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Molluscum
Ive had molluscum over 8 years now. My son, his mother people I work with my niece tons of people have it. Pretty much everyone I come in contact with. I really don't think I gave it to all these people so I must be more common now. I also noticed that it crops up in the same place on people. ex someone I work with had it on there upper lip and a week later I get a couple on my upper lip and then today my son who is 5 gets one there why does that happen.. I feel bad because it causes scars on my kids legs. Everyone including doctors think its acne or bug bites but I know because of the white core what it is. I'm just really sick of dealing with it and need some solution for my family. Nobody is worried about it but I get it on my face and neck in my mouth, ears ,back ,arms I always have one up my nose which is real painful. Im just sick of it. When is my immune system going kick in it been 8 years and does that mean my son has to deal with it for years to come?
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi
Yes, the lesions are the molluscum bumps .We use the term lesions generally for any skin growth or markings. It is very much a general terminology.
I would not recommend peroxide or alcohol. They are abrasive and they would dry up the skin. The virus resides in the epithelium or the outermost layer of the skin. Your physician would remove the white substance and use cryotherapy or electrodessication to completely remove the 'lesions".
Yes, the lesions are the molluscum bumps .We use the term lesions generally for any skin growth or markings. It is very much a general terminology.
I would not recommend peroxide or alcohol. They are abrasive and they would dry up the skin. The virus resides in the epithelium or the outermost layer of the skin. Your physician would remove the white substance and use cryotherapy or electrodessication to completely remove the 'lesions".
When you say lesions do you mean the red bumps with the core still inside? I meant after they have broken open should i apply peroxide or alcohol. Peroxide and alcohol can cause harm to skin?
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi
I do understand your concern. However, when you have the molluscum lesions (allow me to call them lesions) still present in the body there is always the risk of autoinoculation. That is, the infection may not only be spread from other persons but you yourself, may actually infect other parts of your body .
I would not advise that you apply any chemical or medications on the lesions without consulting your physician. We may be harming normal skin. The best way to remove this is by cryotherapy or electrodessication.
I do understand your concern. However, when you have the molluscum lesions (allow me to call them lesions) still present in the body there is always the risk of autoinoculation. That is, the infection may not only be spread from other persons but you yourself, may actually infect other parts of your body .
I would not advise that you apply any chemical or medications on the lesions without consulting your physician. We may be harming normal skin. The best way to remove this is by cryotherapy or electrodessication.
Is there any chemical that can kill the virus. Lets say my son who has a bunch on his legs scratches one open. What should I clean the area with would alcohol work or peroxide? I feel like it will be hard to get rid of them because So many people I come in contact with everyday have them. Its like i picture even if my and I son got rid of them then someone else would come along and reinfect him and then I would get some more. I think that must be what has been happening. My dermatologist said that I would build an immunity and even if I came into contact I would not be infected like chicken pox
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi
The virus of molluscum resides on the depressed area which may show a whitish cheesy discharge when you pick on it. This is where the virus resides. Your physician has to surgically remove these whitish material and electrodessicate or freeze the lesions after removing the whitish material within the bumps. "Molluscum contangiosum eruptions are usually self-limited and without sequelae, although they can be more extensive in immunocompromised persons. Spontaneous disappearance of lesions is the norm, but treatment by local destruction (curettage, cryotherapy, or trichloroacetic acid) or immunologic modulation can shorten the disease course, possibly reducing autoinoculation and transmission."
Source:http://www.aafp.org/afp/20030315/1233.html
In terms of building immunity with molluscum, this is true however, there is high recurrence rate for this skin condition especially if the bumps have been persistent and have not been subsequently treated. Molluscum may usually resolve by itself but to prevent further infection and spread , it is best to have this treated and removed by your physician.
The virus of molluscum resides on the depressed area which may show a whitish cheesy discharge when you pick on it. This is where the virus resides. Your physician has to surgically remove these whitish material and electrodessicate or freeze the lesions after removing the whitish material within the bumps. "Molluscum contangiosum eruptions are usually self-limited and without sequelae, although they can be more extensive in immunocompromised persons. Spontaneous disappearance of lesions is the norm, but treatment by local destruction (curettage, cryotherapy, or trichloroacetic acid) or immunologic modulation can shorten the disease course, possibly reducing autoinoculation and transmission."
Source:http://www.aafp.org/afp/20030315/1233.html
In terms of building immunity with molluscum, this is true however, there is high recurrence rate for this skin condition especially if the bumps have been persistent and have not been subsequently treated. Molluscum may usually resolve by itself but to prevent further infection and spread , it is best to have this treated and removed by your physician.
can you explain virus resides within the bumps? when is it contagious after you remove the core is the scab contagious as well?
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi
Yes, cryotherapy may be done to remove the skin lesions. For some they may also use electrodessication. It is important to have these assessed by your physician once more. This skin condition is contagious and recurrent. It is important to eradicate the skin lesions as the virus resides within the bumps. When you have removed the lesions, then you have also removed the virus.
Wash your hands and refrain from sharing personal belongings. Keep the bumps covered. There are water sealed strips or band aids which may protect the area .
Yes, cryotherapy may be done to remove the skin lesions. For some they may also use electrodessication. It is important to have these assessed by your physician once more. This skin condition is contagious and recurrent. It is important to eradicate the skin lesions as the virus resides within the bumps. When you have removed the lesions, then you have also removed the virus.
Wash your hands and refrain from sharing personal belongings. Keep the bumps covered. There are water sealed strips or band aids which may protect the area .
I was diagnosed 8 years ago by a dermitologist. haven't gone back because he said just to lance them myself. I was wondering if there is a better treatment. because a lot of times when i lance them no matter how sterile i am one pops up right next to it
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi
This has to be ascertained to be molluscum. Was a diagnosis of molluscum given by a physician here?
Molluscum is caused by a virus and this makes it contagious. It spreads through direct skin to skin contact. However, molluscum affects only the superficial part of the skin and does not stay in the body once the bumps are removed. The best way to prevent its spread is by having these treated.
Have you had this assessed by a dermatologist?
This has to be ascertained to be molluscum. Was a diagnosis of molluscum given by a physician here?
Molluscum is caused by a virus and this makes it contagious. It spreads through direct skin to skin contact. However, molluscum affects only the superficial part of the skin and does not stay in the body once the bumps are removed. The best way to prevent its spread is by having these treated.
Have you had this assessed by a dermatologist?
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