Correctly understand molluscum and molluscum contagiosum

Some people feel inexplicably nervous after being infected with molluscum contagiosum. They often worry about this: Is molluscum contagiosum a sexually transmitted disease? So let’s first talk about what molluscum contagiosum is. Molluscum contagiosum is a disease caused by a virus called molluscum contagiosum. It can be transmitted through two channels: direct contact and sexual contact. Both of these methods may cause molluscum contagiosum to occur.

These viruses can easily be transferred to other people if you share items with someone who has molluscum contagiosum. Therefore, try to avoid direct contact with towels, bedding and other items in public places, especially children who have poor resistance and are extremely susceptible to infection. Is molluscum contagiosum a sexually transmitted disease? That depends on the specific circumstances.

Molluscum contagiosum that is transmitted through sexual contact, such as between couples or sexual partners, is considered a sexually transmitted disease. However, it cannot be considered a sexually transmitted disease for children and people who become ill without sexual contact.

However, no matter how molluscum contagiosum is contracted, the rash is essentially the same.

The incubation period of molluscum contagiosum is 14 to 50 days. At the beginning, the skin lesions are hemispherical millet-sized papules, which gradually grow to the size of mung beans or peas. The surface is waxy or grayish white, with a central depression like a umbilicus. The texture changes from tough to soft. After the top is pricked, small granular white cheese-like substance can be squeezed out, which is called molluscum body.

Molluscum contagiosum can occur anywhere on the body. It is most common on the neck, back, face, limbs, and buttocks in children and adults infected through non-sexual contact. It is more common in the genitals, pubic bone, and inner thighs in those infected through sexual contact, and in the perianal area in homosexuals. The number of molluscum warts ranges from 3 to 5 to dozens. They are scattered and not fused, and are slightly itchy. They can self-seed through scratching, that is, more new molluscum warts will be produced along and around the scratching area.

Since molluscum contagiosum is a poxvirus, it can be transmitted through contact or sexual contact. It is very inaccurate to simply attribute molluscum contagiosum to a sexually transmitted disease. Is molluscum contagiosum a sexually transmitted disease? This question has different answers in our country. Internationally, it is also listed as a sexually transmitted disease. Regardless of whether molluscum contagiosum is a sexually transmitted disease or not, you should actively seek treatment after becoming ill and strive to recover as soon as possible.