Molluscum Contagiosum is a common skin condition that occurs due to a virus. The viral infection is spread from person-to-person through contact. Often people get molluscum contagiosum from sharing towels, clothing, or skin-to-skin contact. This is characterized by pink bumps on the skin. Most people get between 10-20 bumps, but this number can be higher if you have a weakened immune system. If you start to notice these flesh-colored bumps appear, then come into Essential Dermatology to get a diagnosis and treatment plan started.
What Causes Molluscum Contagiosum?
It is a contagious infection that is passed from contact. This skin disease is popular in children and people who live in tropical climates. The virus thrives in warm, humid places. People get this from touching something that is infected with the virus or having skin-to-skin contact with others who have the virus. People can even spread the infection on their own bodies through scratching and picking at bumps then touching an area that is not infected yet. The virus is not quick-acting, often it takes about seven weeks after being exposed for the symptoms to appear. In some cases, it could take many months.
Symptoms of Molluscum Contagiosum
- Small, firm bumps
- Bumps that feel waxy, smooth, or pearly
- Flesh-colored or pink
- Itch
- Bumps that turn red
- Dimples in the center that is filled with a white substance
- Start to appear on other parts of the body from scratching or picking
Treatments for Molluscum Contagiosum
Often molluscum contagiosum can go away on its own but treatment allows this condition to no longer spread to other parts of the body, stop infecting other people, and prevents it from growing out of control for those with weak immune systems. Once it has been diagnosed, different treatments such as cryosurgery, curettage, laser surgery, and some topical medicines can be used to rid the skin of the infection and the bumps.
Schedule a Consultation
At a consultation with Dr. Krathen, he will diagnose your infection and work with you to find the right treatment for your specific needs. To get started, call our office at (508) 827-2615 or request a consultation by filling out our online form. To book an appointment, schedule your visit as a new patient using our online scheduler or as an existing patient using the Mass General Brigham Patient Gateway.
Meet Dr. Michael Krathen
Dr. Michael Krathen is a board-certified dermatologist with more than a decade of medical training and experience. A specialist in both medical and cosmetic dermatology, he uses expertise, collaboration, and compassion to help people of all ages discover their healthiest and most radiant skin.
Credentials You Can Trust
