Molluscum contagiosum Komarovsky. Treatment of molluscum contagiosum in children: advice from Komarovsky. Using celandine to eliminate molluscs

Molluscum contagiosum in children is an infectious disease, the treatment of which, according to Dr. E. Komarovsky, is not always necessary. Infection of the body occurs when a virus belonging to the smallpox group is introduced into the baby’s skin. The infection most often affects children under 5-6 years of age.

What is molluscum contagiosum

When a virus enters the body, not all children develop the disease. The infection is quickly suppressed by the immune system and does not cause any symptoms. When the protective system is weakened, caused by various factors, after an incubation period, nodular formations of a pink-pearl shade begin to appear on the skin, which gradually increase in size and can spread to other parts of the body. The rashes are often localized to one area, concentrated on the face, chest, armpits, or genitals. Much less often, nodules appear on the child’s feet and palms.

Dr. Komarovsky argues that molluscum contagiosum does not pose a particular danger to children and should not cause much concern for parents.

Usually the disease goes away within 4 months without drug therapy. However, in some cases, complete disappearance of symptoms is observed only after 1-2 years.

What does molluscum contagiosum look like in children: photo

Identifying a viral infection is not difficult. Signs of molluscum contagiosum are:

The appearance of specific formations on the skin that resemble round or oval growths of a pink or white hue.
The rash contains purulent fluid with a large number of viral particles.
The increase in the size of the nodules occurs gradually over several weeks or months. In the first days they are very small, having a diameter of about 2 mm.
The rash can merge with each other and form large areas of bright pink color, which, when scratched, may cause an inflammatory process.
In each nodule, characteristic depressions appear a little later.

The signs and symptoms of molluscum contagiosum can be found in video or photos.

Causes

Activation and reproduction of the molluscum contagiosum virus is provoked by increased temperature and humidity. The risk of infection increases when staying in crowded places with large numbers of people. Microorganisms are able to penetrate through injured and damaged areas of the skin. The high likelihood of developing the disease in young children is associated with the developing immune system, which cannot quickly cope with the pathogen of molluscum contagiosum that has entered the skin and blood.

The virus enters a child’s body most often through direct contact with a sick person. There is no risk of infection when interacting with animals. Children are usually infected in kindergarten. The virus is transmitted through any objects:

toys;
dishes;
towels;
bed sheets.

The likelihood of developing molluscum contagiosum increases if a child visits a swimming pool.

Nodules can be transferred from one area of the body to another when scratched or damaged.

Self-infection increases the duration of the disease, so it is very important to monitor the child or cover the affected areas with a band-aid.

First symptoms

The appearance of the first rashes associated with the penetration of molluscum contagiosum viruses into the body is not accompanied by chills, fever or other unpleasant symptoms. The first rash begins to appear on the baby’s skin after the end of the incubation period, which lasts differently for all children: from 3 weeks to several months.

Parents may notice the formation of pinkish growths on the child. Their number varies from 5 to 10-20. Multiple rashes on different parts of the body are extremely rare. The disease can be identified by shiny light nodules with small depressions in the middle. When pressed, purulent fluid containing viruses may be released.

Molluscum contagiosum in children rarely occurs on the skin of the eyes or lips. When nodules appear on the eyelids, there is a risk of developing conjunctivitis. Inflammation of the eye mucosa requires treatment with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial drugs in the form of drops.

The rashes associated with the molluscum contagiosum virus are not painful and cause virtually no discomfort to the child. In some cases, the nodules may itch, and children begin to scratch them, which causes the infection to quickly spread to other areas of the skin. Damage to growths can lead to the entry of pathogenic bacteria into the body.

Treatment methods of Dr. Komarovsky

Treatment of molluscum contagiosum in children according to Komarovsky does not involve the use of medications, since the disease is eliminated by the immune system. Antibodies are produced gradually in the body, preventing nodules from spreading throughout the body.

Treatment for molluscum contagiosum can be performed surgically if the nodules cause discomfort to the child. Treatment is carried out with sterile tweezers or a scalpel. It is also possible to eliminate growths using cryotherapy or curettage.

