Molluscum contagiosum is a contagious dermatological damage induced by a virus of the pox family of viruses. The lesion is characterized by a rounded umbilicated papule several millimeters in diameter (most often 1 to 4 mm, sometimes up to 8 mm), usually nonpruritic (which does not itch).
These are children who are most often affected by a lack of immune defense against the virus of the Poxviridae family responsible for the dissemination of lesions.
The molluscum contagiosum virus is transmitted by direct skin contact with another infected person, after an incubation period of two weeks to six months. The circumstances of infection are found to daycare or school, attendance at public pools during collective baths and also during contact sports (promiscuity and skin contact). Although it is not common, the use of objects that have been in contact with the virus (like towels) can also transmit the infection.
Molluscum can also affect adolescents and adults with sexual transmission when the location is at the level of the pubic or genital area.
Its spread around the primary lesion is favored by scratching.
Molluscum contagiosum lesions realizes epidermal crater. The epidermis is thickened and invaginates to form a large mass composed of lobules pyriform converging to a central well. These lobules are composed of squamous cells containing basophilic bodies molluscaires. From the periphery to the center, the cells lose their nuclei, become large, ovoid with strongly eosinophilic cytoplasm becomes basophilic. This very characteristic appearance is due to the pathogenic effect of a poxviridé. Subject to the impacts of cutting, only dermal masses with no connection to the epidermis may be visible and should not be confused with a tumor.
Molluscum contagiosum infection usually heals spontaneously. Molluscum disappear often in young children after several months when the body begins to develop resistance
Lichen Planus Rosacea (pathology) Melanoma