What is Molluscum Contagiosum?
Molluscum contagiosum is a common, benign viral infection of the skin caused by a poxvirus. It results in small, raised, pearl-like bumps or nodules on the skin. It is most common in children, but it can affect adults as well, particularly as a sexually transmitted infection.
The virus is highly contagious and spreads through direct person-to-person contact, through contaminated objects (like towels or toys), or through sexual contact in adults.
Symptoms
The main symptom is the appearance of small, firm bumps on the skin. These bumps:
- Are usually painless, but can be itchy.
- Are small (2 to 5 millimeters in diameter).
- Are flesh-colored, white, or pink.
- Have a characteristic small pit or dimple in the center.
- Can appear anywhere on the body. In adults, they are often found on the genitals, lower abdomen, inner thighs, and buttocks when sexually transmitted.
Treatment for Molluscum in Nepal
In some cases, the bumps will clear on their own without treatment over several months or years. However, treatment is often recommended for adults to prevent sexual transmission and for cosmetic reasons.
At STD Nepal, our specialists can effectively remove the lesions using methods like:
- Cryotherapy: Freezing the bumps with liquid nitrogen.
- Curettage: Scraping off the bumps with a small tool.
- Topical Treatments: Applying creams containing acids or other chemicals to dissolve the bumps over time.
It's important not to scratch or pick at the bumps, as this can spread the virus to other parts of your skin and to other people.