What Is The Molluscum Contagiosum Virus?

virus HPV

MCV, which stands for Molluscum Contagiosum Virus is caused by a pox virus. It is a skin infection that is highly contagious and causes lesions on the skin. These lesions can easily spread by having personal contact or coming in contact with objects that have been contaminated. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this skin infection, which makes it very important that preventative measures are practiced to make sure that you or someone in your family does not come in contact with the virus. This virus is unlike the HPV virus, in that it does not lay dormant for a long period of time, although again, it is highly contagious.

The Molluscum Virus usually offers two courses for the infected patient, which is usually a child. Letting it run its course, which can take up to two years, or cutting, burning or freezing the lesions off, which can be severely painful for the patient. If the second option is taken and the lesions become infected, then a new infection, like a staph infection, could take place and MCV may not go away. At the same time, letting the virus run its course could be life threatening, as any number of infections could enter the body through open lesions, especially in children.

MCV has three stages. First, you'll usually see tiny bumps in a patch that resemble goose bumps. From there, the virus will move into the second stage where the lesions look like flattened moles and then, finally, the third stage where the lesions will look like the pimples every teenager sees during puberty. MCV affects mostly children, but can hit anyone of any age as well. In children, the virus is seen mostly on the face, neck, armpits, hands and arms. For adults it is seen as an STD, or sexually transmitted disease, on the lower abdomen, thigh area, buttocks and genitals.

The Molluscum virus affected one doctor so much when his grand daughters caught it, that a third option for treatment, called the silver cure, was created and comes in a variety of lotions, shampoos and more. Other treatments like this are seen throughout the internet world, but patients with this virus are advised to consult a medical professional before using anything not prescribed by a physician or dermatologist. To keep MCV from spreading, it is important to not allow others to use your personal items, including, but certainly not limited to, towels, hairbrushes, eating utensils and more. Because this virus is so extremely contagious, as are HPV infections, anyone can catch it, even from touching a doorknob that has been contaminated.