Molluscum Contagiosum is caused by a pox virus. It is extremely contagious. It can be spread by direct contact with skin lesions or infected objects. It can be sexually transmitted. In young children, even with normal immunity, molluscum can be generalized; ranging from a few lesions to several hundred. Atopic dermatitis patients tend to have more lesions and the course of infection can be more prolonged. Molluscum can often persist and continue to spread for 6-9 months in a person with normal immunity before eventually going away. In immunocompromised individuals molluscum can be resistant to even aggressive treatments.
Molluscum contagiosum has a very characteristic appearance. It is a firm pink or light -colored bump with a dimple in the center. It resembles a blister but it isn’t a blister. The molluscum bumps tend to group together and will spread if 2 skin areas are in contact; such has the armpit and the side of the arm, or in the groin area where the skin folds touch. In adults with genital molluscum contagiosum, their sexual partners should also be checked. Screening for other coexisting sexually transmitted diseases are recommended.
Prescription strength topical acids, freezing, and curettage are some of the ways molluscum can be removed.