General Dermatology
Molluscum Contagiosum
Molluscum is a common viral infection that affects the skin. They are similar to warts, but are caused by a different virus. It primarily affects three groups: young children, sexually active adults, and immunocompromised individuals (such as those with HIV infection). Molluscum is most easily transmitted by direct skin-to-skin contact. Molluscum may be spread between children in swimming pools. The lesions of molluscum are usually small, flesh-colored or pink, domed-shaped growths. They may appear shiny and have a small indentation in the center. In young children the lesions are usually generalized on the face, trunk, and extremities. In adults the lesions are sexually transmitted and favor the lower abdomen, upper thighs and penile shaft in men.
Treatment
Dr. Green & Dr. Chaplik determine a treatment course based on each individual case. In young children, spontaneous resolution is certain, yet due to the frequency of molluscum spreading the doctors usually recommend treatment. Molluscum are treated in the same ways that warts are treated. They can frozen with liquid nitrogen, treated with topical acids, scraped off with a small instrument (curette), cauterized, and even treated daily with a home application of Glycolic cream or lotion, as well as a Retinol, or even a topical immune modifier.
Often if there are many growths, multiple treatment sessions may be needed every three to six weeks until the growths are gone.