Molluscum contagiosums are transient mild viral infections of the skin caused by molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV), which are transmitted through direct contact with infected skin or contaminated fomites.
The natural history of molluscum contagiosum includes a spontaneous regression (in a few months to 1 year, average 8 months), which is why many authors consider treatment in healthy patients to be unnecessary and purely aesthetic. Therapeutic management is necessary in certain circumstances: if there is significant pruritus, associated dermatitis, painful lesions, aesthetic discomfort, risk of impetigo and bacterial superinfection or risk of significant dissemination.
Classically, the treatment consists of a curettage session, possibly repeated after 4 weeks, or cryotherapy (1 to 4 applications spaced one week apart). None of the drugs used to treat molluscum contagiosum lesions has been shown to be effective.
Hygiene measures are part of the treatment and are essential:
Wash hands with soap and water after touching lesions;
Avoid skin-to-skin contact and cover lesions with clothing or bandages, during team sports for example;
Avoid sharing towels or bath linen (especially in the pool) and clothing in contact with the lesions;
When towel drying, finish with the affected areas;
Wash the towel after each use;
Keep nails short and clean.
To limit itching and scratching, it is preferable to avoid high temperatures, especially when washing, contact with woollen clothing and to keep the child’s nails short. Applying cold water or a damp cloth sometimes relieves.
At Maylan’s house, therapeutic abstention is preferred.
