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MOLLUSCUM CONTAGIOSUM is a viral infection
of the skin and mucous
membranes caused by one
of the viruses of the smallpox group.
Molluscum contagiosum causes
papules of various sizes,
flesh-colored or pinkish
in color, with a shiny
surface and a depression
in the center. Papules
are most often found on
the face, trunk, and
limbs, but they can
appear anywhere on the
body. The disease is transmitted
through household (toys,
clothing, personal hygiene
products, swimming pools) or
physical contact. The virus is specific
to humans.
The incubation period lasts
from 2
weeks to
6 months.
In 10% of cases,
the disease occurs in atypical
forms:
- Solitary form –
there is often no indentation
in the center.
- An endophytic developing mollusk
– the skin
elements look like
a local seal.
- Exophytic giant clam
– has
a large rash, around
which typical
papules are located.
- Molluscum contagiosum on
a leg –
it resembles warts in
appearance.
- An inflammatively altered form
– the rashes
become red and
swollen.
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