What Causes Molluscum Contagiosum?

By Scott Mogul


The molluscum contagisoum virus causes a skin condition that resembles warts. It's caused by a pox virus, belonging to the same family of viruses as smallpox and chickenpox. Molluscum contagiosum is a much milder virus, nevertheless, and doesn't cause major illness like many pox viruses do.

People of any age can contract the pathogen, but it's most common in children because their immune systems are generally less powerful than adults. Healthful adults seldom get skin molluscum but those with afflictions of the immunological system, including hepatitis, cancer, HIV and AIDS, are at greater risk for the condition.

Stopping the Spread of the Virus

This virus can be spread from both direct and indirect contact, very similar to how warts are usually spread. Skin-to-skin contact with people with the condition can spread the virus, but so can indirect contact, like using washcloths that have been handled by somebody with the condition.

To prevent the growth of the virus, don't touch the rash if you have the condition. Scrub your hands completely if you do touch the rash. Don't shave the concerned area. You can cover the area with a bandage to further stop the spread of the pathogen to others.

Don't share towels, clothing, and other private items with others if you have have this condition.

If you have any bumps near your genitals don't have sex with any person till they clear up. Condoms won't completely prevent the spread of the pathogen through sexual contact because they do not cover the entire genital area.

Treatment Options

The pathogen usually goes away in time without treatment. However, many people would prefer to deal with the condition since the bumps can significantly affect the appearance, especially if they appear on the face or neck, as they frequently do. In a number of cases, the rash is also quite itchy and causes major discomfort, although that's not always the case.

If you want to treat molluscum contagiousum, there are a number of treatment alternatives. The condition is usually treated the same way warts are handled. The bumps can be removed simply with freezing or burning, but these treatments can be pretty unpleasant. There is also a chemical treatment cream that can be applied, but that may cause a lot of upsetting complications, including vomiting and diarrhea. Some folks prefer to forego treatment in order to avoid unwanted side effects, while others try natural cures, like herbal or homeopathic cures.




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