Understanding The Treatment Options For Molluscum Contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum is a condition that causes an outbreaks of bumps on the body. This condition is caused by a virus and is quite contagious. While the bumps associated with molluscum contagiosum usually are not painful and typically clear on their own after several months if a person has a strong immune system, dermatologists may recommend a few different types of treatment to help prevent the spread of the virus that causes molluscum contagiosum to other areas of the body or to other people. Some of the common treatment options for molluscum contagiosum include:

Cryosurgery

Cryosurgery is a procedure that involves using liquid nitrogen to freeze areas of the skin. When a person has molluscum contagiosum, a dermatologist may use cryosurgery to freeze off the bumps on the skin. This procedure is typically done in-office and the skin is numbed beforehand to minimize discomfort or pain.

Curettage

When a person only has a few bumps caused by molluscum contagiosum, a dermatologist may suggest curettage as a form of treatment. During curettage, the dermatologist utilizes a tool called a curette to scrape away the bumps and completely remove them from the skin. In most cases, the bumps will not reappear after curettage is done.

Laser Surgery

There are a number of different lasers that can be used to treat people with molluscum contagiosum. With this treatment option, a dermatologist will direct the laser over the area of the skin where the bumps are for a set amount of time. Laser surgery for molluscum contagiosum is often recommended when a person has a weakened immune system. If the bumps are large, laser surgery may need to be repeated every few weeks until they are completely gone.

Topical Skin Therapy

A dermatologist may opt to use acid or blistering solutions topically to help destroy the bumps caused by molluscum contagiosum. The acid or blistering solution will be applied directly to the bumps and they will start destroying the top layers of the skin. Stronger acids may be used for people who have a severe case of molluscum contagiosum or have a compromised immune system.

At-Home Treatments

In some cases, a dermatologist may recommend at-home treatment before moving on to more invasive treatment options. If you have molluscum contagiosum, the dermatologist may prescribe a retinoid or antiviral cream that you apply directly to your skin. In order for this method of treatment to work, it is important that you use the creams exactly as directed and don't skip a dosage. Visit a site like http://www.billingsclinic.com for more help.

Share