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.
How do I treat the accompanying rash with molluscum contagiosum?
Treatment of
molluscum-associated eczema is directed toward the underlying dry skin. General
measures to prevent excessive skin dryness and breakdown (such as mild soapless
cleansers) are recommended. Lubrication with moisturizer lotions (such as
Cetaphil or Lubriderm) is helpful for many people. Eczema that is more resistant
may require the addition of an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream (such as
Cortaid or a prescription medium potency topical steroid cream such as triamcinolone once or twice a day) for inflamed or itchy areas. Topical steroids
should not be applied directly to the molluscum bumps as they may worsen
molluscum contagiosum.
How do I treat the persistent skin discoloration after molluscum contagiosum?
After the molluscum bumps have resolved, persistent skin discoloration called
hyperpigmentation may be left alone and allowed to resolve over time.
Alternatively, residual hyperpigmentation may be treated with prescription
fading creams (such as hydroquinone 4%, kojic acid, or azelaic acid 15%-20%).
Over-the-counter fading creams with 2% hydroquinone are available (such as Porcelana). Specially designed prescription creams for particularly resistant
skin discoloration using higher concentrations of hydroquinone 6%, 8%, or 10%
with a retinoid and a topical steroid may also be formulated by compounding
pharmacists. Mild chemical peels and microdermabrasion may also help improve
discoloration.
Why do I keep getting more molluscum bumps where I shave?
The repeat tiny
cuts caused by shaving with a razor can create more potential breeding areas for
the poxvirus. This may lead to further spreading of molluscum contagiosum.
Treatment goals include avoiding shaving the affected molluscum area and trial
of other hair-removal methods like laser hair removal, electric razors, or cream
depilatories (such as Neet or Nair).
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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