|
What is molluscum?
Molluscum contagiosum is a skin infection caused by a
virus. Molluscum causes small bumps to appear on the
skin. Most of them are less than half an inch in
diameter. They have a hard white core. Some lesions have
a small dent or dimple in the center. The lesions are
the same color as normal skin, but they look waxy. They
usually don't hurt or itch. The molluscum virus is very
common, and almost everyone has it in his or her body. A
healthy immune system will control molluscum so that if
lesions appear, they do not last a long time. People
with weakened immune systems can develop molluscum
lesions that spread, last a long time, and are very
difficult to treat.
How does molluscum spread?
Molluscum can be spread by direct skin contact. It often
spreads through sexual activity. Molluscum can infect
any part of the skin, but it is especially common on the
face or in the groin and pubic areas. Children in day
care centers may contract molluscum on their arms from
contact with each other. Shaving with a razor blade can
spread it.
How do I know if I have molluscum?
An experienced health care provider can easily identify
molluscum lesions. There are only one or two other
infections that cause skin problems that look at all
similar to molluscum.
How is molluscum treated?
Molluscum lesions are treated the same way as warts.
Sometimes the lesions return and need to be treated
again. They can be frozen with liquid CO2. This is the
most common method of treatment. They can also be
treated with chemicals used on warts such as
trichloroacetic acid (TCA), podophyllin or podofilox.
These chemicals can not be used on sensitive skin or
near the eyes.
Can molluscum be prevented?
It's not possible to avoid being exposed to it. However,
if you have molluscum you should make sure that the
lesions don't touch anyone else. You should also be
careful not to spread molluscum to different parts of
your body. Be careful not to scratch the lesions or to
cut them while shaving. Some doctors think that using an
electric shaver helps prevent the spread of molluscum.
|
