Molluscum Contagiosum
I. Definition:
Molluscum contagiosum consists of small, harmless growths caused by a skin virus. They resemble pimples at first. Later, when they enlarge, they have a waxy, pinkish look and a small central pit. Molluscum contagiosum can be spread from person to person by direct skin contact. It is harmless and never turns cancerous. Molluscum occurs in children and adults.
II. Treatment:
· There is no single perfect treatment for molluscum contagiosum, since we are unable to kill the virus.
· Individual lesions can be destroyed by a blistering agent, by liquid nitrogen, or by surgical removal.
· Sometimes new lesions will form while existing ones are being destroyed. New growths should be treated when they become large enough to be seen.
· Molluscum lesions may become red and sore when the body tries to reject the virus. Sometimes a rash appears around the growths. These symptoms are harmless and can be safely ignored.
Molluscum contagiosum consists of small, harmless growths caused by a skin virus. They resemble pimples at first. Later, when they enlarge, they have a waxy, pinkish look and a small central pit. Molluscum contagiosum can be spread from person to person by direct skin contact. It is harmless and never turns cancerous. Molluscum occurs in children and adults.
II. Treatment:
· There is no single perfect treatment for molluscum contagiosum, since we are unable to kill the virus.
· Individual lesions can be destroyed by a blistering agent, by liquid nitrogen, or by surgical removal.
· Sometimes new lesions will form while existing ones are being destroyed. New growths should be treated when they become large enough to be seen.
· Molluscum lesions may become red and sore when the body tries to reject the virus. Sometimes a rash appears around the growths. These symptoms are harmless and can be safely ignored.