Virus Molluscum Contagiosum

26.03.2010 | By: T. P.

This viral infection isn't dangerous, but it can be very persistent and extremely annoying.

The virus molluscum contagiosum is sexually transmitted.

Molluscum contagiosum is an infection that spreads by physical contact, thus also by sexual intercourse. The first symptoms appear in two weeks to a couple of months. Small pimples appear on the surface of the skin and turn into skin coloured papulae. In the middle of each papula there forms a small hollow space containing soft cheesy liquid. Your doctor will quickly identify the infection, and if not, he will check this fluid. Molluscum contagiosum cures by itself, the doctor may only clean the inside of the papulae, which makes everything less contagious. There are also many ways how to help molluscum contagiosum heal faster, but before you try any of them, you should consult your physician.

By scratching the papulae, you can spread them over your whole body.

There are four types of the virus molluscum contagiosum (MCV-1 to MCV-4). Adults usually get MCV-2. If you get infected through sexual intercourse, papulae will appear mainly on the inside of your thighs, around the anus, on your buttocks and around your genitals. If you feel itchy, wash the papulae gently with alcohol, but avoid scratching at all cost. By scratching, you can spread the infection over the whole body. We carry the virus until the last papula disappears, so you should avoid sexual encounters during this time and generally avoid touching other people. The infection usually disappears after two to three months if we are careful, otherwise it can last even up to a year and a half.