How to Treat Molluscum

Molluscum contagiosum is a skin condition characterized by fleshy, dome-shaped growths on the skin, most commonly in skin folds such as under the arms or in the groin region. Molluscum is caused by a virus that resembles the chickenpox virus, so it's highly contagious. In adults, it can be transmitted through sexual contact or through any contact with infected skin surfaces or by sharing items such as towels with an infected person. Although molluscum doesn't cause serious health problems, most people want to treat it because of the risk of infecting others.

Instructions

• 1

  See your doctor to confirm the diagnosis. There are other skin conditions, including genital warts, that can resemble molluscum. The diagnosis can be made clinically, or your doctor may take a skin scraping of the lesions and look at it under the microscope to verify the diagnosis.

• 2

  Discuss with your doctor whether or not to treat molluscum. Molluscum contagiosum lesions usually disappear within six months, although they can take up to several years to resolve. Some doctors recommend treatment because of the risk of infecting others.

• 3

  Talk about treatment options for molluscum with your doctor. Common in-office treatments include freezing the lesions with liquid nitrogen, scraping them with a sharp instrument, or laser therapy. There are also special chemicals and topical creams that can treat molluscum, but they aren't always effective. Discuss the pros and cons of each therapy.

• 4

  If you choose not to treat molluscum, cover the skin lesions with a gauze bandage. Change the bandage daily or immediately if it gets wet. Don't allow anyone else to touch the bandages after they've touched your skin.

• 5

  Watch for signs of secondary infection including redness, pain or discharge in the area where the skin lesions are. If these develop, call your doctor immediately.

• 6

  Follow up with your doctor based on his recommendations.