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November 8, 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 an itch?

Itch is an irritation in the skin that elicits an urge to scratch. Itches are a common problem and can be localized (limited to one area of the body) or generalized (occurring all over the body or in several different areas). The medical term for itching is pruritus. Generalized itch, for obvious reasons, is more difficult to treat than localized itch. Itches can also occur with or without skin lesions (for example, bumps or blisters). An itch that is accompanied by visible skin abnormality usually should be evaluated by a physician and, in some cases, by a dermatologist since the problem is likely to be a condition that requires specialized medical treatment (for example, eczema, scabies, etc.).

What causes itching?

Itching can be caused by many conditions. Probably the most common cause of itch is psychological, that is, due to stress, anxiety, etc. Stress also can aggravate itch from other causes. Dry skin is ano...

Read the Itching article »










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