Facts on Molluscum Contagiosum
Molluscum Contagiosum is a contagious viral skin infection that is common in everyone from young children to teenagers and adults. It is especially prevalent in warmer climates and in situations where several people share a close space such as a college dorm room, locker room or swimming pool.
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Symptoms and Appearance
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Molluscum Contagiosum appears on the skin as small pink or flesh-tone bumps. Often these growths will have a tiny indentation and/or a white core. They may have a slightly shiny sheen or a matte appearance. Most of the time they do not show up as a single bump but as a clusterlike series of bumps, often on a part of the body that is commonly touched, such as the arm, neck or face.
Methods of Transmission
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There are two ways that Molluscum Contagiosum is spread from one person to another. The first is by everyday skin-to-skin contact as well as direct contact with infected items such as hairbrushes, towels, toys and bedding. For that reason it is a good idea not to share these items, especially in areas where Molluscum Contagiosum can sometimes be found, such as locker rooms, dorm rooms, the gym and swimming pools. The second method of transmission is via sexual contact with someone who has an active Molluscum Contagiosum infection.
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How a Diagnosis is Made
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In many cases, Molluscum Contagiosum eventually goes away on its own. However, it is advisable to seek counsel from a medical professional who can help to properly diagnose and treat the existing papules, which can help to prevent the spread of the virus to other segments of the body. Being treated for this skin condition also reduces the odds of inadvertently passing the disease on to others. A dermatologist or your primary care doctor will visually examine the skin bumps and might also take some skin scrapes to examine under a microscope in order to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment Options for Children
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Some doctors opt not to treat very young children with Molluscum Contagiosum. Instead, they wait for the virus to go away on its own. Other doctors may opt to treat the child with topical retinoids and antiviral creams, the usual treatments for older patients.
Treatment Options for Teenagers and Adults
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In teenagers and adults, the bumps can also be treated in a fashion similar to wart removal, which entails having them removed with liquid nitrogen or laser therapy. Though the latter can be somewhat uncomfortable, the results are quite effective. These treatments are performed over the course of several weeks in order to help to eradicate any new bumps that may appear.
Possible Complications
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Molluscum Contagiosum is considered a frustrating but largely harmless condition. However, in some instances, it can lead to secondary problems such as dermatitis and, in very rare circumstances, tiny, pitted scars. Should these issues arise, it is best to seek counsel from a dermatologist who can provide treatment options.
Prevention
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While there is no way to totally prevent Molluscum Contagiosum, it is helpful to avoid skin-to-skin contact as well as sexual contact with someone you know to be infected. Refrain from sharing personal objects, clothing, toys, beauty products and bedding with others, especially in situations where Molluscum Contagiosum can commonly be spread, such as dorms, locker rooms, swimming pools and gyms.
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