Molluscum
Molluscum (correct name molluscum contagiosum)
is a skin infection caused by a virus. It is transmitted by
skin-to-skin contact, so it is commonly caught during sexual
contact.
What molluscum looks like
Molluscum shows as white or pink bumps on the skin . They are
small (usually 1–5 mm across) and round in shape. If
you look very carefully (ideally with a magnifying glass),
you will usually see a small dimple in the centre of each
one. There are usually several. They are often in the lower
abdomen among the pubic hair, or on the upper thighs. In
men they may be on the penis, and in women on the lips of
the vagina. Sometimes they can be difficult to distinguish
from genital warts.
How molluscum is treated
In time, molluscum usually does away on its own. Strangely,
molluscum usually goes away faster if the lumps become damaged.
Therefore a doctor or nurse will treat them by piercing each
one with a sharp sterile needle and digging out some of the
material inside. Large molluscums can be treated by freezing
(cryotherapy).
Is molluscum dangerous?
Molluscum is not dangerous. If you scratch the lumps, they
could become infected, leaving a scar after healing.
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