Do you have a patch of skin that appears to have small, round, firm bumps? If so, it could be an extremely contagious viral skin infection known as molluscum. Dr. Vivian Bucay and her staff specialize in the treatment of a number of skin conditions, such as molluscum.
Receiving treatment for this skin condition will help you from spreading it to others. Dr. Bucay can provide you with an accurate diagnosis and create a customized treatment plan just for you.
What is Molluscum?
Molluscum is a viral infection that impacts the skin. When an individual contracts molluscum, it will often appear in the form of tiny, firm bumps. These bumps range in size from a tiny pinprick to a large pencil eraser.
This viral skin condition is extremely contagious. Not only are others at risk, but your entire body is at risk. If one of the bumps should be touched or scratched, it is enough to spread the infection to other parts of the body. Direct person-to-person contact is needed to spread the infection to others.
Who is at Risk for Molluscum?
Molluscum is extremely common. It typically occurs in school-aged children, but teens, young adults, and adults are at risk too.
There is no telling who will contract this infection, but it typically occurs in people with weakened immune systems. Some individuals are able to fight off the virus and will not get infected.
What Treatment Options are Available for Molluscum?
A molluscum infection can often cure itself. Unfortunately, it can take anywhere from a week to a year for it to clear on its own. Dr. Bucay recommends receiving medical treatment as it will prevent you from spreading this infection to others.
The type of medical treatment that Dr. Bucay recommends will vary depending upon the severity of the infection. Treatment plans may include the use of one or more of the following: over-the-counter products designed to help dissolve the lesion, prescription strength antiviral creams, and surgical procedures. Surgical procedures are often performed in-office by Dr. Bucay and can include laser therapy, cryotherapy, or scraping.
Dr. Bucay can usually make a diagnosis of molluscum with a visual inspection of the infected area. Once she has confirmed a case of molluscum, she will provide you with recommendations for treatment that will help you find relief from this viral skin infection.