MOLLUSCUM
CONTAGIOSUM
This patient information and photograph on Molluscum
Contagiosum is provided by John L. Meisenheimer, M.D. a board certified
Dermatologist and skin care specialist based in Orlando, Florida. This
information is not intended as a substitute for the medical advice or treatment of a
dermatologist or other physician.
What is it? Molluscum contagiosum is a common
infection of the skin, it can occur at
any age, but it is more frequently seen
in young children and young adults. Typically they appear as tiny red to flesh
colored bumps on the skin. In children they occur anywhere on the skin, but in
adults Molluscum contagiosum are most frequently seen in the genital area.
What
causes it? Molluscum contagiosum is caused
by a viral infection of the skin. Although sometimes called “warts” the
Molluscum virus is unrelated to the wart virus. When the virus invades the skin
it divides rapidly in the skin cells and a bump forms. Some people have strong
immunity against the virus and are not easily infected, while others have little
immunity and are readily infected.
Is
it dangerous?
For the typical healthy person Molluscum
Contagiosum is a harmless disorder. It is not related to cancer and it does not
involve internal organs. For individuals that are immunosuppressed it can be
very psychologically debilitating.
Can
it be cured?
Yes. I have a variety of techniques I use to
treat Molluscum. The type of treatment I choose will depend on the size, number,
and location of the Molluscum and age of the infected individual. In some
patients we choose no treatment and let the lesions resolve on their own.
Will
I get more?
After infection, most people develop
immunity to the virus. Children tend to develop better immunity as they grow
older. Even though immunity can develop, re-infections can still be seen.
Will
it spread?
Molluscum can be spread from one area of the
body to another. Treatment may be needed to help prevent further spreading.
Is
it contagious?
Molluscum contagiosum is very contagious. It
is spread by
skin to skin contact. This type of contact is seen in young children
between playmates, and in adults between sexual partners.
© John L. Meisenheimer, M.D.
2004 WWW.OrlandoSkinDoc.com
