Why is molluscum contagiosum easily confused with other skin diseases?

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was consulted with Specialist Doctor I Le Thi Thu Hang - Dermatologist - Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.

1. What is molluscum contagiosum?

Molluscum contagiosum is a contagious skin disease caused by a virus called Molluscum contagiosum.
When infected, the skin will appear as a lump on the surface that is red or waxy white. Molluscum contagiosum does not cause pain to the sufferer, however, when the patient touches and squeezes the lesion, it can cause local infection.
The most dangerous thing about molluscum contagiosum is that the disease can spread to people around when it comes into direct contact with the injured skin area of ​​the patient.

2. Subjects with molluscum contagiosum?

Molluscum contagiosum is a skin infection that can occur in any age group. Children are often transmitted by direct skin-to-skin contact, while adults are often sexually transmitted.
In young children, molluscum contagiosum often grows on the face and trunk, but in adults, it is often found in the lower abdomen, inner thighs, pubic bone, and genitals. It can also be seen in the mouth and tongue.
The remaining cases of molluscum contagiosum are usually people with weakened immune systems or suffering from other infectious diseases.

3. Symptoms of molluscum contagiosum in children

The disease has an incubation period for children from a few weeks to several months, most children have no symptoms. In some cases, there are signs of itching, sensitivity and pain. In other cases, eczema appears around the affected area.
Clinical manifestations of molluscum contagiosum are small vesicles with the size of 1-2mm, pearl white, skin color or pale pink. Milia are usually hemispherical, with a smooth surface and a central depression.
The milia can grow individually or in clusters depending on the case. Unlike other dermatological diseases, molluscum contagiosum does not cause itching or any accompanying symptoms. Common locations: Face, anus - genital area, around eyes, armpits,...
In children, acne mainly grows on the face and trunk, in adults, it is often found in the lower abdomen, inner thighs, bones. pubic, genital. It can also be seen in the mouth and tongue.

4. Diagnosis of molluscum contagiosum

When molluscum contagiosum is infected, small fleshy bumps appear on susceptible areas of the skin, such as the face, eyelids, armpits, and thighs. In particular, molluscum contagiosum does not appear on the palms and soles.
Several lesions join together in an array.
Molluscum contagiosum does not cause itching, pain, or swelling. Tumors are less than 0.5cm in size, have a round shape with a depression in the middle and have a waxy white fluid containing the virus.
If this tumor is broken during contact, the waxy white fluid will flow out, causing the virus to spread to nearby skin areas and spread to the outside environment.

5. Why is molluscum contagiosum easily confused with other skin diseases?

Molluscum contagiosum lesions are red and scaly around during scratching, or due to a hypersensitive reaction of the papule.
Molluscum contagiosum has the same external signs as other skin diseases such as: Round pimples, easily spreading to surrounding areas in patches.
Therefore, to be able to make the most accurate diagnosis besides the clinical manifestations, doctors also use endoscopic tools such as a magnifying glass to see the central papule. If necessary, the doctor also appoints the patient to do other specific tests, such as: Cell testing, pathology, ... when the diagnosis is still in doubt or the lesion is widespread. clear.

6. Be careful when you have molluscum contagiosum

Here are some notes when having molluscum contagiosum:
Use utensils and personal hygiene, do not share them with others to avoid infecting people around. Clean, use medicine according to the doctor's instructions. Disinfect toys and objects when sick. During treatment do not scratch or scratch to prevent superinfection. Avoid sharing tools (eg razors, bathtubs). Patients avoid skin-to-skin contact with others to prevent spread. Do not go to public places to avoid infecting others In addition, supplement with a good diet to strengthen the immune system, especially during the change of seasons – this is the time when it is easy to get sick to limit the progression of the disease. having sex with someone who has molluscum contagiosum. Molluscum contagiosum is a benign skin disease, but it should not be subjective but should strictly follow the doctor's treatment instructions to quickly recover. If not treated properly, the disease can cause irritation, inflammation and infection, which can spread the acne to the surrounding area more. Injuries to the eyelids can also lead to folliculitis and conjunctivitis. The papules that take a long time to heal are contagious to people. Therefore, when seeing signs of molluscum contagiosum, it is necessary to quickly go to reputable medical facilities for timely examination and treatment.
Any questions that need to be answered by a specialist doctor as well as if you have a need for examination and treatment at Vinmec International General Hospital, please book an appointment on the website to be served.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.