Molluscum Contagiosum
Molluscum contagiosum is a contagious infection
by a virus that causes tiny, wart-like bumps. Because of its similarity
to wart, this condition is also called water wart
- however, it is actually not a wart.
Symptoms of Molluscum Contagiosum
The symptoms of molluscum contagiosum are:
- Flesh-colored bumps with smooth and shiny surface
- Depression or dimple in the center of the bump
- Pea sized or smaller bumps
Causes of Molluscum Contagiosum
This condition is caused by a molluscum contagiosum poxvirus.
Molluscum contagiosum poxvirus.
Who Gets It?
Usually molluscum contagiosum affects young children and is transmitted
through direct contact or shared towels and clothings.
In adults, the bumps are usually located on the genital area
and inner thighs, and is usually sexually transmitted.
Treatment of Molluscum Contagiosum?
Molluscum contagiosum usually resolves itself within a few months.
However, the following treatment may shorten the duration of the
infection:
- Over-the-counter wart preparations
- Cryosurgery, where liquid nitrogen is used to freeze off the
growth
- Scraping with an medical instrument called a curette
It should be noted that cryosurgery and curette scraping are
not painless procedures. They may also leave scars and/or permanent
white (depigmented) marks.
