MOLLUSCUM CONTAGIOSUM TUMORS
Jump To
Molluscum contagiosum is caused by a virus and is a relatively rare infection found only in humans. Small elevated lesions called papules mark parts of the body, such as the eyelids, face, arms, legs, armpits, and trunk. The papules are bumpy, waxy, and flesh colored.
Cause of Molluscum Contagiosum
A viral infection causes molluscum contagiosum. Usually, there is some sort of skin break that allows the virus to enter the human body. This occurs through direct contact with infected skin or contaminated objects. There are many skin-to-skin contact situations that can result in individuals with molluscum contagiosum, such as shared showers, shared athletic equipment, and low immunity caused by the HIV virus, among other infections. In these cases, the outbreak can be widespread. In the younger population, shared towels and bath toys are thought to be ways of lesion transmission. Methotrexate, used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, has been correlated with the development of molluscum contagiosum in the eyelids bilaterally. The eyelids can also be affected in children.
Clinical Features of Molluscum Contagiosum
Molluscum contagiosum presents as multiple small papules that are benign. They are clinically evident on the eyelids. They are often itchy and scratching them makes the infection worse. The lesions are roughly 2 to 5 mm wide. Poor immunity can result in numerous bumps all over the body. Lesions on the eyelids and the face are mostly seen in youth, while lesions in the groin area are seen in adults. Atopic dermatitis and eczema are two skin conditions associated with this infection.
Diagnosis of Molluscum Contagiosum
A biopsy can show whether inclusion bodies are evident.
Treatment Molluscum Contagiosum
Molluscum contagiosum lesions can take up to a year to disappear. Specifically, eyelid infections can be managed without intervention. However, many patients prefer to pursue treatment as an outbreak can be difficult to live with. While traumatizing the lesions can reduce healing time, lesion removal through curettage may get rid of the outbreak faster. Topical treatments, such as skin creams, antiviral agents and herbal medicines, have been met with limited success. Recurrence can be an issue since once an outbreak occurs, the virus always lives inside the human body (though can be dormant).
Conclusion
Molluscum contagiosum can impact many parts of the human body, and lesions on the eyelids are more prevalent in youth. Molluscum contagiosum usually resolves on its own. While treatments are available, recurrence rates are significant.