It is possible to treat nodules with special ointments containing salicylic acid and tretinoin. To speed up the healing process, the doctor prescribes cimetidine. Formations can also be eliminated with benzoyl peroxide.

To disinfect and reduce itching, you can apply garlic juice or pulp to the growths. Tincture of calendula and celandine helps eliminate molluscum contagiosum. If signs of a bacterial infection appear, an antimicrobial drug is prescribed in a dosage calculated according to the weight and age of the child.

Using chemicals at home often causes burns. Pediatrician Komarovsky advises introducing a large amount of greens, fruits, and vegetables into the child’s diet to strengthen the immune system and speed up recovery. Parents should ensure that the baby drinks a sufficient amount of clean water, fruit drinks, and compotes. The doctor may prescribe a course of multivitamins and herbal-based immunomodulatory drugs.

What happens if molluscum contagiosum is not treated in time?

Pediatrician Komarovsky is confident that it is impossible to speed up the process of curing a child of molluscum contagiosum with medications. The immune system independently copes with the introduction of the pathogen within 3-5 months. Sometimes the disease completely disappears after 2 years. During this period, it is important to avoid rubbing and scratching the affected areas. To prevent the penetration of bacterial infection, it is necessary to lubricate the nodules with iodine and calendula tincture. Long-term use of celandine for the treatment of molluscum contagiosum in a child can lead to disruption of the liver and other organs.

Dr. Komarovsky’s video helps many parents understand the cause of the disease and become familiar with treatment methods.

How to prevent the disease

In order to prevent the development of molluscum contagiosum, parents should constantly ensure that the child thoroughly washes his hands after coming home from kindergarten or school. You need to change your underwear and perform water procedures every day.

When infected with a virus, to prevent further spread throughout the body, parents should treat the skin with disinfectant solutions. When areas dry out, it is advisable to apply a moisturizing baby cream.

It is necessary to provide the child with a personal towel and other hygiene items. It is very important to explain to the baby so that he does not touch the nodules and inflammations that exist on the skin of other children. If you suspect the development of molluscum contagiosum, you should contact your pediatrician.

Molluscum contagiosum in children does not require drug treatment and heals on its own after a few months. When discomfort and itching occur, special ointments and tinctures can be used to help eliminate discomfort and disinfect the affected areas of the skin.

Molluscum contagiosum in children is an infectious dermatosis, the causative agent of which is a virus belonging to the smallpox family. The disease is manifested by the appearance of dense small nodules on the skin, with a small depression in the central part.

Molluscum contagiosum occurs much more often in children than in adults. According to medical statistics, 80% of all cases of the disease occur in the age group from 2 to 12 years. Children in the first year of life are not susceptible to the disease, since they are protected by antibodies received from the mother in utero and through breast milk.

Molluscum contagiosum in children does not pose a serious health hazard and in most cases does not require treatment, as it tends to resolve spontaneously within 6–24 months.

The disease is registered in all countries of the world, but is most often recorded in regions with a humid and hot climate, as well as in developing countries with a low standard of living and insufficiently developed hygienic skills of the population.

Causes and risk factors

The causative agent of molluscum contagiosum is orthopoxyvirus, which belongs to the Poxviridae family. The same family includes viruses that cause chickenpox, smallpox, and monkeypox. There are 4 known strains of the molluscum contagiosum virus - MCV-1, MCV-2, MCV-3, MCV-4, the most common of which are the first two (MCV-1 and MCV-2), and in children, as a rule, MCV-1 is detected, and MCV-2 is more common in adults.

The virus is transmitted from person to person through household contact (through the use of shared bath accessories, toys, underwear, close skin-to-skin contact). Children are often infected with molluscum contagiosum when visiting a swimming pool. Inoculation of the virus is facilitated by microtraumas of the skin, which is why molluscum contagiosum more often affects children suffering from skin diseases, such as eczema or prickly heat.

After infection, the virus penetrates the keratinocytes of the epidermis, where it begins to actively synthesize its DNA. Subsequently, it suppresses the activity of T-lymphocytes, which explains the body’s slow production of antibodies to it.

Children with molluscum contagiosum are not recommended to visit the swimming pool or public baths. Compliance with these rules significantly reduces the transmission of infection from a sick child to other people.

