Molluscum Contagiosum—Everything You Need To Know
Other forms of treatment include topical therapy which involves creams with acids and chemicals which encourage peeling off of skin to remove the bumps. In addition to the topical treatments, your doctor may advice you a few medications too. For effective molluscum contagiosum and warts treatment in NJ, head over to The Dermatology Clinic. Their skilled and experienced dermatologists will help you get rid of the skin infection effectively and provide you with guidelines to prevent it in future. Contact them now. Wondering what those flesh-colored bumps on your skin are? The bumps which can range in size from a pinhead to a pencil eraser are a type of skin infection with the namesake of the virus which causes it –Molluscum Contagiosum.
Although they are painless and benign, they can spread to surrounding skin if they are scratched and injured. They are spread by contact with surfaces or people with the virus and can last as long as 2 months to 4 years.
This article explains the symptoms, causes, who are more vulnerable to the infection and the possible treatments of it.
Symptoms Of The Infection
Common symptoms of the infection include:
Tiny bumps that are shiny and smooth in appearance appear all over the skin
Bumps that are white, pink or flesh-colored, appearing on the skin except the palms and soles of the feet
The bumps are dome-shaped and 2-4 millimeters in diameter
The bumps can often become itchy and inflamed
be removed by scratching for the time being, but appear on adjacent skin
Since it’s a virus, it spreads from person to person through contact. People who are regularly in direct contact with other people’s skin—such as playing a sport that involves touching, like wrestling or football— especially those who have the infection, can acquire the virus.
Generally, children are more vulnerable to the infection due to their underdeveloped immune systems; however, adults with a compromised immune system may also acquire the infection.
Moreover, this virus can survive on surfaces as well. Therefore, shared towels, brushes, clothes, etc. can all be causes of molluscum contagiosum.
Although anyone can get this infection, there are certain people who are more vulnerable than others, these are
Children; especially between the ages of 1-10
People who have a compromised immune system, such as those who are undergoing chemotherapy or organ transplants
People who reside in tropical regions
Those who have a topic dermatitis—a common form of eczema—that results in itchy rashes
People who regularly participate in sports that include more contact, such as football or wrestling
Treatment Of Molluscum Contagiosum
Mostly, a molluscum contagiosum wil subside on its own without any medical intervention; however, you may need treatment if:
There are large bumps on your neck and face
You already have a skin disease, such as atopic dermatitis
You are extremely worried about spreading the disease
The treatment for the skin infection involving surgery, include:
Cryotherapy—freezing the bump in order to remove it
Curettage—piercing the bump and then scraping it off
Laser therapy—using laser beams to destroy the bump
Other forms of treatment include topical therapy which involves creams with acids and chemicals which encourage peeling off of skin to remove the bumps.
In addition to the topical treatments, your doctor may advice you a few medications too.
For effective molluscum contagiosum and warts treatment in NJ, head over to The Dermatology Clinic. Their skilled and experienced dermatologists will help you get rid of the skin infection effectively and provide you with guidelines to prevent it in future. Contact them now.
