Thursday, March 18, 2010

Molluscum Contagiosum (Dimple Warts)


Molluscum contagiosum is a viral disease that caused pox virus family that clinically form papuls, and there are grooves on the surface with a mass contain molluscum bodies. Molluscum warts occur characteristically in small children and in young adults, although they may be seen occasionally in any age group. The incubation of this warts is estimated to vary from 14 days to 6 months.

This warts usually starts from single or small lesion and then spread wide to face, trunk, extremities. For Young adults more often present with lesions on the lower abdomen, pubic escutcheon, or inner thighs contracted during sexual transmission.

For children, molluscum warts are usually spread by close physical contact. Especially with their activities such as swimming in pool facilities, communal shower facilities, and contact sports.

For young adult, the most common of transmission is sexual contact.

For people with low immunity such as AIDs, Leukemia, people with chemotherapy, this warts can be the provoking factor too.

Histopathologic examination can help us to diagnose this disease. We can find molluscum bodies that contain virus particles from infected epidermis.
Patient should avoid communal swimming pools, baths, and shared clothing items. Because that activities can make contamination to other people.

The principle of treatment is to remove the mass containing molluscum bodies. We can use tools such as blackheads extractor, syringes, or curette. For young adults, should also be therapy for their sexual partner.

The most effective in adult cases  is Light freezing with liquid nitrogen (LN2). This treatment useful, non scaring and must be repeated every 10 to 14 days until clear.

The prognosis of this disease better if all the lesions have been removed.