There are a number of diseases that increase the risk of children becoming infected with molluscum contagiosum. These include:

immunodeficiency states of various etiologies, including after infectious diseases, as well as HIV infection;
systemic (autoimmune) diseases.

The risk group includes children receiving therapy with corticosteroids and/or cytostatics, i.e. drugs that suppress the immune system.

Symptoms

The incubation period for molluscum contagiosum in children lasts from 15 to 180 days. After its completion, single round nodules of dense consistency form on the skin, ranging in size from a millet grain to a large pea with a slightly depressed center. The color of the skin over them is usually unchanged, but in some cases it becomes slightly pinkish or pinkish-orange, sometimes acquiring a waxy or pearlescent sheen.

Over time, the number of nodules increases. Individual elements can merge with each other, which leads to the appearance of large elements, which are hemispherical papules with a depressed central part. If you press on the nodule with the jaws of tweezers, a small amount of white pasty mass will come out of it. It consists of lymphocytes and keratinized cells. When examining this mass under a microscope, you can notice the presence of round inclusions, which are called mollusc-shaped bodies and give the name to this disease.

Elements of molluscum contagiosum in children are arranged in a chaotic order, and their number can be in the hundreds. Initially, the nodules are located in the area of virus penetration. Later they appear on the skin of the upper torso, neck, face and hands. Involuntary scratching contributes to further self-infection and an increase in the number of new rashes.

Molluscum contagiosum in children in most cases is not accompanied by any unpleasant sensations. Only occasionally may minor skin infiltration and mild itching be observed. There are no general symptoms.

Skin rashes with the atypical form of molluscum contagiosum in children are very small (miliary form), in this case they do not have a concave center. Weak children suffering from leukemia, atopic dermatitis, and HIV infection may develop a profuse (generalized) form of the disease.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis of molluscum contagiosum in children usually does not cause difficulties and is carried out by a dermatologist based on the presence of characteristic rashes on the skin.

According to medical statistics, 80% of all cases of molluscum contagiosum occur in the age group from 2 to 12 years.

In complex diagnostic cases, laboratory examination of the discharged nodules is performed. The diagnosis is confirmed by the detection of molluscan bodies (the so-called molluscan bodies of Lipschutz - degenerative ovoid epithelial cells containing large protoplasmic inclusions).

Molluscum contagiosum in children requires differential diagnosis with viral warts, multiple forms of keratoacanthoma and lichen planus.

Treatment of molluscum contagiosum in children

The difficulty of treating molluscum contagiosum in children is due to the fact that the causative agent of the disease is a DNA virus. Today there is no way to rid the body of it completely, that is, the disease is a chronic pathology. However, it is quite possible to prevent relapses. To do this, it is necessary to carry out measures aimed at generally strengthening the children’s body and increasing immune defense:

normalization of the daily routine;
regular exposure to fresh air;
course intake of multivitamin preparations.

Treatment of molluscum contagiosum in children involves the use of antiviral agents. They are mainly used topically in the form of ointments, creams, and only in severe cases (profuse form of infection) do indications for systemic antiviral therapy appear.

Currently, removal of molluscum contagiosum in children is extremely rare, since over time the rash disappears from the skin on its own. If necessary, removal can be done using one of the following methods:

Curettage. It is performed under local application anesthesia. It is possible to remove a significant number of skin nodules at one time, since the procedure is not too painful and low-traumatic. Curettage can be performed no more than once a month. Complete relief from the elements of the rash is achieved in several sessions.
Cryodestruction. Removal of molluscum contagiosum in children by exposing them to ultra-low temperatures provided by liquid nitrogen.
Laser removal.

For a small number of rashes, irradiation of the affected areas of the skin with ultraviolet light can achieve a therapeutic effect.

Also, in order to remove molluscum contagiosum in children, a new technique is used, which consists of applying tuberculin to the affected areas of the skin. Before starting treatment, children must receive the BCG vaccine, and during therapy they are prescribed Isoprinosine. Due to the fact that the method of treating molluscum contagiosum in children with tuberculin applications has been used recently, sufficient data on its effectiveness and safety in the long term have not yet been accumulated.

