Molluscum Symptoms
Molluscum contagiosum is caused by a member of the pox virus. According to the Mayo Clinic, molluscum symptoms are very common in children, but they can also be noted in adults as well.
-
How You Get It
-
Molluscum contagiosum is spread through direct skin-to-skin contact with someone with molluca growths, but it can also be transmitted when you handle an infected object and then touch your own skin. When adults get molluscum contagiousum, it's generally through sexual contact with an infected partner.
Molluscum Symptoms
-
Molluscum contagiosum presents as small dome-shaped growths around 2 to 5 mm in diameter, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Growths may appear independently, grow in a line, or grow in clusters. Mollusca may be pink or opalescent in color and may have a waxy appearance. Growths have a tell-tale indentation, or "dimple," in the center.
-
They Spread
-
A hallmark characteristic of molluscum contagiosum is that it spreads from one part of the body to another whenever you rub or scratch at the growths and then touch another part of your skin. Growths can appear on any part of the body, although children usually get them on the face, trunk, arms and legs. Growths are usually not painful, although they can be itchy and cause discomfort. They may also affect cosmetic appearance if they spread to the face.
Resolution
-
Molluscum contagiosum typically resolves in between six to 12 months in healthy adults, although it may take longer to go away in children. Once all growths are gone, the pox virus is no longer present in the skin and molluscum cannot be spread. However, molluscum symptoms in those with compromised immune systems (such as with HIV/AIDS) are usually progressive.
Treatment
-
There are many in-office treatments that can remove individual mollusca, including cryotherapy, curettage and laser treatment. A doctor may apply a topical treatment to the growths that dissolves them or prescribe a topical cream that patients can use at home. The Mayo Clinic recommends that all adults with molluscum contagiosum receive treatment. However, because young children may experience pain during medical procedures to remove mollusca, treatment may not be encouraged unless growths are numerous.
-
