Mulloscum virus

Shaving and electrolysis can also spread mollusca to other parts of the body. Molluscum can spread from one person to another by sexual contact.

Many, but not all, cases of molluscum in adults are caused by sexual contact. Conflicting reports make it unclear whether the disease may be spread by simple contact with seemingly intact lesions or if the breaking of a lesion and the subsequent transferring of core material is necessary to spread the virus.

The molluscum contagiosum virus remains in the top layer of skin epidermis and does not circulate throughout the body; therefore, it cannot spread through coughing or sneezing. Since the virus lives only in the top layer of skin, once the lesions are gone the virus is gone and you cannot spread it to others.

Molluscum contagiosum is usually diagnosed based on a medical history and physical exam. The lesions are unique and are usually diagnosed on physical exam. Additional tests are not routinely ordered, though occasionally your healthcare provider may want to perform a skin biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. Specific treatment for molluscum contagiosum will be discussed with you by your healthcare provider based on:.

In most cases, the lesions will heal without treatment over a period of 6 to 12 months. The virus can last up to 4 years and may leave scars. The best way to avoid this disease is by following good hygiene habits. If the bumps are scratched or injured, the infection can spread to surrounding skin. Molluscum contagiosum also spreads through person-to-person contact and contact with infected objects. Though most common in children, molluscum contagiosum can affect adults as well — particularly those with weakened immune systems.

In adults with an otherwise normal immune system, molluscum contagiosum involving the genitals is considered a sexually transmitted infection. The bumps associated with molluscum contagiosum usually disappear within a year without treatment but doctor-assisted removal is also an option.

It's not clear if the molluscum contagiosum virus can spread in the chlorinated water found in swimming pools. Experts suspect that it's more likely that swimmers transmit the virus through shared use of towels; equipment, such as kickboards; or skin contact. More widespread molluscum contagiosis infections may occur in people with weakened immune systems. The bumps and the skin around them may become red and inflamed.

Molluscum contagiosum is an infection caused by a poxvirus molluscum contagiosum virus. The result of the infection is usually a benign, mild skin disease characterized by lesions growths that may appear anywhere on the body. Within months, Molluscum contagiosum typically resolves without scarring but may take as long as 4 years.

The lesions, known as Mollusca, are small, raised, and usually white, pink, or flesh-colored with a dimple or pit in the center. They often have a pearly appearance.