Molluscum Contagiosum
Get Diagnosis and Treatment for a Wart-Like Skin Condition in NY
Molluscum contagiosum is a commonly occurring viral skin infection caused by a pox virus, also known as the molluscum contagiosum virus. Characterized by small, skin-colored growths that can appear anywhere on the body, this condition afflicts patients of all ages—but is most commonly seen in children.
Fortunately, it is typically a mild, benign condition, although it is highly contagious and can easily be spread through physical contact, and at times may cause small, shallow, pit-like scars after the bumps go away. When it comes to diagnosing and treating molluscum contagiosum, NY’s Hudson Dermatology has experience and knowledge based on years of education, training, and practical work with both medical and cosmetic skin conditions.
Patients seeking healthy, blemish-free skin can schedule an appointment to develop a customized treatment plan to address their concerns. Our team of dermatologists takes pride in providing exceptional care in a comfortable, welcoming environment.
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Schedule a consultation online for molluscum contagiosum at NY′s Hudson Dermatology.
What Are the Symptoms of Molluscum Contagiosum?
A molluscum infection manifests as small, skin-colored bumps that vary in size from 2 to 5 millimeters. Sometimes, they occur in a group, forming a line of bumps. Some patients, including those with weakened immune systems or underlying eczema, may develop larger clusters of bumps. These bumps are painless, although itching or squeezing them may cause bleeding, pain, or scarring.
The molluscum contagiosum virus is spread through skin-to-skin contact or contact with a surface that contains the virus. This means that it can be spread via contact sports, sexual activity, or merely touching an object like a towel or washcloth that has been used by someone with molluscum contagiosum.
To minimize the chance of spreading molluscum contagiosum, patients should keep the bumps clean and wash their hands after touching them. Avoid shaving areas with a molluscum contagiosum outbreak, and use a different towel to dry off areas affected by bumps to avoid spreading the problem to a new area of your body.
YOU DESERVE EXCEPTIONAL PATIENT CARE
Every physician at each of Hudson Dermatology’s seven locations is board certified and committed to providing quality skincare built on a foundation of advanced technology and techniques. All treatments—medical and cosmetic—are highly personalized and chosen for their safety and results.
YOU DESERVE EXCEPTIONAL PATIENT CARE
What Does Treatment at Hudson Dermatology Involve?
Many patients discover that their outbreak disappears naturally after a few months without any intervention. In some cases, however, the condition can linger for up to a year, with new growths developing and spreading during this time. Patients with a weakened immune system are more likely to endure a prolonged infection.
While some people choose not to pursue medical treatment, others prefer to get help for their molluscum contagiosum treatment for cosmetic purposes or to limit their chances of spreading the infection to friends and family. There are multiple options for molluscum treatment at Hudson Dermatology, and your dermatologist will help you choose the right option for you during your consultation.
Popular and effective molluscum treatment options include:
- Cantharidin: Also known as beetle juice, a dermatologist applies this topically to molluscum contagiosum bumps causing a water blister to form and the bumps to disappear.
- Cryotherapy: Individual bumps can be frozen with liquid nitrogen, though this may require several sessions to fully treat an infection.
- Curettage: A doctor uses a surgical instrument called a curette to remove molluscum.
- Imiquimod cream: Patients can apply this topical cream to each molluscum bump as directed by their Applications may be required multiple times per week for several weeks.
Attempting to remove the molluscum contagiosum bumps without the help of a licensed medical professional may cause the infection to spread or cause scarring.
Is Molluscum Contagiosum the Same as Warts?
While molluscum bumps resemble warts, the two skin conditions are caused by different viruses. Warts develop not because of a pox virus, but due to a human papillomavirus infection, which can cause bumps to form virtually anywhere on the body. Genital warts are a specific subset that can require their own treatment plan.
For more information about molluscum, visit the American Academy of Dermatology’s page on the condition.
CONTACT US TODAY
Contact the Hudson Dermatology team now to set up a consultation for molluscum contagiosum in NY. Dutchess, Westchester, Columbia, Ulster, Putnam, Rockland, and Orange County residents can schedule an appointment via our online scheduler.
FULL-SERVICEDERMATOLOGY
With offices in Cornwall, Fishkill, Hudson, Kingston, Poughkeepsie, Somers, and Tarrytown, Hudson Dermatology offers the highest quality of care centered around medical dermatology, cosmetic dermatology, and pediatric skincare. Patients in New York’s Hudson Valley area can depend on the professional team at Hudson Dermatology to satisfy all their medical and cosmetic skincare needs.
FULL-SERVICEDERMATOLOGY
With offices in Cornwall, Fishkill, Hudson, Kingston, Poughkeepsie, Somers, and Tarrytown, Hudson Dermatology offers the highest quality of care centered around medical dermatology, cosmetic dermatology, and pediatric skincare. Patients in New York’s Hudson Valley area can depend on the professional team at Hudson Dermatology to satisfy all their medical and cosmetic skincare needs.
