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Molluscum
What is molluscum and what are the causes?
Molloscum contagiosum is a skin condition caused by a viral infection. There are 4 different strains of the virus. MCV-2 is frequently sexually transmitted and effects the penis, vagina, buttocks and inner thighs.
Molluscum symptoms
The lesions can take anything from 1 week to 6 months to appear. They grow up to 5mm in length and look like fleshy domes with a slightly dimpled centre. The lesions may spread and cause clusters.
Molluscum contagiosum is not painful, but can cause itching.
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Complications associated with molluscum
Scratching the lesions can lead to bacterial infections or cause scarring.
In around 10 percent of cases, eczema will develop around the infected area.
Molluscum treatment
Generally speaking, molluscum does not require treatment other than for cosmetic reasons. But when it effects the genital area it is advisable to seek treatment to avoid the lesions from spreading.
It is possible to treat molluscum at home. Over the counter wart remedies containing salicylic acid will help clear up mild cases. There are also medicated scrubs such as betadine available, or essential oils like Australian lemon myrtle. Usually it takes many months for the infection to clear completely.
Cryosurgery, where liquid nitrogen is used on the infected area to freeze and destroy the legions, or laser surgery can also be performed by a medical professional. Removing the lesions does not cure the virus, so new clusters of bumps may continue to appear for around a year until the body develops immunity. This means surgery often has to be repeated.
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