Various Health Topics
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Molluscum Contagiosum
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Molluscum Contagiosum
What is Molluscum Contagiosum?
Molluscum Contagiosum is a harmless, viral infection that causes a skin growth. The virus is easily transmitted by direct skin contact and less likely by sharing clothing and inanimate objects.
The skin growth is characterized by shiny, pearly white or pink papules (tiny bumps) on the skin surface. Each bump is circular, often showing a tiny central depression. The bumps appear in groups, or sometimes alone, on the chest, abdomen, arms, thighs, genitals, the face or elsewhere.
The virus enters the skin through hair follicles or small breaks in the skin’s surface. Molluscum do not effect internal organs or become malignant (cancer). The molluscum may become red or inflamed. This may occur right before the bump is ready to go away on its own.
What is the treatment?
Treatment for Molluscum Contagiosum is not always necessary because many lesions will clear up on their own. Some new bumps may appear as others disappear and it may take months or even years for all of the molluscum to go away on their own. Molluscum Contagiosum may be more persistent and long lasting in people who have a weakened immune system.
Treatment may be suggested if the tiny bumps spread to other parts of the body or to other people or if they cause irritation or discomfort. The type of treatment varies depending on the location of the lesion, the age and health of the person. Your medical provider will discuss all of the available options with you.
If treatment is suggested what are the options?
Molluscum are treated similar to how warts are treated. The tiny bumps can be:
Frozen with liquid nitrogen
Chemically treated
Removed by electrocautery
Scraped off by a medical provider
Treated with a prescription topical cream or gel
Laser treatment
Left to go away on their own
If medical treatment is initiated, it may take multiple treatments to remove all of the tiny bumps.
What self-care and prevention is helpful?
Avoid scratching lesions.
Avoid shard towels when lesions are present.
Avoid shaving lesions.
Talk to your medical provider about preventing transmission of molluscum during sexual activity if you have lesions on the genitals. |
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