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Advice on Treating Molluscum Contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum is a viral skin infection that causes bumps or papules to appear on the skin. It is a relatively common infection that mainly affects children, although anyone can get it. The bumps or papules that appear as a result of molluscum contagiosum are most commonly on the face, arms, hands, neck and armpit, but they can appear anywhere except the palms and soles. The infection is spread by person-to-person contact, including sexual contact or by sharing personal items such as a towel.

  1. Removing Papules

    • One effective treatment option for people with molluscum contagiosum is to have a doctor or health professional remove the papules caused by the infection. Several methods are available, including scraping, freezing and laser therapy. For the most part, these are simple medical procedures, similar to having a wart of other skin lesion removed. Most doctors will give patients a topical anesthetic to use before the procedure begins to help eliminate the mild pain or discomfort associated with the procedure.

    Medications

    • Medications that are commonly used to help remove warts have proven effective in people with molluscum contagiosum. These medications are typically topical solutions that are placed directly on the papule to make it disappear. Most patients generally do not experience side effects as a result of the medications, but in some cases people may develop blisters that can cause some mild skin discoloration.

    No Treatment

    • Because molluscum contagiosum will clear on its without treatment, healthy people may not need any medical intervention as a result of the infection. However, when no treatment method is used, it can take between six months and a year for the infection to clear. With some children, it may take longer because their immune systems have not fully developed. Although the condition does not need to be treated, most doctors do recommend it because the infection is so easily spread.

    Immunosuppressed Patients

    • People with compromised immune systems who develop molluscum contagiosum will generally need a more aggressive treatment plan, including prompt removal of papules. In these patients, the condition may become more serious than it would in a healthy individual. The infection can also last longer in people with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV or AIDS.

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