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.
What are possible complications of molluscum contagiosum?
Complications are
infrequent since molluscum is usually a self-limited skin condition. Rarely, the
bumps may enlarge, causing an abscess (furuncle or carbuncle) or painful cysts
requiring minor surgical drainage. Eczema or skin irritation around the molluscum areas, particularly in people with a history of eczema or atopic
dermatitis, is common. Deeper or more extensive skin infections called
cellulitis can be a rare complication.
Another potential complication includes temporary skin discoloration called
post-inflammatory hypopigmentation (lighter than the regular skin color in the
affected area) or hyperpigmentation (darker then the regular skin color in the
affected). This altered skin color may occur after the inflamed red bumps have
improved or after certain treatments. Permanent scarring is uncommon but may
occur from picking, overly aggressive treatments, scrubbing, or other deep
inflammation.
What is the prognosis with molluscum contagiosum?
The prognosis is very good.
Overall, molluscum contagiosum tends to be an easily treated and curable skin
disease. Molluscum contagiosum may clear on its own without treatment over a few
months to five years.
How do I prevent molluscum contagiosum?
Prevention efforts include
practicing good skin hygiene,
avoiding skin contact with infected individuals,
avoiding unsanitary hot tubs and public pools, and
not sharing razors, towels, or
clothing with others.
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.
Skin RSS
Healthy Living Tips
This site complies with the