Molluscum contagiosum
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Explore overview, symptoms, causes, treatment, diagnosis, prevention, and FAQ articles for this condition.
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FAQ about Molluscum contagiosum
This FAQ explains the most common questions about molluscum contagiosum, a contagious skin infection that causes small, distinctive bumps. The answers below cover what the condition is, how it spreads, how it is diagnosed, what treatment options exist, and what to…
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Prevention of Molluscum contagiosum
Molluscum contagiosum is a skin infection caused by a poxvirus that replicates in the outer layer of the skin. It is usually spread by direct skin contact, contact with contaminated objects, or by transferring virus from one skin site to another…
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Treatment for Molluscum contagiosum
The treatment of Molluscum contagiosum includes watchful waiting, topical medicines, office-based procedures such as cryotherapy or curettage, and in some cases measures that reduce spread or address irritation around the lesions. These approaches work by either helping the immune system clear…
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Diagnosis of Molluscum contagiosum
Molluscum contagiosum is usually diagnosed by its appearance and pattern of spread. It is a viral skin infection caused by a poxvirus that produces small, firm papules with a characteristic central depression, or umbilication. Because the lesions can resemble other common…
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Causes of Molluscum contagiosum
What causes Molluscum contagiosum? The condition is caused by infection with the molluscum contagiosum virus, a member of the poxvirus family, which infects the outer layers of the skin and triggers the growth of small, firm lesions. It develops through a…
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Symptoms of Molluscum contagiosum
The symptoms of Molluscum contagiosum are usually small, firm, dome-shaped bumps on the skin, often with a characteristic central dimple. These lesions may be the only obvious sign, but they can also be accompanied by itching, surrounding redness, mild irritation, or…