Molluscum contagiosum in children

Molluscum contagiosum in children transmitted by direct contact (contact with affected skin) either through objects (toys, towels, bed linens, etc.). Usually, children become infected in kindergarten (school), it is also quite easy to pick up a virus in the pool or when swimming in a natural pond.

The incubation period lasts from two weeks to several months, at the end of it begins to appear on the skin rash. In children, it is usually located on the face, neck, limbs (except for the feet and palms) and the trunk. Other symptoms, except rash, the disease does not.

The rash caused by molluscum contagiosum is fairly easy to distinguish from other types of rash. Nodules have the form of a hemisphere, slightly pressed into. The diameter of the rashes is from 1 mm to 1 cm. By color, they usually coincide with the skin, can also be pinkish. Contagious molluscum in children usually does not cause painful sensations, in rare cases, itching may appear in the area of ​​the nodules.

If you gently push the bundle with tweezers, it will begin to stand out from it pulp of white color. However, do not do it specially: If damage to the formation of molluscum contagiosum, secondary bacterial infection can join. Also, you can not dry the education. If the child feels itching, in no case should you let him comb the eruptions.

Treatment of molluscum contagiosum consists in the removal of formations. Do it yourself by no meansyou can not - you can only make it worse. It is better to remove the formulations on an outpatient basis, where one can be sure of the sterility of the situation. The procedure should be entrusted to a dermatologist.

Most Education remove with a tweezers or a spoonful of Volkmann, and then treated with an antiseptic. Removing a shellfish by surgery is called curettage. The procedure is a little painful, but it is tolerable, anesthesia is used only with a very large number of rashes.

Other methods for the removal of rashes - cryotherapy (freezing with liquid nitrogen), laser and electrocoagulation, however for the treatment of children they are rarely used. You can also use conservative treatment with special ointments and creams, but this method of treatment is quite long.

Affected areas a few days after the removal of formations will need to process drugs, which will appoint a doctor. Also, antiviral drugs and drugs can be prescribed to strengthen immunity (contamination with the virus of a molluscum contagiosum usually occurs against a weakened immune system).

Bed and underwear during the illness must be changed daily, it should be carefully washed and ironed. It is also worthwhile to wash all the toys of the child and household items that he uses. Before full recovery the child should not go to school (kindergarten) and generally communicate with other children so as not to infect them.

Note that as long as there is a virus in the child's body, new rashes may appear even after the old one has been completely removed, so that from time to time a child needs to be examined and if necessary, contact a dermatologist again.

Like any disease, molluscum is easier to prevent than cure. For prevention, the strictobservance of rules of personal hygiene. It is also important to strengthen the immunity of the child, because, as we have already said, molluscum contagiosum often appears in children with weakened immune system.

If a rash has appeared on the body of the child, it is necessary to consult a doctor: he will be able to determine precisely whether it is caused by a molluscum contagiosum or some other disease, and to prescribe the right treatment. Remember: your child's health is in your hands!