Antibiotics for molluscum contagiosum in children are prescribed only in the case of a secondary purulent infection.

Dr. Komarovsky on the treatment of molluscum contagiosum in children

Many pediatricians, including E. O. Komarovsky, believe that molluscum contagiosum in children does not require any medical procedures. According to Dr. Komarovsky, over time, the child’s body copes with the infection on its own, and after 6–18 months the disease goes into remission, which in many cases lasts a lifetime. To speed up this process, general strengthening measures are recommended, and to prevent self-infection and the spread of the rash, it is enough to treat the elements with antiviral ointments. In case of itching, the prescription of antihistamines is justified to prevent scratching of the affected areas of the skin.

E. O. Komarovsky claims that when removing molluscum contagiosum from children by any method known today, it is impossible to avoid further spread of the infection. In addition, artificial removal of elements of the rash often leads to the formation of rough scars on the baby’s skin that remain for life. If the skin rash goes away on its own, this is not observed.

Possible consequences and complications

Complications with molluscum contagiosum are extremely rare. Most often they occur in children with weakened immune systems and are associated with the addition of a secondary infection at the site of scratching, which causes the development of purulent complications (abscesses, phlegmon).

Forecast

The prognosis for molluscum contagiosum in children is favorable. When purulent complications occur, rough scars and spots with disturbed pigmentation may subsequently remain on the skin.

Molluscum contagiosum in children does not pose a serious health hazard and in most cases does not require treatment, as it tends to resolve spontaneously within 6–24 months.

Given that the disease most often affects children with weakened immune systems, a medical examination of the child is required in order to establish the cause of the immunodeficiency. The presence of a profuse form of the disease or giant molluscum contagiosum is the basis for testing for HIV.

Prevention

Prevention of molluscum contagiosum in children includes:

careful adherence to the rules of personal hygiene and home hygiene (use only personal washcloths and towels, weekly change of bed linen, daily change of underwear, daily shower);
isolation of a sick child from the children's team;
regular preventive examinations of the skin of children in organized groups (kindergartens, schools);
It is mandatory to take a shower after visiting the pool or public bath.

Parents should check their children's skin regularly. If a rash resembling molluscum contagiosum appears on it, consultation with a dermatologist is necessary. If the diagnosis is confirmed, separate dishes, towels, and toys are allocated for the child. There should be no close physical contact between him and other family members. Children with molluscum contagiosum are not recommended to visit the swimming pool or public baths. Compliance with these rules significantly reduces the transmission of infection from a sick child to other people.

Video from YouTube on the topic of the article:

The peculiarity and main danger of molluscum contagiosum is the ability of the rash to spread over the entire surface of the skin. Timely treatment will help quickly defeat the virus.

- predominantly a childhood viral disease, which manifests itself on the skin and mucous membranes as whitish nodules, pronounced in the center. The virus got its name due to the similarity of skin formations with mollusk shells.

Molluscum contagiosum in a child

What does molluscum contagiosum look like in children?

Molluscum contagiosum looks the same in both children and adults: one or more nodules - papules - form on the skin, not very different in color from normal skin. You can independently determine molluscum contagiosum by the “indentations” characteristic only of this disease in the center of each nodule.

IMPORTANT: The size of papules usually does not exceed 1 cm. The presence of several large formations in a child at once indicates a strong decline in immunity and is a reason for urgent consultation with a doctor.

Molluscum contagiosum is a painless and, in many cases, harmless disease. Provided there are no infections in the child’s body, it can disappear on its own after about six months from the moment of infection.

IMPORTANT: Children aged 1 to 6 years are at risk of infection. In general, infants and schoolchildren are less susceptible to this virus.

Molluscum contagiosum in front of children, photo

Molluscum contagiosum papules in children are often concentrated in the eye area. In this case, the child does not feel any discomfort.

IMPORTANT: It is necessary to stop the child’s attempts to open or remove the formations on his own. Otherwise, the contents of the damaged nodule may infect healthy skin.

Molluscum contagiosum on the face in children, photo

The face is a favorite place on a child’s body for molluscum contagiosum. If the rashes cause discomfort to the child, it is better to remove them. After removal, the marks will be noticeable for some time, and then they will lighten and disappear completely.

