Molluscum Contagiosum
What is Molluscum Contagiosum?
The condition spreads through contact with an infected person or a contaminated object. They resemble pimples with a waxy, pinkish look and a small central pit.
Though painless, the small bumps might itch. Scratched bumps can spread infection to surrounding skin. Scarring may occur, particularly if the lesions become infected.
There is no single perfect treatment for molluscum contagiosum. A blistering agent (cantharone or TCA acid) or liquid nitrogen will destroy individual molluscum lesions. Scraping off the bumps using a tool called a curette is a common way to surgically remove them.
Molluscum Contagiosum Treatment
Dermatologist can perform the following procedures:
- Cryosurgery: The dermatologist freezes the bumps with liquid nitrogen.
- Curettage: The dermatologist uses a small tool called a curette to scrape the bumps from the skin.
- Laser surgery: A dermatologist uses a laser to target and destroy the bumps. This can be an effective treatment for people who have a weakened immune system.
- Topical (applied to the skin) therapy: Your dermatologist can apply various acids and blistering solutions to destroy the bumps. These work by destroying the top layers of the skin. Tricholoracetic acid is often used to treat people who have a weak immune system and many bumps.
Adapted from original source: AAD
Frequently Asked Questions – Molluscum Contagiosum
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