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What is Molluscum contagiosum?
Molluscum contagiosum is a virus that causes a skin infection appearing as small white or pink bumps. It is generally a benign infection.
Is it contagious?
Yes, it can be spread by human to human contact in daycare centers or it can be a sexually transmitted disease. If a person has the virus, they can also spread the infection to other parts of their own body by touching a lesion and then touching another part of their body, or by using contaminated towels.
How do I know if I have it?
Diagnosis is made by a dermatologist, who can usually recognize this condition without a scraping or biopsy.
What is the treatment?
If you have lesions, you are able to spread the infection to others. Treatment is recommended to avoid infecting other parts of your skin or others.
Treatments include liquid nitrogen cryotherapy, curretage (scraping), or application of a chemical called Cantharone by the physician.
Follow up is recommended at 1-2 week intervals until the infection is resolved.
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