Symptoms of molluscum contagiosum in children

The main symptom of a child being infected with molluscum contagiosum is the appearance on his body of papules filled with cheesy contents.

IMPORTANT: In children, nodules can be localized almost throughout the body with the exception of the feet and palms. Most often, the rash affects the face.

Molluscum contagiosum nodules form 1 to 1.5 months after infection. If you press down on a ripe, softened formation, a curdled mass, reminiscent of the contents of eels, will immediately appear on the surface.

IMPORTANT: It is impossible to get rid of the disease by squeezing out the contents of the nodules on your own. The situation can only be aggravated by the addition of a bacterial infection or an even greater spread of molluscum contagiosum throughout the body.

The appearance of characteristic papules on a child’s skin is the main symptom of molluscum contagiosum

Causes of molluscum contagiosum in children

The main reasons for the spread of molluscum contagiosum among children include:

using personal belongings of an infected person (towels, toys, clothes)
visit to kindergarten, swimming pool
household contact with an infected child (through skin contact)
decline in immunity during or after illness

IMPORTANT: The localization of rashes in children does not depend on the method of infection with molluscum contagiosum.

One of the causes of molluscum contagiosum infection is contact with an infected child.

How to treat molluscum contagiosum in children?

If the immune system of a healthy adult copes with molluscum contagiosum rashes on its own, then a child’s body needs medical help to fight the virus.

IMPORTANT: If the child is completely healthy, and the molluscum contagiosum papules are small in size and do not spread throughout his body, the doctor may recommend simply observing the rash for a while.

If the number of papules increases or the rash causes discomfort to the child, recovery can be accelerated using one of the following methods:

laser removal
cauterization with liquid nitrogen (cryotherapy)
medical scraping of the contents of papules with iodine treatment (curettage)
use of antiviral drugs
a course of antibiotics (for profuse rashes and a tendency to drain)

IMPORTANT: Procedures for removing molluscum contagiosum rashes in children are carried out only in clinics or specialized beauty salons. After removing visible signs of the disease, the child’s immunity is corrected.

A doctor should treat molluscum contagiosum in children

Laser removal of molluscum contagiosum in children

Laser removal of molluscum contagiosum in children is one of the most modern and painless methods of getting rid of viral papules
Before using the laser, an application of lidocaine cream is applied to the skin. After the affected area of the skin loses sensitivity, the papule removal procedure begins.
The mollusk is removed layer by layer through gradual exposure to a laser beam. A minor wound remains at the site of the removed defect, which is treated with an antiseptic. There is no blood loss

IMPORTANT: The advantages of laser therapy, in addition to absolute painlessness, are the ability to get rid of skin defects without scars and scars, and the absence of bacterial complications after treatment.

For three days after laser therapy, the child should not be bathed.

Treatment of molluscum contagiosum in children with folk remedies

Self-treatment of molluscum contagiosum in children is undesirable, but for minor skin lesions it is permissible to use folk recipes:

Recipe No. 1. Squeeze out the contents of the nodule yourself, making sure that it does not get on adjacent areas of the skin. Carefully treat the wound with an alcohol solution of iodine. After the wound has dried, apply juice squeezed from fresh bird cherry leaves onto it using a cotton swab. This treatment is carried out for 4 – 5 days. Unsqueezed papules can also be treated. To avoid spreading the infection, use a new cotton swab for each wound or nodule.

Recipe No. 2. Molluscum contagiosum nodules are treated with celandine juice, which is extracted from the stems of cut plants, for 6-8 days. During this time, the formations should disappear.

Recipe No. 3. Pharmacy alcohol tincture of calendula is lubricated on the nodules 3-4 times a day for a month.

Recipe No. 4. Molluscum contagiosum nodules are treated with freshly squeezed garlic juice 3 to 4 times a day for 2 weeks.

Recipe No. 5. Treat skin lesions with a mixture of garlic and onion juice. These natural antibiotics are powerful. After a week, the nodules will noticeably “diminish”, and after two they will disappear completely.

