Molluscum Contagiosum Singapore | HIV PEP
Molluscum Contagiosum in Singapore: Molluscum contagiosum is a skin infection caused by a virus. The infection causes bumps on the upper layers of the skin surface. It is easily transmitted.
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Definition
Molluscum contagiosum is a viral skin infection caused by molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV). The infection causes either isolated or multiple bumps to appear on the skin surface. In most people, molluscum contagiosum lesions resolve within 6-9 months. However, in certain cases, it may take longer, depending on factors such as your level of immunity and any underlying skin diseases.
Molluscum contagiosum is a benign, self-limited viral infection that affects all age groups worldwide. However, children, young adults and immunocompromised individuals such as HIV patients and kidney transplanted patients are the most susceptible group. The virus easily transmits from one person to another by direct skin-to-skin contact, contact with infected objects, and sexual contact. In Singapore, molluscum contagiosum is common.
The viral infection causes skin lesions with a unique characteristic appearance. They are raised, rounded bumps with a pink or whitish color. These small lesions are usually painless and do not leave scars when they heal. The duration of the viral infection varies, but may range from two months to four years.
Although treatment is not necessary for most people, those with an immune system disorder (such as HIV) may require surgery and medications to control the illness. It is important to maintain good personal hygiene by avoiding direct contact with an infected person. If treated, the treatment outcomes are excellent in healthy people; if left untreated, molluscum contagiosum may persist for months to several years, but will generally resolve on its own in healthy people.
Some of the complications of molluscum contagiosum include local inflammation, irritation, and secondary infections. Molluscum contagiosum can lead to bacterial superinfection (in which a lesion becomes irritated, creating a portal for bacteria to infect the skin) with lesions on or near the eyelids, which may result in eye problems. Rarely, molluscum contagiosum can cause cellulitis (skin infection) in HIV patients. Secondary infections with certain bacteria can lead to a very serious illness called necrotizing cellulitis; this is rare.
Causes of molluscum contagiosum
Molluscum contagiosum virus belongs to the poxvirus family. After the initial exposure, the lesions may appear after anywhere between two weeks and six months, depending on environmental conditions, any underlying medical conditions, and the patient’s immune status.
The virus easily passes from one person to another by direct skin-to-skin contact, especially in children. In adults, the virus also spreads by sexual contact. The virus easily infects patients with immune disorders. You can also spread the infection from one part of your body to another by scratching or rubbing the lesions.
Viral transmission may also occur via contaminated objects, such as toys, clothing, washcloths, and towels. You can acquire molluscum contagiosum infection through activities such as using saunas or swimming pools, or by wrestling with an infected person. Molluscum contagiosum virus remains contagious until the lesions are completely crusted over. Until completely treated or healed, the virus can infect others, and can also spread to other areas of your body.
Risk factors for molluscum contagiosum
Molluscum contagiosum can affect any age group. However, it’s common in young children between the age of one and five years. Molluscum contagiosum is also common in individuals with a weakened immune system, either because of underlying medical problems such as HIV or because of treatments such as cancer chemotherapy. An individual with a previous history of molluscum contagiosum is not immune to future infections.