Medication
5 Skin Diseases Commonly Confused with Molluscum Contagiosum 1 Warts. 2 Eczema. 3 Psoriasis. 4 Rosacea.
Procedures
Many, but not all, cases of molluscum in adults are caused by sexual contact. Conflicting reports make it unclear whether the disease may be spread by simple contact with seemingly intact lesions or if the breaking of a lesion and the subsequent transferring of core material is necessary to spread the virus.
Self-care
The molluscum contagiosum virus remains in the top layer of skin (epidermis) and does not circulate throughout the body; therefore, it cannot spread through coughing or sneezing. Since the virus lives only in the top layer of skin, once the lesions are gone the virus is gone and you cannot spread it to others.
Nutrition
Low CD4 cell counts have been linked to widespread facial mollusca and therefore have become a marker for severe HIV disease. Thus far, therapies targeted at boosting the immune system have proven the most effective therapy for molluscum contagiosum in immunocompromised persons.
Specialist To Consult
What diseases are confused with molluscum contagiosum?
What causes molluscum infection in adults?
Can molluscum contagiosum spread through coughing or sneezing?
What is the best treatment for molluscum contagiosum?
Can molluscum be mistaken for something else?
Beware: there are other diseases that can mimic molluscum: Other diseases that can mimic individual localized lesions, especially in the genital areas, include verruca, benign adnexal tumors (such as syringomas), pyoderma, or condyloma acuminatum.
Can HPV be mistaken for molluscum contagiosum?
Condition Similarities. Both molluscum contagiosum and warts are caused by a DNA virus: the molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) and the human papillomavirus (HPV), respectively. Luckily, another similarity they have is that they are both generally benign.
How do you know if you have molluscum contagiosum?
Molluscum contagiosum signs and symptoms include:Raised, round, skin-colored bumps.Small bumps — typically under about 1/4 inch (smaller than 6 millimeters) in diameter.Bumps with a small dent or dot at the top near the center.Itchy, pink bumps.Bumps on the face, trunk, arms or legs of children.More items...•
Is molluscum contagiosum always an STD?
Molluscum contagiosum is not always considered a sexually transmitted infection because you do not need to have had sex to become infected. However if you get the infection, it's a good idea for you and your most recent sexual partners to be tested for other sexually transmissible infections (STIs).
How do I know if I have molluscum or HPV?
For starters, molluscum can occur anywhere on the body whereas genital warts do not tend to form in many other locations other than the genitalia. They also look slightly different. Molluscum warts have a pearly, flesh colored top while HPV warts occur in close groups and look a bit more irregular.
Can you get molluscum from a toilet seat?
Molluscum contagiosum is easily transferred. The virus may be transmitted via direct contact with others (skin-to-skin contact) or by touching contaminated objects or surfaces.
What does early stage of molluscum look like?
First sign The bumps appear on the skin between 2 and 8 weeks after you get the virus that causes this skin infection. When the bumps first appear, you usually see ones that are small, firm, pink, flesh-colored, or white. These bumps will likely get bigger.
Where is molluscum usually found?
Mollusca may occur anywhere on the body including the face, neck, arms, legs, abdomen, and genital area, alone or in groups. The lesions are rarely found on the palms of the hands or the soles of the feet.
How did my child get molluscum?
The molluscum virus is found in warm water, so children are often infected in swimming pools and baths. Sharing towels and face washers is another way to spread the virus. Molluscum can also be spread from skin-to-skin contact involving the molluscum spots.
How did I get molluscum?
Shaving and electrolysis can also spread mollusca to other parts of the body. 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.
What STI causes molluscum contagiosum?
Molluscum contagiosum is a viral skin infection caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus. It is a sexually transmissible infection (STI) in adults as it can be spread by skin-to-skin contact during sex. You can also spread the infection around your body by scratching, especially in areas where the skin is broken.
When is molluscum no longer contagious?
The contagious period is unknown. People can spread the infection until the soft white core comes out of the center of their bumps. After that, the bumps will begin to heal and the risk of spreading the infections will be very low. In general, contagiousness is low and reinfection is possible, but not common.
What can HPV be mistaken for?
Herpes and HPV have many similarities, meaning some people might be unsure which one they have. HPV and herpes can both cause genital lesions, but they can also both present without symptoms. Although similar, HPV is much more common than herpes.
What can be mistaken for HPV warts?
Genital warts can be mistaken for harmless things like moles, skin tags, or penile pearly papules (small bumps found around the edge of the head of the penis and also the entrance of the vagina). These things aren't infections. They're just normal parts of you.
What is similar to HPV?
Thus, several human herpesviruses share similar routes and sites of infection as HPV. These include herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1), herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2), human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).
Does HPV appear on skin?
Most people with HPV do not experience symptoms. However, some types of HPV cause warts or bumps on the skin. They may occur in or around the genitals, anus, tongue, mouth, or lips. Sometimes, HPV also causes warts on other areas of skin, such as the hands or feet.
What is the cause of molluscum contagiosum?
minus. Related Pages. The virus that causes molluscum spreads from direct person-to-person physical contact and through contaminated fomites. 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.
Can molluscum contagiosum be spread through coughing?
The molluscum contagiosum virus remains in the top layer of skin (epidermis) and does not circulate throughout the body; therefore, it cannot spread through coughing or sneezing. Since the virus lives only in the top layer of skin, once the lesions are gone the virus is gone and you cannot spread it to others.
Is Molluscum contagiosum a virus?
Molluscum contagiosum is not like herpes viruses, which can remain dormant (“sleeping”) in your body for long periods and then reappear. Typical molluscum bumps. Note the pearly appearance and the dimple in the center of the bumps. Image courtesy L. Sperling, MD, Walter Reed Army Medical Center.
How long does it take for Molluscum contagiosum to clear up?
Molluscum contagiosum can clear up on its own, but this process can take months or even years. During that healing time, the infected person remains extremely contagious. Most doctors will recommend treatment to speed up the process. Conzerol®, a topical cream, can clear up the bumps in a safe manner.
Why is rosacea worse?
The direct cause of rosacea is unknown, but certain factors like stress, sunlight, and hot baths can make it worse. Rosacea can appear to be other skin diseases like acne, psoriasis, or eczema, so it requires a physical examination and a study of your health records to get a proper diagnosis.
Can skin diseases be confused with one another?
Many skin diseases can be confused with one another. In the case of contagious illnesses like molluscum contagiosum, confusing it with another disorder can mean other people are unnecessarily infected. By recognizing the symptoms and appearances of these common illnesses, you can ensure you receive an appropriate diagnosis and begin effective treatment right away. Most skin diseases, if treated quickly, can be healed or the symptoms managed, allowing you to get back to your normal routine.
Is eczema contagious?
Some patients are very uncomfortable due to constant itching. Unlike other skin diseases, eczema is not contagious; its exact cause is unknown but is believed to be a result of genetics and environmental factors.