IMPORTANT: If treatment with folk remedies does not produce results, you should consult a dermatologist. There is always a risk of confusing the rash with a benign or malignant tumor. Then self-medication will only worsen the situation.

Tablets for the treatment of molluscum contagiosum in children

There are no pills for molluscum contagiosum. Since the disease is viral in nature, antiviral immunomodulatory drugs are used to treat it, and in the case of a bacterial infection, antibacterial drugs are used.

To treat molluscum contagiosum, medications from the list are usually prescribed:

interferon preparations
proteflazid
immunoflazid
groprinosin

IMPORTANT: The choice of drug and its dosage for treating a child should be made by a doctor.

Interferon preparations are prescribed for the treatment of molluscum contagiosum in children.

Molluscum contagiosum in children: reviews

Elena: My oldest daughter (6 years old) had a molluscum on her lower eyelid. It was removed in two stages, surgically. The operation was performed by an ophthalmologist-surgeon. One session took about 15 minutes. The skin around the affected area was disinfected and numbed, then the molluscum was removed. In its place there was a small wound that needed to be treated for another week with red brilliant green (fucorcin). Recently I noticed a mollusk on the face of my youngest (3 years old) daughter. I'm going to cut it too.

Natalia: My son had his molluscum surgically removed twice. But both times, after some time, new formations appeared, only in larger quantities. We also tried all the folk remedies and were completely disappointed in them. I was already thinking about going to the surgeon again. Before the next operation, I took my son to an infectious disease doctor, who explained that it would not be possible to get rid of molluscum contagiosum by removing the nodules alone. The doctor prescribed treatment with the antiviral drug Groprinosin and treatment of the lesions with iodine. A month later there was no trace of our illness left.

Oksana: My one year old daughter developed clams on her face. After some time, I noticed them on my back. The dermatologist said to burn it with red brilliant green. Within a week, my daughter’s face cleared up, and after another two, the mollusks were gone from her back.

Molluscum contagiosum in children may recur from time to time

Getting rid of molluscum contagiosum forever is not easy. Those children who have had this disease once always have a risk of relapse. To avoid the recurrence of rashes, you need to support the child’s immunity, regularly examine his skin and carefully maintain hygiene.

Video: What to do with molluscum contagiosum - Doctor Komarovsky?

Unfortunately, the child’s body is least protected from all kinds of diseases and viruses. One of the most common infectious diseases that a child can catch at any time is molluscum contagiosum. This disease most often occurs before the age of four years, but can also appear at a later period. This infection is contagious and can be completely transmitted from person to person, especially if the immune system is weakened.

Causes of molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum can be “caught” in any crowded places

The molluscum contagiosum virus develops especially actively in warm and humid conditions, but it can also exist in places where large crowds of people are constantly present. It can enter the body through wounds and damage to the skin. As a rule, at an early age in children, the immune system is weakened and for this type of virus this is ideal conditions for development. The main reason for its appearance is direct contact.

Molluscum contagiosum is a viral disease that belongs to the smallpox group of viruses. Animals do not get sick from it, and therefore it poses a danger only to humans.

A child can become ill with molluscum contagiosum in kindergarten or school, through tactile contact with a carrier of the virus. The virus is also transmitted through contact with toys and objects that have already been infected with it. This infectious disease can also be transmitted through water, for example in a swimming pool or shower. The disease is transferred from one part of the body to another by damaging the appendages and regularly scratching them.

Main symptoms of the virus

In children, molluscum contagiosum rashes are more often found on the chest, abdomen, and arms

The disease can be determined visually. Its only manifestation is the appearance of specific rashes on the skin. In appearance, they resemble small round growths and can have a pink, beige or white tint. Inside, the mollusks are filled with a white thick substance in the form of pus, which contains the virus itself.

In some cases, this liquid resembles a shiny or pearly mass. Each mollusk increases in size gradually. Initially, it appears on the skin in the form of a small spot and within a few weeks transforms into a growth of quite large size. Each such pimple, in some cases, may have a small depression in its upper part. They can appear either in groups located at short distances or alone in different parts of the body.

When the molluscum contagiosum virus gets on the skin, mollusc-like bodies are produced, which, when they come to the surface, provoke the formation of bubbles.

