Discussion - Molluscum Contagiosum

Health Nurse

Supporting Member
Nov 24, 2004
894
4
0
Hi all

I have had a request from one of the members on PERB to give some information about molluscum.

Molluscum is a common infection that we see in the clinic. It shows up as small bumps on the skin that can be skin coloured or pearly.

Molluscums are spread by skin to skin contact and also by sharing items like towels and clothes. They have also been linked to swimming pools. It can take a week to 6 months for them to show up.

Molluscum can show up anywhere on the body but the ones that we see at the clinic are almost always on the genitals and are probably passed from sex.

There is no danger from molluscum and they will eventually go away without treatment.

When talking with clients it can be common for people to think they are pimples that are difficult to squeeze. This can usually result in more molluscum appearing in a few months if the fluid inside is spread to the surrounding skin.

The biggest thing I find about molluscum is that they can be really annoying for people that have several as it can take a bit of time for them to heal and you can have new bumps showing up over the next few weeks or months.

If you have something that you think may be a molluscum you can come into the clinic or see your doctor. Currently we use the liquid nitrogen to treat them.

Here are some links for additional information. The first one has some excellent pictures.
http://www.skinsight.com/adult/molluscumContagiosum.htm
http://www.stiresource.com/disease/index.php?page=edit&id=10&action=viewfull
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/molluscum/faq/everyone.htm


HN
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Health Nurse

Supporting Member
Nov 24, 2004
894
4
0
Yes, molluscum is a skin virus that can be more easily spread when they are picked at and opened. The virus can also be on the surface of the skin so is easily passed just by skin to skin contact.

I have never seen molluscum leak fluid, unless they have been picked at and the skin is open.

As for significantly lowering the risk by not picking them open, my best guess is yes, but I can't quantify that.

I think the biggest issue with molluscum (similar to genital warts) is not that they cause serious health problems, but that they cause us distress because we don't like the sight of them on our genitals. And other people get worried about them also for the same reasons.

They will go away in time but using liquid nitrogen can speed up the process.

Hope that helps. Let me know if you need more info.



HN
 
Ashley Madison
Vancouver Escorts