Molluscum Contagiosum Treatment

Molluscum contagiosum is a common viral skin infection caused by a poxvirus, and cases have become increasingly common throughout the United States. It is one of the most common skin infections among young children ages 1 to 10, though it can affect adults as well. In children, molluscum contagiosum often spreads through daycare centers, gym classes, and other settings where kids are in close contact. At the same time, in adults it frequently presents as a sexually transmitted infection. Anyone who notices new bumps or lesions on their skin should schedule an evaluation with an experienced, board-certified dermatologist such as Dr. Michele Green in New York City.

Molluscum contagiosum spreads from person to person through direct skin-to-skin contact and can also be transmitted through shared items such as towels, clothing, and gym equipment, or through communal spaces like swimming pools. The molluscum contagiosum virus can also spread from one part of the body to another through autoinoculation, which occurs when a patient scratches an affected area and then touches another part of the skin. Because the virus is so easily spread — including to the genital area in adults through sexual contact — prompt treatment from a knowledgeable dermatologist like Dr. Michele Green is essential to stop its progression.

What Is Molluscum Contagiosum?

Molluscum contagiosum is a common, benign viral skin infection caused by a poxvirus. It causes small, painless, dome-shaped lesions that can appear anywhere on the body, though they are most common on the trunk, arms, legs, and — in adults — the genital area. While generally harmless, molluscum contagiosum is highly contagious and can spread quickly without prompt attention from a board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Green.

Symptoms of Molluscum Contagiosum

The incubation period for molluscum contagiosum infections is 2 to 7 weeks, though symptoms may not appear for up to 6 months after exposure. Molluscum lesions are most common on the trunk, arms, and legs and typically present as dome-shaped, painless papules with a small central dimple. Once symptoms appear, patients may notice a single lesion or clusters of up to 20 papules that can spread easily to nearby areas. These lesions are generally painless and share several of the following characteristics:

• Shiny or smooth exterior
• Waxy interior
• Dome-shaped with a dimple on the top
• White, pink, or skin-colored
• 2-5 mm in diameter (slightly larger than a pinhead)

These papules typically appear on the trunk and limbs but rarely on the palms of the hands or the soles of the feet. To diagnose molluscum contagiosum, health care providers can often rely on the lesions’ classic appearance alone, although they may occasionally use a skin biopsy or scraping to confirm the diagnosis.

How do you contract Molloscum Contagiosum?

Molluscum contagiosum can affect anyone who comes into contact with the virus, whether through direct contact, contact sports, shared towels or clothing, or sexual contact — particularly when lesions are present in the genital area. Nevertheless, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identifies the following groups as being at increased risk:

• Children between the ages of 1 and 10
• People with weakened immune systems
• People with previously existing skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis (eczema)
• People who live in crowded, warm, and humid living conditions

Patients with weakened immune systems, or with other immune-related skin conditions such as HIV/AIDS or atopic dermatitis, can experience more severe symptoms. In immunocompromised patients, molluscum lesions can grow quite large — up to 15mm in diameter — and are more resistant to standard treatment.

Treatment for Molluscum Contagiosum

Because molluscum contagiosum is a self-limited viral skin infection that generally resolves on its own in healthy patients, medical treatment is not always necessary. However, lesions on sensitive areas such as the face or genital area, along with the virus’s contagious nature, often prompt patients to seek care from a dermatologist or primary care doctor. A qualified health care provider, such as Dr. Michele Green, can offer the following treatment options to remove the bumps and prevent further spread.

Physical Removal

Physical removal can be achieved through several in-office procedures.

• Cryotherapy, in which the papule is frozen with liquid nitrogen and thus removed
• Curettage, during which the papule is punctured and scraped off the skin
• Pulsed-dye laser therapy, via the Vbeam laser treatment, during which time the skin cells of the molluscum papule are destroyed. The Vbeam laser utilizes a 595 wavelength of laser light to destroy these viral cells.

Topical Therapy

Topical therapy can be a good option for patients with many molluscum contagiosum bumps. In addition to the established options below, the FDA recently approved Zelsuvmi (berdazimer gel), a nitric oxide-releasing topical medication that patients can apply at home to treat molluscum lesions. Several other topical treatments are also available:

• Podophyllotoxin cream is a reliable at-home treatment. It is not recommended for pregnant patients, as the active ingredient may be harmful to a developing fetus.
• Trichloroacetic acid: safe to use on delicate areas of the body and a standard topical treatment for warts and skin lesions.
• Imiquimod cream: helps boost the immune system of patients experiencing molluscum contagiosum infection, aiding the body in eliminating the virus.
• Potassium hydroxide: a liquid applied twice daily to the skin lesion. Once the spots appear inflamed, treatment halts so the skin can repair the affected area.
• Tretinoin: also a liquid application. It is not recommended for pregnant patients and may cause sensitivity to sunlight or ultraviolet light.
• Salicylic acid: a common ingredient in treatments for a variety of skin conditions and can be used to reduce the severity of the papule.
• Cantharidin: derived from blister beetles and used for site-specific removal treatment. However, it can cause painful side effects when administered poorly, including blistering and scarring, so it’s best to have this treatment done in-office.