The growths that appear do not hurt, but can cause itching

Molluscum contagiosum on the body can appear almost anywhere. In childhood, growths more often appear in the chest, abdomen, as well as on the arms and armpits. Pimples can pop up on the legs, groin and facial skin. Quite rarely, the disease affects the areas around the eyes and mouth. As a rule, from one to twenty growths appear on the body at the same time.

In most cases, popped clams do not cause pain, but the child experiences discomfort from severe itching. Over time, the growths acquire a reddish tint, and the affected area becomes swollen and inflamed. An infection that gets into the wound by scratching a pimple can aggravate the course of the disease. This can lead to complications in the treatment of molluscum contagiosum.

An experienced doctor determines this disease by visual examination. In some cases, a laboratory test may be ordered to correctly diagnose molluscum contagiosum. To do this, a sample of the growth is taken and examined under a microscope, but in most cases the original diagnosis is confirmed.

Molluscum contagiosum therapy

Molluscum contagiosum can be successfully combated with salicylic acid

Quite often, the disease goes away completely on its own over time without treatment. Self-healing occurs within several months, but relapses are sometimes possible. In some cases, after the old mollusks disappear, new growths begin to appear again. In this case, without treatment, the virus can remain in the body for several years.

Despite the high probability of self-healing from molluscum contagiosum, some doctors may recommend taking a course of certain therapy. This helps to get rid of the disease much faster and makes it possible to avoid subsequent relapses. As a rule, the course of treatment is quite simple, short-lived and does not require the use of any specific agents.

As a rule, complete removal of the infectious center itself is proposed as a treatment for molluscum contagiosum. To do this, the doctor opens the resulting growths with a scalpel or by squeezing them with tweezers. Also in some cases, cryotherapy or curettage is used. In the first case, the affected area is subjected to special freezing, and in the second, the pimples are scraped off with a sharp instrument.

In the old days, molluscum contagiosum was treated with garlic. It was made into juice and regularly used as an ointment.

Molluscum contagiosum can also be treated using certain chemicals or special ointments. Drugs used to effectively get rid of are excellent for this. It is recommended to use salicylic acid, tretinoin, benzoyl peroxide, as well as cantharidin and many other targeted agents. The drug cimetidine may be prescribed, which can activate the healing process.

You should not try to independently apply the above-described methods of treatment for molluscum contagiosum, as some drugs can leave a scar or burn on the skin. The need to use one or another medicine for this virus is determined by the number and location of shellfish. The greatest effect of treatment can be achieved in the early stages of the disease, when the growths are single and have not yet covered large areas of the skin.

In order to speed up the healing process, it is recommended to regularly use medications that strengthen the immune system. You should also ensure that the child follows a daily routine and eats normally. It is necessary to eat as many fruits and vegetables as possible, which are rich in various vitamins and saturate the body with all the necessary microelements.

The famous pediatrician E. O. Komarovsky has his own vision of the effective treatment of molluscum contagiosum. Due to the fact that each child’s immune system is formed differently, a complete cure for the disease may occur within a few years. It is simply impossible to get rid of this virus using conventional medications. The main methods of therapy can only be surgical, for example, pinching, cutting, laser removal, burning, and so on.

If the disease has just begun to spread throughout the body, then you can resort to removing growths with tweezers. In case of large areas of skin damage, Dr. Komarovsky advises trying to use a laser. The desired effect can be achieved if you regularly treat sore spots with regular medical iodine.

Prevention of molluscum contagiosum in children

If a child has become infected with a virus somewhere, then it is necessary to ensure that he does not touch or rub sore spots, and washes his hands thoroughly. You should disinfect your skin daily and, if possible, hide pimples under clothing or by applying a special bandage. If a child's skin is dry, it is recommended to constantly moisturize it.

To avoid contracting the virus, it is recommended to ensure that the child follows hygiene procedures and does not share his towel and other things, including toys, with anyone. It is necessary to explain to children that they should not touch various growths and pimples that have popped up on the skin of other people. If you suspect molluscum contagiosum on your child’s skin, you should seek help from a specialist as quickly as possible, rather than self-medicate.

