Molluscum contagiosum consists of small, harmless growths caused by a skin virus. They resemble pimples at first. Later, when they enlarge, they have a waxy, pinkish look and a small central pit.
The condition can be spread from person to person by direct skin contact. It is harmless and never turns cancerous and typically occurs in children and adults.
When they affect children, it is usually in the upper half of the body, i.e. the chest, neck, arms, hands and armpits. In adults, it appears on the lower abdomen and genitals.
What causes molluscum contagiosum?
MC is an infection caused by a pox virus, which causes various skin problems and conditions. Since it is contagious, you can get it from direct contact as well as clothing or towels that you share with people who are infected with molluscum contagiosum.
It typically resolves within a matter of months, but could last a bit longer.
What are the treatment options?
There is no single perfect treatment for molluscum contagiosum, since we are unable to kill the virus, but natural products such as ZymaDerm cream can be quite effective.
Individual lesions can be destroyed by a blistering agent, by liquid nitrogen, or by surgical removal.
Sometimes new lesions will form while existing ones are being destroyed. New growths should be treated when they become large enough to be seen.
Molluscum lesions may become red and sore when the body tries to reject the virus. Sometimes a rash appears around the growths. These symptoms are harmless and can be safely ignored.
If you notice any new growths on your skin, make sure you schedule an appointment with your dermatologist as soon as possible. Although in most cases your skin condition will be nothing to worry about, it’s always a good idea to have it looked at by a medical professional to be sure.