Molluscum contagiosum is a disease caused by a poxvirus of the Molluscipox virus genus that produces a benign self-limited papular eruption of multiple umbilicated cutaneous tumors. This common viral disease is confined to the skin and mucous membranes.
Transmission requires direct contact with infected hosts or contaminated fomites. It is generally thought to infect humans exclusively, but there are a few isolated reports of Molluscum contagiosum occurring in chickens, sparrows, pigeons, chimpanzees, kangaroos, a dog, and a horse. The infection is found worldwide and has a higher incidence in children, sexually active adults, and those who are immunodeficient.
The clinical appearance of molluscum contagiosum is in most cases diagnostic. Though molluscum cannot be cultured in the laboratory, histological examination of a curetted or biopsied lesion can also aid in the diagnosis in cases that are not clinically obvious. The thick white central core can be expressed and smeared on a slide and left unstained or stained with Geimsa, Gram, Wright, or Papanicolaou stains to demonstrate the large brick-shaped inclusion bodies. Electron microscopy has also been used to demonstrate the poxvirus structures.
Immunohistochemical methods using a polyclonal antibody allow recognition of molluscum contagiosum in fixed tissue. In-situ hybridization for MCV DNA has also been utilized. Molluscum contagiosum lesions must be differentiated from verruca vulgaris, condyloma accuminata, varicella, herpes simplex, papillomas, epitheliomas, pyoderma, cutaneous cryptococcosis, epidermal inclusion cyst, basal cell carcinoma, papular granuloma annulare, keratoacanthoma, lichen planus, and syringoma or other adnexal tumors.
Molluscum contagiosum is a self-limited disease, which, left untreated, will eventually resolve in immunocompetent hosts but may be protracted in atopic and immunocompromised individuals. Some patients pick and scratch at the lesions, a habit that may lead to scarring. In addition, some schools and daycare centers will not admit children with visible molluscum papules.
When patients seek medical attention and desire to rid themselves of the papules, there are several means of therapeutic destruction to help speed resolution. The decision whether treatment is necessary depends on the needs of the patient, the recalcitrance of their disease, and the likelihood of treatments to leave pigmentary alteration or scarring. Most of the common treatments consist of various means to traumatize the lesions. Antiviral and immune-modulating treatments have recently been added to the options.
There is a long history in the USA of physicians giving medicinal plants orally to their patients prior to the advent of modern pharmaceutical drugs in the 1930s. Recent improved analytical methods have enabled studies on the traceability and safety of natural products, thus enhancing the acceptance of these natural commodities. Additionally, the World Health Organization Traditional Medicine Strategy Report from 2002 2005 aimed to counter both general skepticism as well as uncritical enthusiasm for medicinal herbs, and ultimately promoted appropriate use of plant materials for human welfare worldwide.
NaturesPharma has notably broadened its scope over the years and continues to be at the forefront of the natural health sector. Comprehensive efforts in research and development have demonstrated that many plant extracts and natural substances are safe and effective medicines. Moreover, their specific products continue to yield significant results.
AntiMolluscum-Rx is composed of naturally occurring high intensity antiviral extracts which have a lethal effect against molluscum upon exposure. Application of AntiMolluscum-Rx provides maximum and rapid penetration of antiviral agents into cell membranes without damaging healthy skin tissue. As a result, this treatment enjoys a well earned reputation for its curative effects against molluscum.
AntiMolluscum-Rx is composed of certified organic extracts selected for their antiviral activity against pox viruses such as molluscum, their ability to heal skin tissue and to strengthen immune defenses. These constituents have marked antiviral activity against enveloped viruses causing molluscum and possess antioxidant properties.
As a result, AntiMolluscum-Rx is particularly invaluable not only in consideration of its ability to inactivate the extra cellular molluscum virus at very low concentrations, but also for its tolerability to healthy surrounding tissue, which makes this product so important in today's pharmacopia.
Summarizing, it can be stated that application of AntiMolluscum-Rx has an immediate therapeutic effect against Molluscum contagiosum and has a positive influence on the immune response. To learn more, please go to http://www.naturespharma.org.