Molluscum contagiosum is a type of mollusk that appears on the skin. It is often self-limiting and can be treated with surgery or topical medications. However, there is a risk of scarring if the lesions are removed surgically. To minimize the risk of scarring, topical medications can be applied at home or the doctor’s office.
Symptoms
Molluscum contagiosum is an infection that can cause rashes and bumps on the skin. They may appear as small as a pinhead or as large as a pencil eraser. They are usually flesh-colored and often have a slight depression in the center. They can appear anywhere on the body two to six weeks after exposure to the virus. While no treatment is available, a health care provider can perform a skin exam and confirm the diagnosis. The rashes may be red or swollen and appear as blisters.
Treatment for molluscum contagiosum depends on the severity and location of the lesions. Although the lesions can sometimes disappear independently, they may need to be treated with medicine or surgically removed. This treatment may leave a scar.
Causes
Molluscum contagiosum is a common skin infection that affects children and adults. It often occurs on the skin and genitals but on the inner thighs and lower abdomen. The lesions may appear in clusters or individually and can be contagious if you contact someone who has it.
Molluscum contagiosum is an infectious disease caused by a virus. The infection causes small raised bumps on the upper layers of the skin. Most of these bumps are harmless, disappear without treatment, and rarely cause pain. However, it spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact and touching contaminated objects. Although the bumps are harmless, they can cause significant anxiety and may cause physical damage.
Molluscum contagiosum can be treated with scraping, liquids, and creams. It usually clears up on its own, but in some cases, the bumps may remain for three to four years or even longer. If you’re HIV-positive, treatment with antiretroviral medication can also clear the lesions. It can also help strengthen your immune system to fight the virus. However, there’s no need to treat molluscum contagiosum in people with a healthy immune system. The condition usually goes away without treatment, and in most cases, it goes away without any scarring.
Treatments
The simplest way to treat molluscum contagiosum is to avoid scratching the affected area. While some people find that scratching the bumps can spread the virus, the infection is not contagious once the bumps have disappeared. Other options include laser therapy, cryosurgery, and curettage. Topical medicines can also be used.
Podophyllotoxin cream (0.5%) is one effective topical treatment for molluscum contagiosum. However, podophyllotoxin cream is not recommended for pregnant women since it is toxic to the fetus. It is also important to note that the cream must effectively apply to the individual lesions. Other topical therapies include iodine, salicylic acid, potassium hydroxide, and tretinoin. Imiquimod, a T cell modifier, is another treatment option, but it has not been studied in children. It is not recommended for children due to the risk of adverse effects.
Molluscum contagiosum is a sexually transmitted disease that affects both children and adults. It often occurs in the anogenital region and is more common in people with compromised immune systems. If left untreated, most cases of molluscum contagiosum will resolve within six to twelve months. However, some people will continue to have bumps for years.
Prevention
Prevention of molluscum contagious involves careful prevention. Prevention involves avoiding direct contact with the infected area and keeping it clean. Once the infection has been identified, treatment can begin. First, antibiotics are necessary to fight the infection. This treatment usually resolves the condition without scarring. Treatment may involve more than one session. In some cases, additional sessions are required every three to six weeks.
People with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to this infection than others. It’s also more challenging to treat in these cases. Moreover, people with poor immunity may have multiple infections. Pre-existing conditions that decrease the immune system’s ability to fight infections may also increase the risk of infection. Some such conditions are AIDS, cancer chemotherapy, and diabetes. Since molluscum contagiosum can spread through sexual contact, treatment is essential.
Prevention of molluscum contagious includes taking steps to keep the skin clean. It’s essential to wash your hands often. You should also remind your children to wash their hands often if you’re a parent.
