Molluscum Contagiosum

[Kozmo]

I am going through a bout of adult Molluscum Contagiosum and have been for about 12 months.  99% of the time the small papular lesions are not uncomfortable and usually come and go without notice.  HOWEVER, I’ve developed one on my lower abdomen (underwear line) that my clothing has apparently rubbed and as a result has become very itchy, irritated, and swollen (lesion is now aprox the size of a pencil eraser and appears to be swollen with blood).  Additionally, the surrounding “dime area” skin appears to be red and irritated/itchy as well.
I’d vowed to leave alone but when the lesion appears to have a slight leak I went ahead and lanced to relieve the fluid.  
I’m now dealing with a fairly open, irritated molluscum contagiosum bump in the middle of my abdomen that I don’t know how to treat.
Any advice would be appreciated.

[Rowena Santos, MD]

Hi,

Molluscum contagiosum is caused by a virus and usually causes a mild skin disease. The virus affects only the outer  layer of skin and does not circulate throughout the body in healthy people. Once someone has the virus, the bumps can spread to other parts of their body by touching or scratching a bump and then touching another part of the body. Molluscum can be spread from one person to another by sexual contact.

It is recommended that you refrain from removing the molluscum growths or to get rid of the fluid inside them yourself. You might spread the bumps to another part of your body or to another person. and  might cause a more serious bacterial infection. Are there other signs or symptoms present?  It is important to keep it clean and dry and cover it with clothing or a bandage during daytime.And when there is no risk of others coming into contact with your skin, such as at night when you sleep, uncover the bumps to help keep your skin healthy. If it persists or signs of infection such as fever, swelling or redness occur, it is best that you have this evaluated for proper management.

Take care and keep us posted.

[Kozmo]

"and might cause a more serious bacterial infection. Are there other signs or symptoms present?"

Yep, the "serious bacterial infection" is what I'm desperately trying to avoid.
No other symptoms present, just a red, irritated area surrounding the lesion.  Once lanced, I cleaned thoroughly with rubbing alcohol.  Surprising it didn’t sting.  Typically I treat minor cuts and abrasions with rubbing alcohol and Neosporin quite successfully.  I just didn’t know if that was an appropriate treatment for a lanced Molluscum Contagiosum lesions (not every day you run across one ;)

Thank you for your help.