Shellfish on the body

Molluscs on the body (molluscum contagiosum) are an infectious disease. The condition is characterized by the appearance of small, dense, slightly shiny nodules. These erythematous formations can be noted in the genital area, in the lower abdomen, at the corners of the eyes, the inner thighs and other areas of the body.

Molluscs on the body appear as a result of the penetration of the filtering virus of the small group. It affects only a person, it does not spread to animals.

Some types of the virus are sexually transmitted and manifest in adults. In addition, infection can occur through water (for example, in the pool), which is the most common reason for the development of mollusks in children.

The spread of the virus can also be domestic (due to the use of a common towel, washcloth, bed, etc.). The causative agent of the disease can persist in the home dust. Outbreaks of epidemiological character are often noted in children's groups.

Molluscs on the body often develop with insufficient compliance or absolute non-compliance with the rules of general and personal hygiene. In addition, the pathogenesis, which reduces the protective functions of the body, can provoke the infection. In medical practice, there are cases when mollusks on the body appeared in people in elderly and middle age, suffering from immunodeficiency states or allergic diseases.

Infection is spread all over the world and can manifest itself both in epidemiological and sporadic (episodic) forms.

The incubation period lasts from fourteen to fifteen days to several months. The disease has a fairly characteristic clinic.

At the initial stage, on an unchanged cover, the skin mollusks manifest themselves in the form of raised nodules having a hemispherical shape. The color of these formations may not differ from the color of normal skin or may be a little rosier. Nodules appear multiple or single. In the center of the hemisphere formations, depression is noted.

The size of these painless nodules can be from a millimeter to a centimeter in diameter. After infection, lesions on the skin tend to appear after three to six weeks. When pressing on the formation of it comes curdled cork.

As a rule, the disease does not cause any special discomfort. After about six months, the nodules disappear in most cases on their own, so special treatment is not required.

In some cases, itching occurs in the areas of the nodules. It is also likely the development of a secondary bacterial infection accompanied by an inflammatory process.

Despite the fact that the mollusc has no serious consequences, it is necessary to apply to the doctor. This is mainly due to the fact that the external signs of the disease can resemble the symptoms of syphilis. Therefore, during the examination, the specialist conducts differential diagnostics.

In addition, the development of the disease indicates a weakened immune system of the patient. This condition, in turn, can be triggered by the presence of other infections in the body. That is why, when revealing signs of pathology, a complete examination is carried out.

Self-management of the disease should not be attempted. The doctor chooses the optimal method of treatment in each case.

Experts define several methods to accelerate the process of getting rid of pathology.

1. Mechanical impact on nodules (extrusion, scraping) with treatment after the procedure of the surface with a 5% iodine solution.
2. Cauterization or diathermocoagulation.
3. Application on the areas of defeat of antiviral ointments.