Molluscum contagiosum, a type of viral skin infection, causes lesions on patients' hands, neck, arms, face and armpits. Molluscum contagiosum spreads from contact with contaminated objects and sexual intercourse. MedlinePlus notes that having a weakened immune system causes patients to have a worse case of molluscum contagiosum. The American Academy of Dermatology points out that treatment for molluscum contagiosum is recommended, even though the lesions can go away on their own. If patients have multiple lesions, they may need treatment sessions with their dermatologists every three to six weeks.
Crytotherapy
The MayoClinic.com explains that molluscum contagiosum can undergo cryotherapy or cryosurgery to remove the lesions. The procedure uses liquid nitrogen, which the doctor administers to the affected area with a probe. The liquid nitrogen cools the tissue to -20 degrees Celsius. After the affected area thaws, the lesion forms a scab, which falls off.
Curettage
Patients with molluscum contagiosum may have curettage done, in which the doctor scrapes the lesion. The doctor scrapes off the abnormal tissue with a sharp tool called a curette. The MayoClinic.com notes that curettage can be uncomfortable for patients, so the doctor may use a topical anesthetic at the site of the scraping.
Laser Therapy
The American Academy of Dermatology notes that laser therapy is effective in removing the lesions caused by molluscum contagiosum. With laser therapy, the doctor directs the laser at the lesions, destroying the tissue.
Electrocautery
Some molluscum contagiosum patients may undergo electrocautery, also called electrocauterization. MedlinePlus explains that the doctor uses a probe that transmits electrical current to the tissue. That electrical current burns off the abnormal tissue caused by molluscum contagiosum. Before the procedure begins, the doctor places a grounding pad, which returns any extra current from the probe back to the generator. The doctor may secure the grounding pad to the patient's thigh.
At-Home Topical Medications
The American Academy of Dermatology explains that patients may use topical medications at home under the guidance of their dermatologists. Options include topical immune modifier, which reduce the re-occurrence of the molluscum contagiosum lesions, and topical retinoid, which contain a derivative of vitamin A and reduce the inflammation of the lesions. These topical medications can cause temporary skin discoloration in some patients. The MayoClinic.com adds that if molluscum contagiosum leads to dermatitis, or skin inflammation, patients can use over-the-counter 1 percent hydrocortisone cream or prescription topical steroids. However, patients should only use the hydrocortisone or topical steroid on the dermatitis, not the raised bumps from molluscum contagiosum.
