MOLLUSCUM
Molluscum
contagiosum is a benign viral infection of the skin causing
small skin-colored bumps. With the exception of not
looking like normal skin, molluscum is not particularly
harmful or painful. Some skin cancers may look like
molluscum, so it is important to let your doctor examine
you if you find any abnormal lumps or bumps. Molluscum
is caused by a poxvirus. 2 to 7 weeks after being
exposed, one may develop the classical skin rash.
Common
Signs & Symptoms
Molluscum
causes normal skin to grow into bumps. These
are painless small bumps that often have a central divot
(umbilication). There is no pain or discharge from
these unless they are accidentally cut, and then they may
bleed a bit. Molluscum is spread by direct contact
with infected skin and can be spread to oneself and/or other
people.
How's
it Diagnosed?
Diagnosis
is made by observing the classical skin lesion (the small
bump with central divot (umbilication) as seen in these
photographs.
How's
it Treated?
Molluscum is treated by destroying the infected skin.
Destruction of the abnormal area can be done by freezing
the growths with liquid nitrogen. Other techniques
include destroying the tissue with laser surgery, using
a blistering agent (such as podophyllin - made from rain
forest beetles), or burning them off with a potent acid
(trichloracetic acid). A doctor trained in one
of these techniques should be seen to prevent damaging the
normal surrounding tissue.
How
do I avoid Getting It (Prevention)?
Abstinence or correct condom
use may prevent transmission of this viral infection
from one person to the next if the lesion is on the penis.
Molluscum is not limited to the genital area and this disease
is not necessarily sexually transmitted, so direct contact
with anybody who has it can lead to infection.
Additional
Information
Additional information on this, and other sexually transmitted
diseases, can be found by clicking
here.
