What Happens If Molluscum Contagiosum Is Left Untreated

What Happens If Molluscum Contagiosum Is Left Untreated

Molluscum contagiosum is a skin infection that leads to small, painless bumps on the skin. These bumps can appear anywhere on the body but are most commonly found on the face, neck, armpits, arms, and hands. Molluscum contagiosum is caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV), a member of the poxvirus family. The infection primarily affects children, but adults can also contract it, especially those with weakened immune systems. The virus spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact or by touching contaminated objects, such as towels or toys.

What Happens If Molluscum Contagiosum Is Not Treated?

If molluscum contagiosum is left untreated, the infection can persist for a long time. The bumps, also known as lesions, can last from several months to several years, with the duration varying from person to person. On average, the bumps may take six months to 5 years to resolve on their own. During this time, the bumps can spread to different parts of the body, especially if they are scratched or rubbed. As some bumps disappear, new ones can form, making it difficult to predict when the infection will completely clear up.

Molluscum contagiosum is highly contagious, which means it can easily spread from one person to another. The virus spreads through direct skin contact with a person who is infected or by touching objects that have been contaminated with the virus. Because of this, children with molluscum contagiosum can easily spread the virus to their playmates, siblings, or even themselves, leading to new infections. Even after the visible bumps have disappeared, a person can still spread the virus, making it important to be cautious.

Deciding Whether to Treat Molluscum Contagiosum

There is ongoing debate among healthcare professionals about whether molluscum contagiosum needs to be treated, especially since the condition is generally harmless and the bumps often go away on their own. However, there are several reasons why treatment might be considered:

• Preventing Spread: Treating the bumps can help stop them from spreading to other parts of the body or to other people. This is particularly important in settings like schools or daycare centers in which the children are in close contact with each other.

• Relieving Symptoms: While molluscum contagiosum is usually painless, some people may experience itching or irritation, especially if the bumps are scratched or become inflamed. Treatment can help alleviate these symptoms.

• Avoiding Scars: If the bumps are scratched or become infected, they can leave scars on the skin. Early treatment can help prevent this scarring, especially in visible areas like the face.

• Reducing Stress: The appearance of the bumps can cause psychological discomfort or embarrassment, particularly in children and teenagers. This can lead to anxiety or self-consciousness. Treatment can help the bumps go away faster, providing relief from these concerns.

How Is Molluscum Contagiosum Treated?

There are many treatment options for molluscum contagiosum, similar to treatments used for warts. Here are some common methods:

1. Freezing (Cryotherapy): This method involves freezing the bumps with liquid nitrogen. The cold temperature destroys the infected skin cells. While effective, cryotherapy can cause discomfort or pain and may require multiple sessions.

2. Acids or Blistering Solutions: Special acids or blistering solutions can be applied to the bumps to help them go away. These treatments cause the top layer of skin to peel off, removing the bumps. Common solutions include salicylic acid or cantharidin.

3. Electrocautery: This involves using an electric needle to burn off the bumps. This method can be effective but may be painful and cause scarring.

4. Curettage: In this procedure, a healthcare professional uses a sharp tool to scrape off the bumps. This method can also be uncomfortable and may leave scars.

5. Topical Treatments: Various creams or gels can be applied to the bumps. These include retinoid creams, which help the skin renew itself, and antiviral creams, which help reduce the spread of the virus. Some topical treatments also boost the immune system to help fight the virus.

6. Laser Therapy: During this treatment method, a laser can be used to remove the bumps. This method is generally reserved for more stubborn cases and can also cause discomfort.

Each treatment method has potential side effects, including pain, skin irritation, changes in skin color (depigmentation), and scarring. Because of these potential side effects, doctors often recommend waiting to treat young children, as they may find the treatments too painful or distressing.

Is It Okay to Wait and Not Treat Molluscum Contagiosum?

In many cases, especially for healthy children, it is perfectly acceptable to wait and not treat molluscum contagiosum. The bumps usually go away on their own without causing any serious harm. A study found that about half of children with molluscum contagiosum had their bumps go away within a year, regardless of whether they received treatment or not. However, during this time, untreated children can still spread the virus to others. 

Parents and caregivers should consider the pros and cons of treatment, including the potential for spreading the infection, the discomfort of treatments, and the risk of scarring. In cases where the bumps are not causing any discomfort or significant distress, it may be best to simply monitor the condition and wait for it to resolve naturally.

Special Cases: Eye Bumps

If molluscum contagiosum appears around the eyes, special care is needed. The skin around the eyes is sensitive, and certain treatments, like acids or freezing, can cause harm. In such cases, it's important to consult an eye doctor, or ophthalmologist, who can recommend safe and appropriate treatments.

Conclusion

Molluscum contagiosum is a harmless skin condition that often goes away on its own. However, because it can spread easily and cause discomfort or embarrassment, some parents and doctors choose to treat it. There are many treatment options available, but none is considered the definitive best choice. The decision to treat or not often depends on the location and number of bumps, the potential for spreading the virus, and personal preferences.

Understanding what happens if molluscum contagiosum is left untreated can help parents and patients make informed decisions about whether or not to pursue treatment. While the condition is generally not serious, taking steps to manage it can prevent the spread of the virus and alleviate any discomfort or stress it may cause.