Moderate-large sized lesions often have central white-yellow globules/clods (looking like grapefruit segments) MolluDab contains potassium hydroxide solution (caustic potash) andmay have a corrosive effect if used wrongly. They can be treated medically by cryotherapy (freezing) or with creams that boost local immunity or suppress the virus. Topical treatments are available for use at home, both on prescription and to buy from pharmacies. To help prevent the spread of molluscum contagiosum….

Internal spread. If you have molluscum contagiosum, you might spread the infection throughout your body. You can transfer the virus from one part of your body to another by touching, scratching, or shaving a bump and then touching another part of your body. Gradual removal of lesions may be achieved by oral therapy. This technique is often desirable for pediatric patients because it is generally less painful and may be performed by parents at home in a less threatening environment. Oral cimetidine has been used as an alternative treatment for small children who are either afraid of the pain associated with cryotherapy, curettage, and laser therapy or because the possibility of scarring is to be avoided. While cimetidine is safe, painless, and well tolerated, facial mollusca do not respond as well as lesions elsewhere on the body. Topical therapy Since these methods involve treating each bump, a procedure may require more than one session. If you have many large bumps, additional treatment may be necessary every 3 to 6 weeks until the bumps disappear. New bumps may appear as the existing ones heal. Prescribed medications for molluscum contagiosumAbove all, don’t fret. In most cases, although they look unsightly, they do not indicate any particular health problem and treatments are available. Molluscum contagiosum mainly affects infants and young children under the age of 10 years. It is more prevalent in warm climates than cool ones, and in overcrowded environments. Adolescents and adults are less often infected.

Take special care if you have atopic dermatitis (atopic eczema). Seek advice from your doctor if the area affected by molluscum and dermatitis. Physical removal of lesions may include cryotherapy (freezing the lesion with liquid nitrogen), curettage (the piercing of the core and scraping of caseous or cheesy material), and laser therapy. These options are rapid and require a trained health care provider, may require local anesthesia, and can result in post-procedural pain, irritation, and scarring. Stop using the product as soon as aninflammation appears because thisindicates that a molluscum bump ishealing. The inflammation is recognisableby redness which lasts for at least 12 hours. If MolluDab should be spilled, carefully soak the liquid with anabsorbent paper towel and immediately wash the affected areawith plenty of water.

What is the outlook for molluscum contagiosum?

Widespread lesions can be found in patients with HIVand other forms of immunosuppression, as well with sarcoidosis

Jansen et al. (2007) 4 also conducted a study of 21 children to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of 5% potassium hydroxide (i.e. MolluDab®) applied twice daily on each lesion until a clinically visible inflammatory reaction was apparent. The authors confirmed the effectiveness and tolerability of potassium hydroxide with the added benefit of patient and parent compliance and simple application, making it suitable for home treatment. The inflammation indicates that your body is fighting the molluscum bumps.Now it is time to be patient and wait forthe bumps to heal. MolluDab mustnot be used on inflamed bumps. Sometimes treatment is wanted, if the lesions are particularly unsightly or troublesome, or if they are spreading very widely. You should discuss this with your GP. Molluscum contagiosum is a self-limiting infection which typically resolves itself within 6 – 12 months but may take as long as 4 years. However, certain cases can take far longer to resolve, and patients are often highly embarrassed about their condition 2. Diagnosing molluscum contagiosum Molluscum contagiosum is caused by a poxvirus, the molluscum contagiosum virus. There are at least 4 viral subtypes.

There are no known interactions with medicinal products. However, as aprecaution, do not apply MolluDab on to the affected area at the sametime as other products. But is most common in children up to the age of 14. In the UK, it is most common between the ages of one and four years, with at least one in 20 children affected at any one time. Children with eczema are particularly vulnerable, possibly because their skin barrier is disrupted (making it easier for the virus to take hold) and because eczema triggers scratching, which spreads the infection. Most people with a healthy immune system won’t need to seek treatment for molluscum contagiosum. These bumps usually fade away without medical intervention. When to see a doctor about molluscum contagiosum Because molluscum contagiosum is self-limited in healthy individuals, treatment may be unnecessary. Nonetheless, issues such as lesion visibility, underlying atopic disease, and the desire to prevent transmission may prompt therapy. Be aware that some treatments available through the internet may not be effective and may even be harmful. Physical removal