Molluscum contagiosum

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Molluscum contagiosum - close-up

Molluscum contagiosum - close-up of the chest

Molluscum on the chest

Molluscum, microscopic appearance

Molluscum contagiosum on the face

Molluscum contagiosum

Prevention:

Avoid direct contact with the skin lesions.

Total abstinence is the only fullproof way of avoiding molluscum virus and other STDs. You can also avoid STDs by having a monogamous sexual relationship with a partner known to be disease-free.

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Male and female condoms cannot fully protect you, as the virus can be on areas not covered by the condom. Nonetheless, condoms should still be used every time the disease status of a sexual partner is unknown. They reduce your chances of getting or spreading STDs. Use them with spermicide with nonoxynol 9.

See safer sex practices.

References:

Cohen J, Powderly WG. Infectious Diseases. 2nd ed. New York, NY: Elsevier; 2004:2053-2056.

Kauffman CL. Molluscum contagiosum. eMedicine.January 6, 2005.Available online at http://www.emedicine.com/derm/topic270.htm Accessed October 31, 2005.