of treatment options. But these can be painful and are not always successful. The most common treatment is to squeeze the material out of each individual molluscum using fingernails, sterilized forceps or tweezers. It is important to wash hands thoroughly before and after squeezing and to carefully get rid of the substance that comes from inside the molluscum, as it contains the virus.
Molluscum contagiosum can be also be treated using a chemical called podophyllin. The papules are pierced with a sharp instrument that's been dipped in this chemical. In more severe cases, a dermatologist may freeze off the papules using cryotherapy (applying liquid nitrogen) or scrape them off the skin (curettage), but this is not usually done on children, as it can be too painful. There is also an increased risk of scarring the skin with these treatments.
Dealing with cases of molluscum contagiosum disease in a childcare setting
Since molluscum contagiosum isn't a serious infection, the Health Protection Agency in the UK doesn't recommend keeping affected children away from childcare settings. Outbreaks in nurseries and playgroups are, however, quite common, due to the fact that the infection is contagious and easily spread.
Childcare staff must be aware of the importance of good hygiene because this can prevent the spread of molluscum contagiosum as well as other infections. Staff need to ensure that they regularly wash their hands, especially after coming into contact with items that may be contaminated with the virus.
Encourage children not to scratch the molluscum, as this may increase the risk of spreading it to other areas of the skin. It is also important that children do not share clothing or towels. Molluscum contagiosum is contagious until the last molluscum has gone.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Contact NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
