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November 22, 2009
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Molluscum Contagiosum

Medical Author: Nili N. Alai, MD, FAAD
Medical Editor: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

What is molluscum contagiosum? What causes molluscum contagiosum?

Molluscum contagiosum is a common skin disorder caused by a superficial skin infection with the poxvirus. It is not caused by bacteria, yeasts, or fungi. Diet does not seem to affect molluscum contagiosum. Molluscum contagiosum appears as multiple, scattered, small tan or pink little bumps on any part of the skin, including the neck, trunk, arms, legs, buttocks, and face. Although possible, it is extremely rare to have it all over the body in a healthy individual with a normal immune system. Molluscum contagiosum most characteristically involves just one or two body areas at a time, like the chest, back, or legs. Other common locations include the face, neck, eyelids, thighs, genitals, and buttocks. It generally spares the palms and soles.

Skin infected with molluscum contagiosum may have some dilation of the small superficial blood vessels and inflammation, thereby giving the bumps a red or flushed appearance. More males are affected than females. Most people have no other symptoms, but itching can occur. The molluscum virus does not affect internal organs or enter the bloodstream.

Molluscum contagiosum can spread from one body part to another. As the name implies, molluscum contagiosum is very contagious and easily transmitted from person to person via skin contact or sharing razors or towels, public swimming pools, shared bathtubs, or hot tubs. Molluscum contagiosum can be cosmetically displeasing, but it is otherwise medically harmless. Molluscum contagiosum may resolve over months to years spontaneously without any treatment. Molluscum contagiosum is typically treated with common wart remedies like liquid nitrogen (freezing) or burning (cautery).



Next: Who develops molluscum contagiosum? »

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Molluscum Contagiosum

What is atopic dermatitis?

Atopic dermatitis is a very common, often chronic (long-lasting) skin disease that affects a large percentage of the world's population. It is also called eczema, dermatitis, or atopy. Most commonly, it may be thought of as a type of skin allergy or sensitivity. The atopic dermatitis triad includes asthma, allergies (hay fever), and eczema. There is a known hereditary component of the disease, and it is seen more in some families. The hallmarks of the disease include skin rashes and itching.

The word "dermatitis" means inflammation of the skin. "Atopic" refers to diseases that are hereditary, tend to run in families, and often occur together. In atopic dermatitis, the skin becomes extremely itchy and inflamed, causing redness, swelling, cracking, weeping, crusting, and scaling. Dry skin is a very common complaint and an underlying cause of some of the typical rash symptoms.

Although atopic dermatitis can occu...

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