Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a self-limiting infectious dermatosis, diagnosed mainly in children between the ages of two and five years, but also in sexually active adolescents and adults and immunocompromised individuals. It is caused by a DNA virus belonging to the Poxvirus family and is clinically characterized by pink or skin-colored umbilicated papules. Molluscum contagiosum lesions are transmitted by skin-to-skin contact (including sexual) or indirect contact (towels, underwear, toys, razors, tattoo supplies). Molluscum contagiosum can also spread to normal skin after patients scrape off molluscum scrapings. Atopic dermatitis may increase the risk of developing molluscum contagiosum because it alters the skin barrier and immune function.

Molluscums are usually asymptomatic but may be painful or itchy and cause cosmetic problems. In children, molluscums are found on the face, trunk, limbs, and axillary areas. In sexually transmitted forms, lesions are seen primarily in the anogenital area, abdomen, and inner thighs. Rarely, there are more than 20-30 elements on the skin and they are usually grouped together.

Treatment depends on the patient's (or parents') preferences. Since the condition is usually self-limiting, waiting for spontaneous resolution should be considered. However, patients should be aware that resolution of molluscum contagiosum may take several months. Current treatment options include physical removal of the molluscum, topical medications, and systemic treatment, but none of these treatments have proven efficacy. Furthermore, physical removal, which is mainly based on cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen or curettage, is usually painful, may require local anesthesia, and may leave scars, while the use of systemic medications such as corticosteroids may lead to several contraindications.

A possible alternative to these treatments is the use of products based on natural substances with a synergistic action that counteract both the viral infection itself and the associated symptoms, leading to a much faster resolution of the pathology and without systemic or local consequences.

For example, copper gluconate is particularly useful as an antiviral, thanks to its ability to destroy the external envelope of the virus (the capsid), and the viral DNA, preventing the replication and spread of the virus. Cannabidiol is also useful, for its anti-inflammatory action widely demonstrated in dermatitis, such as atopic dermatitis, and Zanthalene®, a mixture of active ingredients obtained from the plant Zanthoxylum bungeanum and which shows a powerful anti-itch and anti-inflammatory activity. Finally, the use of Opuntia ficus indica, with anti-inflammatory, moisturizing and healing properties, can be very useful in the case of lesions from molluscum contagiosum.

It has been clinically shown that the use of a product containing a mixture of the active ingredients listed above is effective in reducing lesions from molluscum contagiosum within a week and also acts as a preventive strategy to avoid the onset of new growths.

Reference

Badri T, Gandhi GR. Molluscum Contagiosum. 2022 May 1. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan–. PMID: 28722927.