Molluscum Contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum is a viral skin infection causing dome-like bumps scattered across your skin. Dermatology specialists Spencer Hamner, PA-C, Christine D. Brown, MD, and their team at Integrated Dermatology of Montrose in Montrose, Colorado, provide treatments for molluscum when the immune system can’t alleviate the infection on its own. Call Integrated Dermatology of Montrose or schedule a visit online to find out more about molluscum treatments today.

What is molluscum?

Molluscum, or molluscum contagiosum, is an infectious skin condition. As its full name suggests, the condition is contagious. It spreads through direct skin contact but can be deceptive because the symptoms can take between two and seven weeks to show up. You can also catch it by touching a contaminated personal object, like a towel or article of clothing. 

The viral infection causes painless bumps to appear on your skin. You don’t necessarily need treatment, but you might opt for treatment if the virus has a stronger impact on you due to a weak immune system. 

The team at Integrated Dermatology of Montrose diagnoses molluscum by examining the bumps and possibly performing a biopsy.

What are the symptoms of molluscum?

The bumps that come from molluscum can have many different features. They tend to appear in clusters of up to 20, but you might see isolated bumps too. 

If you suspect that you or your child has molluscum, you should look for bumps that:

• Are white, pink, or flesh-toned
• Are smooth and shiny
• Have a dent in the middle
• Are dome-shaped

These bumps can appear almost anywhere but do not usually show up on your palms or the soles of your feet. While most cases of molluscum fade away without treatment, a few can lead to complications like impetigo (a more severe skin infection), conjunctivitis (pink eye), or scarring. 

How is molluscum treated?

Molluscum rarely needs treatment as a healthy immune system can rid you of the infection, causing the bumps to go away on their own. However, the team at Integrated Dermatology of Montrose can provide treatment when molluscum is severe, causes large lesions, or if you have a weak immune system. 

Several medical procedures can treat your bumps, including:

• Cryotherapy (freezing with liquid nitrogen)
• Topical therapy with salicylic acid or tretinoin
• Laser therapy
• Curettage with a sharp instrument

 Additionally, there are prescription medications that reduce the bumps or assist your immune system in fighting the virus.  

Call Integrated Dermatology of Montrose or schedule a skin evaluation online to learn more about molluscum and available treatments today.