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Molluscum Contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum is a viral infection most commonly in children that presents as tiny well-outlined white-yellow bumps, often with a red rim and central dimple. Molluscum is transmitted via direct contact with infected individuals and through contact with contaminated objects. These lesions most commonly occur on the face, trunk, and arms. They are painless and asymptomatic in most cases, but may become quite irritated if found in areas of friction or if chronically rubbed.

Treatment of these lesions requires a physician and is primarily performed in the office setting. The treatment is similar to that described for warts but primarily includes liquid nitrogen therapy, topical Aldara®, topical salicylic acid, podophyllin toxin, tretinoin, and topical trichloroacetic acid. Other treatments include curettage and electrodessication. Care must be taken to avoid shaving in the areas affected since shaving may lead to spreading of the molluscum lesions.

You may be given one of the following treatments:

Aldara: apply to the affected spots at night; may start 3x/week, then do nightly. If the irritation is too much, take 2-3 days off.

Salicylic acid 17 or 40%: apply to the affected spots every day and place a bandaid over each treated spot. May use with Aldara.

Podophyllin toxin: applied by the physician. Wash off with warm, soapy water 4 hours after application.

Tretinoin/Retin-A®: apply nightly to twice daily to the affected spots

Liquid Nitrogen Cryotherapy: may blister at each treated spot. Just leave the spots alone and treat like normal skin. If a blister appears, you can cleanly pop it, but you can also leave it alone. Do not pick off any crusts as scarring may result.

Don Mehrabi MD, FAAD
Dermatologist, Certified by the American Board of Dermatology
Los Angeles, California

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