Causes and risk factors

allergic diseases;

Diagnostics

normalization of the daily routine;
balanced diet;

Forecast

Prevention

Molluscum contagiosum in children

Molluscum contagiosum is an infectious dermatosis caused by a virus belonging to the smallpox family. The disease is manifested by the appearance of dense small nodules on the skin, with a small depression in the central part.

Molluscum contagiosum in children does not pose a serious health hazard and in most cases does not require treatment, as it tends to resolve spontaneously within 6–24 months.

Causes and risk factors

The virus is transmitted from person to person through contact and household contact (through the use of shared bath accessories, toys, underwear, close skin-to-skin contact). Children are often infected with molluscum contagiosum when visiting a swimming pool. Inoculation of the virus is facilitated by microtraumas of the skin, which is why molluscum contagiosum more often affects children suffering from skin diseases, such as eczema or prickly heat.

There are a number of diseases that increase the risk of children becoming infected with molluscum contagiosum. These include:

immunodeficiency states of various etiologies, including after infectious diseases, as well as HIV infection;
allergic diseases;
systemic (autoimmune) diseases.

The risk group includes children receiving therapy with corticosteroids and/or cytostatics, i.e. drugs that suppress the immune system.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis of molluscum contagiosum in children usually does not cause difficulties and is carried out by a dermatologist based on the presence of characteristic rashes on the skin.

Molluscum contagiosum in children requires differential diagnosis with viral warts, multiple forms of keratoacanthoma and lichen planus.

Treatment of molluscum contagiosum in children

normalization of the daily routine;
balanced diet;
regular exposure to fresh air;
course intake of multivitamin preparations.

For a small number of rashes, irradiation of the affected areas of the skin with ultraviolet light can achieve a therapeutic effect.

Antibiotics for molluscum contagiosum in children are prescribed only in the case of a secondary purulent infection.

Dr. Komarovsky on the treatment of molluscum contagiosum in children

Possible consequences and complications

Forecast

The prognosis for molluscum contagiosum in children is favorable. When purulent complications occur, rough scars and spots with disturbed pigmentation may subsequently remain on the skin.

Prevention

Prevention of molluscum contagiosum in children includes:

Video from YouTube on the topic of the article:

Education: graduated from the Tashkent State Medical Institute with a degree in general medicine in 1991. Repeatedly took advanced training courses.

Work experience: anesthesiologist-resuscitator at a city maternity complex, resuscitator at the hemodialysis department.

The information is generalized and is provided for informational purposes. At the first signs of illness, consult a doctor. Self-medication is dangerous to health!

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http://www.neboleem.net/kontagioznyj-molljusk-u-detej.php

Molluscum contagiosum

Each mollusk looks like a small pearl-white or pink dense tubercle of a round shape with a diameter of about 1-5 mm. In the center of each mollusk there is a small depression (navel). When you press on the nodule, white curdled contents are released. The nodules are usually located in groups on different areas of the skin. Extremely rare on the palms and soles.

For some people, the main problem is cosmetic ugliness, but children are not bothered by this aspect. Molluscum contagiosum does not cause any subjective sensations. After self-healing, there are no scars; in some cases, areas of depigmentation remain. The skin around the nodules may become inflamed and may require treatment with antibiotics. It is especially unpleasant if the nodule is located on the eyelid, which can lead to eye complications. In this case, you will need to consult a specialist.

After complete recovery, a fairly stable immunity develops and re-infection is extremely rare.

If there are a very large number of nodules or larger ones than usual, this may be a marker of immunodeficiency and require referral to a specialist.

As a rule, it is better not to treat molluscum contagiosum in children:

It goes away on its own within 12-18 months and does not limit social life (attending school, sports clubs, etc.);

Many of the treatments are painful;

Some treatments carry the risk of damaging surrounding tissue;

All procedures may cause scarring, which does not occur with self-healing.

Some people want treatment for cosmetic reasons.

Any treatment methods (freezing, diathermy, curettage, use of chemicals) are carried out only by specialists and are not performed on children.

You can use imiquod cream if other treatments are not possible and there are a large number or large nodules. This usually occurs in people who have problems with the immune system.

Dr Tim Kenny. Translation and adaptation - Komarovskaya E.A., .