Molluscum Contagiosum (MC) is a common, benign skin infection caused by a poxvirus, resulting in small, raised growths on the skin. Although the infection typically resolves on its own, it is highly contagious while the lesions are present. A frequent concern is the potential for transmission through objects, known as fomites, such as clothing and towels. Understanding how the virus spreads and the simple steps taken at home, particularly regarding laundry, can reduce the risk of further spreading the infection.
Understanding Molluscum Contagiosum Transmission
Molluscum Contagiosum is primarily spread through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or their active lesions. The virus resides within the core of the bumps, which are usually small, flesh-colored, and may have a tiny pit in the center. Transmission occurs when material from these lesions is physically transferred to another person’s skin.
The secondary route of transmission involves contaminated inanimate objects (fomites) like clothing, towels, bedding, and toys. These items become fomites if they contact viral particles shed from a ruptured or scratched lesion. The virus remains contagious as long as the bumps are visible on the skin.
The virus can also spread from one area of an infected person’s body to another through autoinoculation. This happens when a person scratches, rubs, or shaves over an existing lesion and then touches an unaffected part of their skin. Minimizing contact with the lesions is a foundational step in controlling the spread.
Standard Laundry Practices and Viral Survival
Standard laundry practices are highly effective at inactivating the Molluscum Contagiosum virus, which belongs to the poxvirus family. The washing process combines mechanical action, chemical agents, and heat to eliminate viral particles from fabrics. Routine washing with detergent and water generally provides robust decontamination of clothing and linens.
Detergent plays a significant role, even before high temperatures are introduced. Poxviruses are enveloped viruses, meaning they have a protective fatty outer layer that is vulnerable to surfactants found in laundry detergents. These cleaning agents dissolve the lipid envelope, quickly inactivating the virus and rendering it non-infectious. Studies on related poxviruses show that standard detergents alone can achieve a greater than 99.9% reduction of viral presence on fabrics.
The heat used in the laundry cycle provides an additional layer of viral inactivation. While washing in hot water (at least 60°C or 140°F) is recommended for contaminated items, the high-heat drying cycle is considered the most effective step. Heat alone effectively inactivates poxviruses, with temperatures around 70°C (158°F) eliminating the virus entirely. Using a regular laundry detergent and ensuring a full cycle through a hot dryer is sufficient to eliminate concern about transmission via cleaned clothing.
Household Strategies to Limit Transmission
To limit the spread of Molluscum Contagiosum within a household, simple adjustments to personal hygiene and shared items should be adopted. The primary goal is preventing the virus from transferring from the lesions to the skin of others or to frequently shared objects. Avoid sharing personal items that contact the skin, such as towels, washcloths, and bath toys.
Covering the lesions is the most effective way to stop the physical shedding of the virus. Lesions should be covered with clothing or a watertight bandage, especially before activities like swimming, contact sports, or while in shared public spaces. The covering acts as a physical barrier, preventing the virus from reaching other surfaces or people.
Consistent and thorough hand hygiene is important for both the infected individual and their caregivers. Hands should be washed with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after any contact with the lesions or contaminated clothing. Keeping the lesions clean and avoiding scratching or picking at them helps prevent the virus from spreading. Separate laundry cycles are unnecessary, provided clothes are washed with detergent and dried with heat.