Molluscum Contagiosum Treatment

Molluscum contagiosum is a common condition where small wart looking bumps (mollusca) appear on the skin. It is caused by a pox virus that affects both children and adults.

 

How do I get it?

This virus can be passed on by skin-to-skin contact.

You can be infected by touching things that have been contaminated by the virus, for example, sharing of towels with someone who has molluscum contagiosum.

In adults, it can be passed on during sex when there is close skin-to-skin contact. Interestingly, about 2 in 10 men and 1 in 10 women who have mollusca also have a sexually transmitted disease. If mollusca appear around the lower abdomen, genital or anal area, you should consider getting checked for STDs.

People with impaired immune system are more likely to get molluscum contangiosum, for example AIDS, people who are having steroid treatment or chemotherapy.

 

Is molluscum contagiosum serious?

They are usually not serious or harmful.

Typically, each molluscum lasts about 6-12 weeks, after which it becomes crusted and dropped off by itself. However, new ones tend to appear as old ones are going as the virus is spreading. It takes about 12-18 months before the last of the mollusca goes completely. Sometimes it can take up to 5 years.

Sometimes, the skin next to a molluscum can become infected. This is when it can become harmful. You will require antibiotics treatment if this happens.

For most people, the main concern is that they look unsightly. But the good news is, mollusca can be easily removed!

 

How do I get them removed?

Mollusca can be easily removed by laser treatment*. It can be done on the same day visit, and the results are immediate with no downtime. Local anaesthesia injection or topical numbing cream is given before the procedure, therefore pain is minimal.

Sometimes, mollusca are frozen with liquid nitrogen. However, it takes time for them to fall off.

Creams or lotions can also be used for treatment of mollusca. Examples are bezoyl peroxide and hydrogen peroxide. Creams and lotions are usually not very effective*.

 

Laser treatment is by far the most effective and quickest way to get rid of mollusca.

 

Is laser treatment safe?

It is very safe.

The removal sites may be slightly red and inflammed right after the procedure but they disappear quickly.*

 Sometimes, the wound may get infected but this is extremely rare.

 

Our clinics offer laser treatment for molluscum contagiosum. If you suffer from molluscum contangiosum, do not hesitate to call us or visit us at our clinics to get a proper assessment and treatment. You may require some tests to investigate for any underlying health problems, STDs or HIV if necessary.

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Related articles:

Skin Tag Removal

Genital Warts

Laser Treatment for Pearly Penile Papules

Keloids

Fungal Skin Infections

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*Note:  The outcomes and results of this medical procedure may vary from person to person. Outcomes and results may not be guaranteed.