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10 impressive facts about the umbilical cord
by Katja Fischer
From disinfectant to duct tape: what actually helps against molluscum bumps
13.4.2023
Translation: Jessica Johnson-Ferguson
Molluscum lesions mainly affect children. What are sometimes referred to as water warts are contageous skin lesions that spread rapidly. In addition to lots of patience, ice, acid and even duct tape can help cure them.
Pox has a dangerous ring to it, and not just since monkey pox came on the scene. Its smaller and less harmful sibling is caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus. The warts usually go by the more palatable name «molluscum» and are very common, especially in children.
The small, 2–5mm bumps usually pop up in groups, are a viral disease and spread particularly fast on pre-damaged skin. They occasionally itch and are sometimes scraped open by scratching or friction with clothing. As soon as a molluscum bump breaks open, its contageous yellowy-white, pulpy contents, which sit just under the surface of the visible wart, spill out. This creates a new cluster of warts.
Dry or cracked skin increases the risk of contamination
After an infection, it generally takes a few weeks before molluscum bumps become visible. Usually, around 20 appear. But sometimes there can be up to several hundred. Kindergarten kids and young school children are most affected.
As with other viral diseases, it can be tricky to protect yourself from it. The contents of the warts are highly contagious. The molluscum virus lurks in swimming pools and on towels. Children can catch it by sharing clothes or toys, but also by frequenting gymnasiums. An intact skin barrier provides good protection. This means avoiding dry or cracked skin.
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Header image: Shutterstock
Tanja Restin
Freie Autorin
tmrestin@gmail.comFamily and paediatrician, family counselling for big and small people. Loves emergency care and rescue transports and the interface with basic and clinical research. Journalism started with the school newspaper, later stations at the Deutsche Welle, the Deutsches Ärzteblatt, author of scientific publications.
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