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Therapeutic effectiveness
Published in Dinesh Kumar Jain, Homeopathy, 2022
Molluscum contagiosum is a viral infection of skin caused by poxvirus, a virus, affecting children and sexually active adults. It is not always necessary to treat all cases since it resolves spontaneously (Criton, 2008, pp. 333–334). Herpes simplex is a virus infection distributed worldwide. It involves mainly the orofacial and genital site. Antiviral treatment is not necessary for mild uncomplicated herpes simplex infection (Criton, 2008, pp. 337–343). Acute varicella (chickenpox) is a self-limited disease characterized by fever, malaise, and a generalized pruritic rash. Varicella is typically a benign self-limiting infection in healthy children (Criton, 2008, pp. 344–346). Most patients recover from herpes zoster without any complications (Criton, 2008, p. 349).
Other viral infections
Published in Hung N. Winn, Frank A. Chervenak, Roberto Romero, Clinical Maternal-Fetal Medicine Online, 2021
The disease is characterized by a long incubation period from 2 weeks to 2 months. The disease presents by the appearance of firm, shiny, flesh-colored lesions that become pearly white and umbilicated and discharge a caseous material. The lesions are characterized by proliferation, hyperplasia, thickening, and degeneration of the epidermis. The infected cells become enlarged and develop large intracytoplasmic eosinophilic hyaline inclusion bodies. The lesions are not pruritic and they measure 1 to 5mm in diameter but may form larger clusters. The lesions typical of molluscum contagiosum are characterized by complete lack of immunocompetent cells in the epithelial component of the lesions (32).
Answers
Published in Samar Razaq, Difficult Cases in Primary Care, 2021
Molluscum contagiosum is a poxvirus infection caused by direct skin contact. Sharing towels, baths or swimming pools with affected children may result in spread of the virus. Sexual transmission is the more likely route in the adolescent population. The lesions may become itchy because of surrounding eczema. Scratching can result in autoinoculation, as the mollusca spread along the skin in the direction of the scratching finger, occasionally producing linear lesions. Parents should be reassured that treatment is not required and the lesions will eventually settle on their own, usually without scarring. However, parents occasionally insist on treatment, particularly if the lesions increase in number. A large-bore needle may be used to puncture the lesion. Alternatively, if the child is able to tolerate it, cryotherapy may be attempted.
Treatment of molluscum contagiosum with an East Indian sandalwood oil product
Published in Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2018
Molluscum contagiosum is a common skin condition seen primarily in children. The lesions appear as umbilicated papules and may occur anywhere on the body. The lesions are typically asymptomatic but may be pruritic and, depending on location, may be unattractive and embarrassing. It is caused by a DNA poxvirus and is spread by contact with the affected area or with fomites used by the infected person (1). The natural course of the disorder is for spontaneous resolution to occur, typically over a 6- to 18-month period (2). While the rash generally resolves without treatment, this prolonged period and other factors will often lead patients to seek more expedient treatment. Unfortunately, molluscum rash is hard to eradicate, and available treatments are generally not satisfactory and are typically painful. One study found the most effective in-office treatment to be curettage (3) which has potential to leave scars as well as being painful. Cryosurgery is another uncomfortable alternative. Cantharidin is the most common in-office treatment, but it and other preparations using salicylic acid or potassium hydroxide commonly have stinging, burning and pain associated with their use (3). In addition, cantharidin is typically not used on the face or near the eyes. Over the counter treatments intended for use at home include topical retinoids and imiquimod but their efficacy is also limited. A Cochrane review found there is no evidence to show that any particular treatment is effective for the treatment of molluscum infection (4). An effective, painless topical treatment suitable for use on the body or face for molluscum infections would meet the needs of many people who suffer with these conditions.
Common dermatological conditions in the HIV patient
Published in South African Family Practice, 2019
It is caused by a poxvirus and is common in HIV patients. Typical lesions are skin-coloured, dome-shaped papules or nodules, often with a central umbilication. Lesions may be quite extensive in immunocompromised patients (Figure 3). In HIV, lesions may be atypical and resemble other conditions such as bacillary angiomatosis.1 Treatment of molluscum contagiosum in HIV patients includes restoration of immune competence by highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). In some patients lesions respond to immunomodulators like imiquimod 5%.
A comparative study of topical cantharidin and intralesional PPD to treat molluscum contagiosum
Published in Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2020
Fathia M. Khattab, Mohamed M. Nasr
Molluscum contagiosum is a skin or sometimes mucous membrane viral infection. It is triggered by a molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) called a DNA poxvirus (1). There is no reservoir of animals in the virus (infecting only humans). There are four types of MCV, MCV-1 to -4; the most common is MCV-1, and MCV-2 is generally seen in adults (2).