Contagiosum epitheliale is a purely benign skin pathology caused by an infection of a DNA virus. The pathogen is responsible for papulose lesions that can spread throughout the body without causing damage to internal organs.
The name of the disease is associated with the mollusk, because the lesions have a soft, spongy appearance. In healthy people with a strong immune system, Contagiosum epitheliale regresses spontaneously, although the healing time is quite long (months, years). In immunocompromised patients, papulose lesions are quite difficult to eradicate.
The prevalence of the disease is favored by a hot climate with high humidity. According to statistical estimates, Contagiosum epitheliale affects three out of a hundred people. In 80% of the disease affects children under the age of 15 years. In the vast majority of cases, the prognosis of the disease is good.
Exposure routes of Contagiosum epitheliale
Contagiosum epitheliale is transmitted through:
- direct contact with the skin of a sick person;
- use of common towel;
- sexual contact (papulose lesions develop in the genital area).
Symptoms of Contagiosum epitheliale
After the introduction of the virus into the body, the Contagiosum epitheliale does not show any symptoms until 2-7 weeks (incubation time). The next stage is the formation of a small, painless, soft papule. The size of the formations ranges from 2 to 6 mm. However, in HIV-infected patients with Contagiosum epitheliale, lesions can reach up to 15 mm. The infection usually does not affect the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Sometimes papules cause itching or mild pain.
Diagnostics of Contagiosum epitheliale
The Contagiosum epitheliale should be kept under control, for this purpose a differential diagnosis with pathologies characterized by similar lesions is necessary:
- basal cell carcinoma;
- keratoacanthoma;
- viral skin lesions: herpes, chickenpox, warts.
When the diagnosis is unknown, the suspicion of the disease can be confirmed by a tissue biopsy and a serological antibody test. When the diagnosis is unknown, the suspicion of the disease can be confirmed by a tissue biopsy and a serological antibody test. When the diagnosis is unknown, the suspicion of the disease can be confirmed by a tissue biopsy and a serological antibody test. When the diagnosis is unknown, the suspicion of the disease can be confirmed by a tissue biopsy and a serological antibody test. When the diagnosis is unknown, the suspicion of the disease can be confirmed by a tissue biopsy and a serological antibody test. When the diagnosis is unknown, the suspicion of the disease can be confirmed by a tissue biopsy and a serological antibody test. When the diagnosis is unknown, the suspicion of the disease can be confirmed by a tissue biopsy and a serological antibody test.
Treatment of Contagiosum epitheliale
Effective is the use of drugs directly on papular lesions. The most commonly used are salicylic acid (keratolytic drug), retinoic acid, potassium hydrochloride (astringent), as well as antiviral drugs and immunosuppressants (for example, imiquimod). However, medications do not always remove papules, in which case cryotherapy and laser therapy are recommended.
Contagiosum epitheliale infection may recur even after completion of treatment. If you have any similar skin problems, it makes sense to turn to dermatologist consultation at the «Bogoliuby MC».
