Clinical Features of Molluscum Contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum is a benign superficial skin disease caused by a poxvirus. It is characterized by small pearly papules with a central depression whose core may be expressed, producing a white cheesy material. The lesions average 2 to 5 mm in size and are usually painless, but may become inflamed, red, and swollen. Molluscum contagiosum is a self-limited infection; the papules usually disappear spontaneously within 6 to 12 months but may take as long as 4 years to resolve.

The infection is found worldwide but is more common in developing countries and has traditionally been regarded as a pediatric disease. Successful vaccination against smallpox in infancy is not protective. Little has been verified with regard to the incubation period; however, it is estimated to be between 2 weeks and 6 months. Most cases occur in children over 1 year of age.

Atopic dermatitis may be a risk factor for contracting molluscum contagiosum due to the barrier breaks and immune cell dysfunction in atopic skin. In addition, these patients may be more likely to autoinoculate (excoriation of primary lesions and spread to areas of normal skin) new areas of skin because of the underlying pruritus from their atopy.

Patients with HIV/AIDS and other immunocompromised conditions (e.g., solid organ transplant recipients) can develop “giant” lesions, larger numbers of lesions, and lesions that are more resistant to standard therapy. The following diseases should be considered in the differential diagnosis of molluscum contagiosum: cryptococcosis, basal cell carcinoma, keratoacanthoma, histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis, and verruca vulgaris. For genital lesions, condyloma acuminata and vaginal syringoma should be considered.

Diagnosis is generally made based on the appearance of lesions. Skin biopsy may be necessary in immunocompromised patients to exclude other conditions such as malignancy or endemic fungal infections. Skin biopsy will reveal “molluscum bodies” -- eosinophilic inclusions in the epidermis. This finding may also be observed on Giemsa-stained core material expressed onto a glass slide.

Molluscum contagiosum lesions have recently come to be classified in one of three ways: the commonly seen skin lesions found largely on the faces, trunks, and limbs of children; the sexually transmitted lesions found on the abdomen, inner thighs, and genitals of sexually active adults; and the diffuse and recalcitrant eruptions of patients with AIDS or other immunosuppressive disorders.

Although lesions due to molluscum are usually benign and resolve without scarring, scarring may occur from excoriation during the natural healing process in up to 7% of patients or after excessive curettage. For this reason, curettage is often not recommended in otherwise healthy individuals. Secondary infections may be a problem in immunocompromised patients, such as those with HIV/AIDS or those taking immunosuppressive drug therapies. In these cases, treatment to prevent further spread of the infection is recommended.

Over the years, medical professionals and the general public have been showing greater interest in the development of plant medicines. And here at Nature’s Pharma, our goal is to provide as much information as possible on the plant-based medicinal products.

AntiMolluscum-Rx is composed of naturally occurring high intensity antiviral extracts which have a lethal effect against the virus upon exposure. Application of this molluscum contagiosum treatment provides maximum and rapid penetration of antiviral agents into cell membranes without damaging healthy skin tissue. As a result, this treatment for molluscum enjoys a well earned reputation for its curative effects.

Molluscum occurring anywhere on the body can be successfully eliminated with application of AntiMolluscum-Rx. This product is concentrated with naturally occurring monoterpene aldehydes which have tremendous antiviral effects against the molluscum virus, as demonstrated in published scientific studies.

AntiMolluscum-Rx is the most effective among the organic molluscum treatments today as it has very strong and real antiviral properties that destroy the virus. The antiviral pharmacological activity of this molluscum treatment is well documented. To learn more, please go to http://www.naturespharma.org.