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Molluscum Contagiosum
What are they?
Molluscum contagiosum (mo-LUS-kum kun-tay-jee-OH-sum) is a fairly common skin infection caused by a virus. It causes round, firm, painless bumps ranging in size from a pinhead to a pencil eraser. If the bumps are scratched or injured, the infection can spread to nearby skin. Molluscum contagiosum also spreads through person-to-person contact and contact with infected objects. Though most common in children, molluscum contagiosum can affect adults as well — particularly those with weakened immune systems. Adults with a healthy immune system can develop molluscum contagiosum from sexual activity with an infected partner. Left untreated, the bumps usually disappear in 6 months to 2 years.
Why do they occur?
The virus that causes molluscum contagiosum spreads easily through:
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Skin-to-skin contact
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Contact with infected objects, such as towels, kickboards and wrestling mats
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Swimming in pools or hot tubs contaminated with the virus
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Sexual contact with an affected partner
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Scratching or rubbing the bumps, which spreads the virus to nearby skin
What can I expect following treatment?
After your appointment a small scab or blister may form but this will usually drop off within a few days. This may leave new skin which is a slightly difference colour to the skin around it (hyper/hypo pigmentation) over the 6-12 months this skin will return to normal colour. (on very rare occasions the pigmentation changes may be permanent).
Please note as this is a virus lesions treated will respond very well but other lesions may appear.
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