Oral Therapy

This process is typically recommended for young children because it is often more comfortable than removal or topical treatments. Oral therapy options include:

• Oral Cimetidine, a painless medication with a lower risk of scarring than some other treatment options. However, it is less effective at eliminating facial papules.
• Antiviral oral medication (Valtrex), occasionally considered by health care professionals to treat a lingering molluscum contagiosum infection.

Treatment of Molloscum for Immunocompromised Patients

Unfortunately, patients with weakened immune systems or other atopic conditions, such as eczema, may need longer or less effective treatment for molluscum contagiosum than immunocompetent patients. Treatment tends to be largely ineffective in patients with HIV who are not on antiretroviral therapy, and facial lesions are linked to more severe HIV disease. However, immune-boosting treatments, such as imiquimod cream, have shown greater success in reducing facial papules. Occasionally, intralesional interferon is used for facial lesions in patients with severe HIV, though uncomfortable side effects, such as flu-like symptoms, depression, and lethargy, make this option a last resort.

At-Home Remedies for Molloscum Contagiosum

Although the following at-home remedies will not eliminate molluscum lesions or replace medical treatment, they are popular options for symptom relief:

• Apple cider vinegar, applied directly to the irritated area
• Australian lemon myrtle oil
• Colloidal oatmeal baths
• Tea tree oil, applied in combination with iodine to the affected skin
• Coconut oil, known for anti-inflammatory properties
• Zinc oxide cream, sometimes used for skin conditions such as diaper rash
• Neem oil
• Eucalyptus oil
• Thyme oil
• Lavender oil
• Oregano oil

You can mix these essential oils with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, before applying them to the skin. However, patch-test any new oil on an unaffected area of skin first to rule out a preexisting allergy.

When dealing with a viral infection such as molluscum contagiosum, supporting the immune system can help the body clear the virus more quickly. Getting 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night, along with yoga, mindfulness, regular exercise, and a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, can help the immune system recover.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Molluscum Contagiosum

What Causes Molluscum Contagiosum?

Molluscum contagiosum is caused by infection with the molluscum contagiosum virus, a member of the poxvirus family. Once the virus infects the outer layer of skin, it prompts skin cells to multiply rapidly, forming the characteristic raised papules associated with this infection. The virus thrives in warm, close-contact environments, which helps it spread easily among children and within households.

Is Molluscum Contagiosum Treatment Painful?

Most patients who undergo physical removal or topical treatment experience little to no discomfort. Some patients report mild side effects, such as nausea, skin irritation, and burning. In-office treatments like cryotherapy, curettage, and laser therapy generally cause minimal discomfort. For patients with more sensitive skin, Dr. Michele Green will prescribe a topical anesthetic to apply to the area before treatment.

Is Molluscum Contagiosum Contagious?

Yes, molluscum contagiosum is highly contagious. The virus spreads easily through direct skin-to-skin contact and can also be transmitted among household members who share towels, clothing, or bedding. Because the infection is so transmissible, patients are encouraged to avoid close contact with others and to seek treatment promptly.

How Long Is Molluscum Contagiosum Contagious?

Molluscum contagiosum remains contagious as long as visible lesions are present on the skin. Because new papules can continue to form as the virus spreads through autoinoculation, some patients remain contagious for months. Prompt treatment can help shorten the contagious period.

How Does Molluscum Contagiosum Spread?

Molluscum contagiosum spreads primarily through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected lesion. However, the virus can also survive on shared surfaces such as towels, clothing, gym mats, and pool equipment. Communal spaces like swimming pools and locker rooms are common sites of transmission, especially among children. The virus can also spread from one area of a patient’s body to another through autoinoculation, so it’s important to avoid scratching or touching active lesions.

Can Molluscum Contagiosum Spread by Shaving?

Yes, shaving over an area with molluscum lesions can spread the virus to nearby skin. The razor can nick or irritate existing papules and carry the virus to other areas of the body, a form of autoinoculation. Patients with visible lesions should avoid shaving over affected skin until they have been evaluated and treated by a dermatologist.

How Do Adults Get Molluscum Contagiosum?

