Dr. Alai is an actively practicing medical and surgical dermatologist in south Orange County, California. She has been a professor of dermatology and family medicine at the University of California, Irvine since 2000. She is U.S. board-certified in dermatology, a 10-year-certified fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, and Fellow of the American Society of Mohs Surgery.
Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.
Although molluscum contagiosum is
primarily a skin condition of healthy children, it is seen in adults, though
less frequently. Children are most prone to develop molluscum contagiosum
because of immature immune systems. Patients with compromised immune systems,
such as those with HIV infection (AIDS virus), hepatitis, chronic illnesses,
cancer, systemic chemotherapy, immunosuppressive drugs like prednisone, and
those on biologic immune-system-modifying drugs like infliximab (Remicade) or etanercept (Enbrel) may be
more prone to developing molluscum contagiosum. Molluscum is also more common in
wrestlers, people involved in contact sports, children in day care, and
sexually active young adults.
What are molluscum contagiosum symptoms and signs?
Molluscum contagiosum looks like
very small (often the size of a typical pimple or pinhead), smooth flesh-colored
bumps scattered on an arm or leg. A characteristic feature is a shiny, smooth,
skin-colored bump with a central dell or pinhead-sized opening.
Molluscum bumps are often localized on one body area like the face or trunk,
but they may also spread to multiple body areas. Often, anywhere from one to 30 very small,
slightly smooth bumps are scattered on the skin. Some of the bumps may be
slightly red or have an accompanying dry, itchy light-red rash indicating
inflammation.
Sometimes, squeezing the molluscum bump (like a pimple) causes a small white
core to pop out. The central core is often white or tan and may look just like
a typical whitehead. People may think they just have acne and complain of new
onset small red bumps and "acne" on their skin.
The word "rash" means an outbreak of red bumps on the body. The way people use this term, "a rash" can refer to many different skin conditions. The most common of these are scaly patches of skin and red, itchy bumps or patches all over the place.
Acne is a localized skin inflammation as a result of overactivity of oil glands at the
base of hair follicles. This inflammation, depending on its location, can take the form
of a superficial pustule (contains pus), a pimple, a deeper cyst, congested pores, whiteheads, or blackheads. Treatments vary depending on the severity of the acne.
Cysts are saclike structures that can occur throughout the body and usually contain a semisolid, liquid, or gaseous substance. Infections, tumors, genetic conditions, chronic inflammatory conditions, and wear and tear can cause cysts. Though some cysts may be palpable, others may not produce any symptoms. Treatment depends upon the location and cause of the cyst.
Itching can be a common problem. Itches can be localized or generalized. There are many causes of itching to include: infection (jock itch, vaginal itch), disease (hyperthyroidism, liver or kidney), reactions to drugs, and skin infestations (pubic or body lice). Treatment for itching varies depending on the cause of the itch.
Eczema is a general term for many types dermatitis (skin inflammation). Atopic dermatitis is the most common of the many types of eczema. Other types of eczema include: contact eczema, allergic contact eczema, seborrheic eczema, nummular eczema, stasis dermatitis, and. dyshidrotic eczema.
Folliculitis is a skin condition that causes small red bumps to form around the hair follicles. Skin bacteria such as Staphylococcus and Pseudomonas my infect the follicles. Treatment involves over-the-counter bacterial washes, topical antibiotics, and/or topical steroids.
Scar formation is a natural part of the healing process after injury. The depth and size of the wound incision and the location of the injury impact the scar's characteristics, but your age, heredity and even sex or ethnicity will affect how your skin reacts.
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