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Molluscum contagiosum manifests itself in the appearance of shiny dense and small rashes on different parts of the body. Children with atopic dermatitis, a chronic inflammatory skin disease, are more at risk of contracting molluscum contagiosum.
The causative agent is the molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV). This is one of the most common viral diseases of the skin and mucous membranes in childhood. The occurrence of molluscum contagiosum in children is influenced by such factors as individual predisposition, the state of the immune system, as well as the presence of direct direct contact with an infected person or his things. One of the studies, when 302 children were examined, showed that 80% of them are under 8 years old, and 24% have a history of atopic dermatitis.
“Molluscum contagiosum in children often appears on the hands and face, but can affect the entire surface of the body, except for the skin of the scalp, palms and soles,” says dermatovenereologist, doctor of medical sciences, professor Andrey Bakulev, head of the department of dermatovenereology and cosmetology, SSMU named after V.I. Razumovsky. – Rashes are usually not accompanied by itching or pain, parents may confuse them with allergies or prickly heat. As a result, molluscum contagiosum in children is detected by chance during a physical examination. And, contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t “go away on its own”. There are several options for effective treatment, and the sooner you start it, the better.
Causes of molluscum contagiosum in children
The infection is transmitted only from person to person in the following ways:
- contact-household – in this case, infection is possible through the skin;
- indirect contact – through common items (dishes, cutlery, bed linen, towels, toys, etc.);
- sexual – in children, lesions of the genital area are rare, therefore, in this case, it is important to track the entire route of infection in order to exclude the possibility of sexual violence;
- water – molluscum contagiosum can be infected when visiting a pool, bath, sauna, etc .;
- self-infection – when combing the skin and rubbing it.
Symptoms of molluscum contagiosum in children
Symptoms do not appear immediately, the incubation period can last from 2 – 3 weeks to 6 months.
First, compacted flesh-colored tubercles resembling balls form on the skin. They can be either single or multiple. As it develops, the element acquires a small depression in the center. In appearance, it may seem that the knot has a pearly sheen, shimmers in the sun and looks like a small pearl under the skin. If it is crushed, a white curdled, odorless dry mass will appear in the center.
Rashes, as a rule, do not itch, do not hurt, do not fester and do not turn red. They can grow in size over time.
Treatment of molluscum contagiosum in children
For both adults and children, there are several treatment options:
- physical removal (curettage, cryosurgery, laser coagulation or electrocoagulation);
- the use of external irritants (Cantaridin, trichloroacetic acid, Tretinoin, Tazarotene, Podophyllotoxin, potassium hydroxide);
- combination therapy (may include immunomodulatory and antiviral agents).
Diagnostics
For an experienced dermatovenereologist, on the basis of a physical examination (examination), it will not be difficult to determine the presence of a molluscum contagiosum in a child.
Modern treatments
There is no specific method of treatment, but choosing among the methods of treating molluscum contagiosum in children, a specialist must rely on the safety of the chosen tactics.
For example, curettage (pulling out with tweezers) has a high risk of recurrence of the disease, since during manipulation it is possible for the infection to spread to healthy areas of the skin. In addition, it has been observed that the presence of concomitant atopic dermatitis increases the risk of recurrent rash.
At the moment, one of the successful and safe ways to treat molluscum contagiosum in children is laser coagulation or cryodestruction. The laser completely cauterizes the papule, while not affecting healthy skin. The procedure is absolutely painless, has no contraindications, no scars remain after it.
Cryodestruction is the effect on the papule with liquid nitrogen. It is preferred in the presence of large single elements. The skin is not injured, scars and scars do not remain, the risks of the spread of molluscum contagiosum along the rest of the skin surface are prevented.
Prevention of molluscum contagiosum in children at home
First of all, teach your child to follow the rules of personal hygiene: from thorough hand washing to respect for personal belongings (toys, clothes, utensils, etc.) and the hygiene of their environment.
It is also necessary to exclude scratching of rashes in order to avoid re-infection and the attachment of a secondary infection.