Molluscum contagiosum is a common skin infection caused by a poxvirus that primarily affects children, though it can occur in adults as well. This virus creates small, raised lesions on the skin that, while harmless, are highly contagious. Because the infection spreads easily through contact, understanding the virus’s transmission methods and the mechanics of a washing cycle is important for effectively addressing concerns about eliminating the virus from clothing and linens.
Understanding Molluscum Contagiosum Transmission
The cause of this infection is the Molluscum Contagiosum Virus (MCV), a member of the Poxviridae family. The virus lives exclusively in the top layer of the skin, meaning it does not circulate throughout the body, which is why the spread is limited to skin contact. Transmission occurs most frequently through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person’s lesions.
The virus also spreads indirectly through contaminated inanimate objects, known as fomites, which include items like towels, clothing, bedding, and toys. The virus can survive on these surfaces for a period of time, creating a pathway for transmission. Self-spreading, or autoinoculation, is also a common mechanism where scratching an existing lesion and then touching another part of the body transfers the virus.
Laundry Procedures for Virus Inactivation
Washing clothes effectively inactivates the Molluscum Contagiosum Virus, especially when using specific methods that combine heat and chemical action. The Molluscum virus is an enveloped virus, meaning it has an outer lipid layer that makes it particularly vulnerable to disruption by standard laundry detergents. Detergents contain surfactants, which are chemicals designed to break down fats and oils, and these surfactants easily destabilize and destroy the virus’s protective lipid envelope.
The temperature of the wash cycle significantly accelerates this inactivation process. While the mechanical action of the wash and the detergent chemistry are powerful, hot water provides a thermal kill step. Studies indicate that poxviruses are rapidly inactivated at temperatures of 60°C (140°F) within fifteen minutes. This temperature is generally sufficient to inactivate the Molluscum virus on textiles.
Using a hot water cycle (at least 60°C or 140°F) in combination with a standard laundry detergent is the most effective approach for contaminated items. Even if the wash temperature is lower, the subsequent tumble-drying cycle provides a secondary thermal inactivation benefit. High heat drying is effective at killing residual microorganisms that may have survived the wash, further ensuring the textile is decontaminated.
Segregation and Handling of Contaminated Linens
Maintaining proper hygiene during the laundry process minimizes the risk of spreading the virus to others in the household. Infected individuals should use their own towels and washcloths, and these items should not be shared with uninfected family members. It is also highly recommended to cover the lesions with clothing or a watertight bandage to prevent the virus from rubbing off onto linens.
When handling laundry from an infected person, avoid shaking out the items before placing them into the washing machine. Shaking can aerosolize viral particles that might be present on the fabric, increasing the chance of contact. Items like towels, bedding, and clothing that have been in direct contact with the lesions should be washed separately from the rest of the household laundry.
Placing the contaminated laundry directly into the washing machine and selecting a hot water cycle provides the most thorough cleaning. The use of a dryer on a high heat setting immediately after the wash acts as a final safeguard against any remaining infectious agents.