- 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.
