What is Molluscum Contagiosum?
Molluscum contagiosum is a fairly common viral infection along the skin’s surface, characterized by round, firm, painless bumps ranging in size from a tiny dot to a pencil eraser. The condition can spread quite easily – if the bumps are scratched or injured, the infection can spread to surrounding skin. Molluscum contagiosum can also spread through person-to-person via skin contact and contact with infected objects. This condition is most common in young children; however, it can affect adults as well. While the condition is most common on the body, in the event it occurs around or on the genitals, it is considered a sexually transmitted disease.

Symptoms
Common symptoms of Molluscum contagiosum include bumps along the skin’s surface that appear in a number of different ways. The appearance of bumps that do not resolve, and are firm Itch (although most times it is not itchy)

Causes
The infection is caused by a virus that can be spread in a number of ways, including:

• Skin-to-skin contact.
• Contact with contaminated objects.
• Sexual contact with an affected partner.
• Scratching or rubbing the bumps, which spreads the virus to nearby skin.

Those with weakened immune systems and other conditions, are highly susceptible to this type of viral infection.

Diagnosis & Treatment
Diagnosis is generally made through visual examination, or through taking skin samples. Often times, molluscum can heal on its own, after about 6 to 12 months. Removing them manually is sometimes the only treatment, and can also lead to less scarring. In addition, the use of certain topical creams and antiviral medications may help as well.

For more information on Molluscum, or to schedule a consultation, contact Pura Dermatology today.