Molluscum

What is Molluscum?

The condition spreads through contact with an infected person or a contaminated object. Though painless, the small bumps might itch. Scratched bumps can spread the infection to the surrounding skin. The bumps usually disappear on their own. In rare cases, the bumps can be removed using medications or other procedures.

What causes it?

This is a very common ailment for children, caused by a virus called molluscum contagiosum which is a skin infection. People catch molluscum when the virus comes into contact with their skin—through direct skin-to-skin contact with someone infected, by touching contaminated surfaces, or by sharing personal items like clothing or towels.

Anyone can get molluscum, some people are more likely to catch it. Children who are 1 to 10 years old are more prone to get this skin infection because they have the most skin-to-skin contact. They seem especially vulnerable if they have eczema. The extremely dry, cracked skin of eczema may make it easier for the virus to infect the skin. Athletes who share equipment or have skin-to-skin contact. People with compromised immune systems can be more vulnerable to catching this, as well as those who are sexually active.

Common treatments

Several treatment options are available, it’s important to know that there is no one best treatment for molluscum. One of our highly trained dermatologists will choose a treatment based on many considerations, such as overall health, the number of molluscum bumps, and where the bumps appear. No matter which treatment is used, it takes time.

A common treatment is cantharidin (beetle juice). Made from blister beetles, it has been used to treat warts and molluscum since the 1950s. Your dermatologist will apply it to each bump in such a way that a water blister forms. You should see a blister on each treated bump within 24 to 48 hours. As the skin heals, the bumps clear. This usually occurs within 2 weeks. To be effective, most patients need more than one treatment. This is a safe and effective treatment and is topical.

Other treatments are cryotherapy, an extremely cold substance to each molluscum bump. You will need to return for treatment until the bumps clear. Another is curettage which can be used, this is a simple and effective treatment that causes little or no bleeding. Pulsed dye laser (PDL) may be a treatment option for someone who has many molluscum bumps. It’s also recommended for patients with difficult-to-treat molluscum, such as people with AIDS.

Trust your doctor to advise you on the most effective way to treat your skin, the health of your skin is very important to us.

Our approach & expertise

We understand how molluscum can be a physical nuisance, itchy, and even affect your self-esteem. As your experienced community skin experts, we have the knowledge to help you manage this condition. Healthy skin is our passion. Contact us for an appointment today if you suspect you have molluscum. Your journey to healthier, radiant skin starts here—visit Design Dermatology & Aesthetics.

Schedule your appointment today.