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

Treatment:

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In people with normal immune systems, the disorder usually disappears spontaneously over a period of months to years. The lesions may be extensive in people with AIDS or other conditions that affect the immune system. Individual lesions may be removed surgically, by scraping, de-coring, freezing, or through needle electrosurgery. Surgical removal of individual lesions may result in scarring. Medications, such as those used to remove warts, may be helpful in removal of lesions.

Expectations (prognosis):

Individual lesions of molluscum contagiosum usually disappear within about 2 - 3 months. Complete disappearance of all lesions generally occurs within about 6 - 18 months. The disorder may persist in immunosuppressed people.

Complications:

Persistence, spread, or recurrence of lesions
Secondary bacterial skin infections

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have symptoms suggestive of molluscum contagiosum. Also call for an appointment with your health care provider if lesions persist or spread, or if new symptoms appear.

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.