What can be contaminated with molluscum contagiosum virus?
What can be contaminated with molluscum contagiosum virus?
Fomites are inanimate objects that can become contaminated with virus; in the instance of molluscum contagiosum this can include linens such as clothing and towels, bathing sponges, pool equipment, and toys. Although the virus might be spread by sharing swimming pools, baths, saunas, or other wet and warm environments,…
How long does it take molluscum contagiosum to clear up?
Molluscum contagiosum is contagious for as long as the warts or skin lesions caused by the virus are visible. Most individual lesions resolve within two months in those with a healthy immune system and the infection will generally clear completely within six…
How does molluscum get from one person to another?
Molluscum can spread from one person to another by sexual contact. Many, but not all, cases of molluscum in adults are caused by sexual contact.
How is the diagnosis of molluscum contagiosum made?
Molluscum contagiosum is usually diagnosed based on a medical history and physical exam. The lesions are unique and are usually diagnosed on physical exam. Additional tests are not routinely ordered, though occasionally your healthcare provider may want to perform a skin biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.
Is there a link between swimming pool and molluscum contagiosum?
Although biologically plausible, epidemiologic studies have failed to demonstrate conclusively how, or under what circumstances, recreational swimming might facilitate molluscum contagiosum virus transmission. In fact, some studies failed to find an association between swimming pool use and virus transmission altogether.
How long does it take for molluscum contagiosum to disappear?
Molluscum contagiosum usually disappears spontaneously over a period of months to years in people who have normal immune systems. In people who have AIDS or other conditions that affect the immune system, the lesions associated with molluscum contagiosum can be extensive and especially chronic.
Are there any alternative therapies for molluscum contagiosum?
Recently, immune-modulating and antiviral therapies have been tried as an alternative or as adjuvant cures to traditional ablative therapies [3]. Many agents inhibiting the viral DNA polymerase are used against double-stranded DNA viruses but none have been approved to treat molluscum contagiosum [4].