Resolved question:
Hi doctor, I am nanny of a 2 year old boy who has bumps at his back behind neck since 1 year. I got to know that it is Molluscumcontagiosum. I want to know whether there is any risk of contamination to my children as well and of developing this type of STI. My children do not have any sign of it but they were certainly exposed before. I take proper care by covering his bumps but do I need to leave my job in order to keep myself safe from catching the infection?
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4 Days
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Thank you for the question. Molluscumcontagiosum is a viral disease which causes skin rash. It is very much common in children, especially boys. It results by physical contact (exposed area of an infected person with the skin of a normal healthy person), sharing personal items like towel, clothing, shoes, etc. Some sports that require personal contact also tend to pass on the infection like swimming, football, baseball. Shaving tends to spread the infection if it is on the beard region. The bump, sometimes disappear without treatment, if caused due to bacteria. Treatment involves its removal by scraping, heat or cold methods.Molluscumcontagiosum is a kind of STI that also spreads during sexual intercourse. Practicing safe sex cannot minimize the risk unless infected area is prevented from coming in contact with the skin. Care must be taken to get sure of the partner’s infectious status before indulging in this kind of activity. In your case you can minimise the risk of catching infection by avoiding direct contact with skin and by not using personal belongings of the infected person. This infection has a very low contagiousness status. There is no need to leave the job if you can practice these precautionary methods. If you have any doubt you can always be sure by getting yourself tested. Take care and good luck.