Molluscum, short for molluscum contagiosum, is a viral infection that causes raised and round bumps on the skin. These bumps are red, typically inflamed and can be removed by scratching, according the Mayo Clinic. In adults, molluscum contagiosum is a sexually transmitted disease that affects the genitals, thighs and buttocks. In children, it affects the hands, arms, armpits and face. There are specific treatments to reduce the incidence of molluscum contagiosum.
Imiquimod
The Mayo Clinic says that imiquimod may be used to treat molluscum contagiosum. However, it is important to note that it may not be effective in all people. Drugs.com says that Imiquimod is an immune response modifier. Its exact mechanism of action is unknown. Imiquimod's common side effects include skin color changes, back pain, skin redness and dryness, and swelling at the affected site. Imiquimod's other side effects include drainage at the site, fatigue, muscle pain and bleeding at the site. Imiquimod is a cream that should be used as your physician specifies.
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy literally refers to freezing the molluscum contagiosum lesions. Radiologyinfo.org says that cryotherapy is also called cryosurgery or targeted cryoablation therapy. In this procedure, your doctor will use liquid nitrogen or argon gas to destroy the lesions. Your doctor will use a cotton swab or spray to put the substance directly on the lesions. Radiologyinfo.org says that bleeding is a common complication of topical cryotherapy.
Other Treatments
The molluscum contagiosum growths can also be treated by scraping them off. Hydrocortisone creams can treat the dermatitis (itchiness) that may surround the contagiosum molloscum growth, according to the Mayo Clinic. It is important to note that numerous Internet sites say that there are certain medications that can completely clear molluscum contagiosum. However, the Mayo Clinic says that not enough studies have proven this.