Adults typically contract molluscum contagiosum through skin-to-skin contact, including sexual contact, which is why lesions often appear in or around the genital area. Adults can also pick up the virus from shared gym equipment, contact sports, or close contact with an infected child at home. Because molluscum contagiosum in adults can resemble other skin conditions, an accurate diagnosis by a dermatologist is important.

How Is Molluscum Contagiosum Diagnosed?

Health care providers, like Dr. Green in Manhattan, can usually diagnose molluscum contagiosum based on the lesions’ classic appearance alone, without additional testing. When the diagnosis is unclear, a dermatologist may perform a skin biopsy or scraping, which reveals characteristic molluscum bodies (also called Henderson-Paterson bodies) under the microscope. Dr. Green can typically diagnose molluscum contagiosum during an in-office visual examination.

Can Molluscum Contagiosum Go Away on Its Own?

Yes, molluscum contagiosum is considered a self-limited infection, meaning it often resolves on its own without treatment in patients with a healthy immune system. That said, the process can take months to years, and the lesions remain contagious throughout, so many patients choose to pursue treatment rather than wait for the infection to clear on its own.

How Long Does Molluscum Contagiosum Last?

Without treatment, molluscum contagiosum typically resolves within 6 to 18 months, though in some cases it can persist for several years. The duration varies with a patient’s immune status and the number of lesions. Treatment can help shorten the course of the infection and reduce the risk of transmission to others.

Is Molluscum Contagiosum Contagious After Treatment?

Once all visible lesions have been fully removed or have resolved, a patient is generally no longer contagious. However, if any lesions remain untreated or new papules develop after treatment, the virus can continue to spread until all lesions have cleared. Follow-up visits with Dr. Green help ensure that all molluscum lesions have been fully treated.

Can Molluscum Contagiosum Come Back After Treatment?

Yes, molluscum contagiosum can recur after treatment, especially if a patient is re-exposed to the virus or if a lesion was missed during the initial treatment. Recurrence is also more common in patients with weakened immune systems. Dr. Green recommends follow-up appointments to check for new lesions and address them promptly.

Does Molluscum Contagiosum Leave Scars?

Most cases of molluscum contagiosum resolve without permanent scarring, especially when treated by an experienced dermatologist. However, picking or scratching lesions increases the risk of scarring and infection, and certain treatments, such as cantharidin or aggressive curettage, carry a small risk of scarring if not performed carefully. Choosing an experienced provider like Dr. Green helps minimize this risk.

Can You Pop Molluscum Contagiosum Bumps?

Patients should never attempt to remove the bumps at home by popping or picking at them. Doing so can spread the virus to other areas of the body through autoinoculation, increase the risk of scarring, and introduce a secondary bacterial infection. Any physical removal should be performed safely in the office by a dermatologist using sterile techniques.

When Should Molluscum Contagiosum Be Treated?

While molluscum contagiosum can resolve on its own, treatment is recommended when lesions appear on the face or genital area, when a patient has a weakened immune system, or when lesions are spreading quickly or causing discomfort. Prompt treatment is also advised to limit the spread of this contagious skin infection to others.

Can a Dermatologist Treat Molluscum Contagiosum?

Yes, a board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Michele Green can diagnose and treat molluscum contagiosum with a range of in-office and at-home options, including physical removal, topical therapy, and oral medication. Dr. Green tailors each treatment plan to the patient’s age, skin type, and the location and severity of the lesions.

How Much Does Molluscum Contagiosum Treatment Cost?

The cost of molluscum contagiosum treatment varies based on the number of lesions, their location, and the treatment method selected. Because treatment is tailored to each patient, the most accurate way to determine cost is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Green’s office, where a personalized treatment plan and pricing can be discussed.

Schedule Your Molluscum Contagiosum Treatment Today with Dr. Michele Green in NYC

Molluscum contagiosum is a common, highly contagious viral skin infection that affects both children and adults, causing painless papules that spread easily through skin-to-skin contact and on shared surfaces. Although the infection is often self-limited, prompt evaluation and treatment can shorten its course, reduce transmission risk, and minimize any possible scarring. Whether you’re considering physical removal, topical therapy, or oral medication, an accurate diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan from Dr. Michele Green can help you clear molluscum contagiosum safely and effectively.

Dr. Michele Green is an internationally recognized, board-certified dermatologist with over 25 years of experience, providing safe, effective treatment for skin infections and cosmetic concerns to some of New York City’s most discerning men and women. Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, Super Doctors, and The New York Times consistently recognize her as one of NYC’s top dermatologists for her expertise and commitment to patient care. To schedule your molluscum contagiosum consultation with Dr. Green, please contact us online or call her New York City office at 212-535-3088 today.