Molluscum contagiosum is a viral disease that causes small growth to appear on the skin. The typical skin lesion resembles a pimple and is pink and raised with a waxy center. These skin lesions are contagious and can be spread by skin-to-skin contact and are common in children. There are a variety of ways in which this dermatological problem can be treated.
Lesion Removal
One of the main treatments of molluscum contagiosum is the removal of the bumps that appear as a result of the disease, the American Academy of Dermatology explains. This is particularly useful for patients for whom the skin lesions are cosmetically undesirable, especially those who have lesions on their face. Treatments are similar to those used for the treatment of warts. One option is cryotherapy, in which the skin bumps are frozen using a source of extreme cold, such as liquid nitrogen. Acids, such as trichloroacetic acid and other blistering agents, can also cause the affected skin to be shed. Curettage, which involves puncturing or cutting the lesion and then scraping off the infected skin material, is another treatment option for molluscum contagiosum. Finally, special lasers can be focused on the affected skin areas to vaporize the abnormal tissue. These treatments are generally very effective, though some pain and scarring may result.
Topical Treatments
Topical treatments can be effective against a molluscum contagiosum infection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Cream containing podophyllotoxin treats this condition; it is not, however, recommended for pregnant women, because the medication may be toxic to the fetus. Salicylic acid, iodine, potassium hydroxide, tretinoin and cantharidin can also be applied to the affected parts of the skin. These drugs can burn away at the tissue in the skin lesions, killing the virus and minimizing the appearance of any bumps or raised portions of the skin. Patients with weakened immune systems may benefit from the injection of a chemical called interferon into the lesions; interferon is a chemical normally produced by the immune system with potent antiviral properties.
Dermatitis Treatments
Although the skin lesions of molluscum contagiosum do not normally result in itching, patients may develop dermatitis or eczema around the skin growths, according to MayoClinic.com. This associated itching and inflammation can be treated with topical corticosteroid preparations. Corticosteroids block the immune system's inflammatory response and are a mainstay of the treatment of itchy rashes and eczema. Patients may apply over-the-counter hydrocortisone creams. More powerful preparations can be purchased with a prescription. These creams should only be applied to the affected areas around the molluscum contagiosum lesions and not to the lesions themselves.
