What is molluscum contagiosum?
Molluscum Contagiosum is a viral infection of the skin typically affecting young adults and children. The condition spontaneously resolves in most patients but may last for a few months.
What causes molluscum contagiosum?
A virus which is spread by direct contact, clothing, towels or sexually
What are the symptoms?
- Multiple grouped dome shaped lumps (Only a few millimetres in size)
- A cheesy material is inside which is released if compressed
- Itchy red skin in and around affected areas
- Typically affects the face, neck and trunk
How can molluscum contagiosum be treated?
- Topical creams (Imiquimod)
- Curettage (shaving) under local anaesthetic
- Cryotherapy (freeze)
- If children do not tolerate above treatments parents may gently express the ripe lesions after bathing, wash and clean area and apply antiseptic.
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