Molluscum Contagiosum
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What is it?
- A viral skin infection that causes raised pearl-like papules or nodules on the skin.
How Do I Get It?
- Molluscum Contagiosum is transmitted from skin to skin contact.
- Not specifically sexually transmittable.
Symptoms
- Skin lesions about 2-5 millimeter diameter, can be found anywhere on the skin, however on adults usually near the genitals, abdomen, or inner thigh.
- Flesh colored, dome shape with a dimple in the center.
- They can be painless.
- Found singly or in clusters but usually found in clusters.
Potential Complications
- Persistence, spread, or recurrence of lesions and secondary bacterial skin infections are some potential complications of Molluscum Contagiosum.
- Removal of Molluscum may result in scarring.
Testing
- Testing for Molluscum usually consisits of a visual exam by your doctor.
Treatment
- Molluscum can spontaneously disappear on it’s own over a period ranging from a few months to years.
- Individual lesions may be removed surgically, by scraping, de-coring, freezing, or through needle electrosurgery.
Prevention
- Avoid direct contact with Molluscum.
- Male and female condoms cannot fully protect you, as the virus can be on areas not covered by the condom.
- Nonetheless, condoms should still be used every time the disease status of a sexual partner is unknown.
