What precautions can be taken to prevent the spread of molluscum contagiosum?

Precautions to Prevent Spreading Molluscum Contagiosum

To prevent the spread of molluscum contagiosum, avoid direct skin contact with infected areas, cover visible lesions with clothing or bandages, maintain good hand hygiene especially after touching lesions, and avoid sharing personal items like towels and clothing. 1

Key Prevention Strategies

Personal Hygiene Measures

• Maintain good personal hygiene with regular handwashing, especially after touching lesions 2, 1
• Cover visible lesions with clothing or waterproof bandages when possible 1
• Use separate towels for infected individuals - do not share towels 2
• Avoid scratching or picking at lesions to prevent self-inoculation 3

Activity-Specific Precautions

• For swimmers and athletes:
  • Cover lesions before participating in sports or swimming 2
  • Avoid sharing equipment, towels, and personal items 2
  • Wear flip-flops or sandals in communal showers 2
  • Consider temporary avoidance of contact sports if lesions cannot be adequately covered 1

Household Precautions

• Avoid sharing personal items that may contact the skin:
  • Towels and washcloths
  • Clothing
  • Bathing sponges or loofahs
  • Razors
  • Bedding (when lesions are extensive) 1
• Clean and disinfect shared surfaces that may come in contact with lesions 2

Special Considerations for High-Risk Settings

For Childcare Settings

• Children with molluscum should have lesions covered with clothing or bandages when possible 1
• Implement strict handwashing protocols for all children and staff 2
• Avoid direct skin-to-skin contact between infected and uninfected children 1
• Do not share bath water, towels, or bedding 2, 1

For Swimming Pools

• Cover lesions with waterproof bandages before swimming 1
• Shower thoroughly before and after swimming 2
• Use personal towels only 2

For Healthcare Workers and Caregivers

• Wear gloves when applying treatments or touching lesions 1
• Wash hands thoroughly after contact with infected individuals 2
• Properly dispose of contaminated materials 1

Monitoring and Management

• Regularly monitor for new lesions (every 1-3 months) 1
• Consider treatment for lesions that are:
  • Near the eyes (to prevent conjunctivitis) 1
  • Causing discomfort or psychological distress 3
  • Extensive or spreading rapidly 1
  • Present in immunocompromised individuals 4

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Assuming the infection is no longer contagious once lesions begin to resolve - transmission risk remains until complete healing 1
• Overlooking the possibility of self-inoculation, which can spread lesions to new areas of the body 3
• Failing to recognize that molluscum can spread during bathing/showering if towels or washcloths are shared 2
• Underestimating the importance of covering lesions, particularly in communal settings 1

By implementing these precautions consistently, the risk of spreading molluscum contagiosum can be significantly reduced while waiting for spontaneous resolution of the infection, which typically occurs within 6-12 months in immunocompetent individuals 1.