Book
Appt
Philadelphia and Mainline Center of Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery

Written by Dr. Ringpfeil

Molluscum Contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum is a benign rash caused by a harmless pox virus. Small skin colored or pink bumps with a central dell can occur on various body areas in children but in adults are most commonly seen in the genital area. They are contagious and transmission is by skin to skin contact. They are usually asymptomatic but if irritated can become itchy, red and tender. Once they are red and tender, they tend to resolve within another 10-14 days.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis is usually made clinically based on the characteristic appearance of molluscum contagiosum. A biopsy is rarely necessary unless lesions are unusual.

Management

In children, asymptomatic lesions need not be treated because they will eventually resolve over the course of 9 to 12 months. If treatment is desired due to appearance or symptoms, a number of modal;ities may be employed. Application of the following over the counter and prescription substances may be effective: tea tree oil (including Zymaderm), sinecatechin (green tea), salicylic acid, podophyllin, imiquimod, topical retinoids and cantharidin,. At home treatments often require multiple applications and have the potential for irritation. Length of treatment is highly variable. Individual lesions can be treated in the office via cryosurgery with liquid nitrogen, via application of a chemical blistering agent called cantharidin (commonly referred to as blister beetle juice) or via pulsed dye laser. In-office treatments are highly effective in visible lesions. Some molluscum bumps are not noticeable at time of treatment and if they develop several days later may start another crop on the skin. Application of liquid nitrogen causes some discomfort due to its very cold temperature, whereas cantharidin application is painless. Both treatments can leave permanently lighter colored marks. The pulsed dye laser causes an intense rubber band snapping sensation but leaves no scar. In sexually active adults, the molluscum lesions should be treated to avoid transmission to others. Cryosurgery is usually the treatment of choice in the genital area however topical imiquimod cream or sinecatechin ointment can be employed. Lesions can also be physically removed via curettage (scraping) but this method is less commonly employed. Sexual partners should be checked for the presence of molluscum lesions to avoid reinfection.

Coping

If the decision is made not to treat molluscum lesions in children it is important to avoid irritation to the molluscum. Scratching and chronic friction can cause mollsucum to become inflamed, red and sore. A water proof bandaid may be applied to single spots especially if molluscum is located in exposed or easily scratched area. The molluscum lesions themselves usually do not itch but they commonly occur in areas of eczema prone skin. They are also known to flare eczema (atopic dermatitis).Keeping a child's eczema or atopic dermatitis under control may lessen his or her risk for development of molluscum.

Prevention

Molluscum are spread by skin to skin contact. Infected individuals should avoid skin to skin contact with others. Parents should not bathe their children together if one child has molluscum. Single lesions in exposed areas may be covered with a waterproof band aid that is renewed daily.

Online Consultation

Get treatment plan from Dr. Ringpfeil or Dr. Abraham by tomorrow evening without visiting the office.

How can we help you?

SKIN

# of surveys: 4187
Last updated: 1/02/2024 11:10 AM

PATIENT RATINGS

Would you recommend us?

definitely
93.1%
probably
6.16%
maybe
0.58%
not likely
0.08%
no
0.02%

Compare our service to other similar practices

excellent
87.9%
very good
10.1%
good
1.8%
poor
0.06%
very poor
0%

Overall doctor performance

excellent
94.2%
very good
4.89%
good
0.80%
poor
0.03%
very poor
0%

The doctor listened to you attentively

excellent
93.9%
very good
4.97%
good
1.05%
poor
0.05%
very poor
0%

The doctor took time to answer your questions

excellent
94.0%
very good
4.66%
good
1.27%
poor
0.02%
very poor
0%

The doctor explained treatment options

excellent
94.3%
very good
4.16%
good
1.25%
poor
0.14%
very poor
0.02%

The doctor explained treatment options

excellent
92.0%
very good
5.69%
good
2.18%
poor
0.11%
very poor
0.0%

Front desk performance

excellent
85.6%
very good
10.2%
good
3.66%
poor
0.31%
very poor
0.08%

Aesthetician performance

excellent
88.6%
very good
7.61%
good
3.39%
poor
0.24%
very poor
0.08%

Office comfort

excellent
90.9%
very good
6.93%
good
2.08%
poor
0.05%
very poor
0.05%

Parking

excellent
66.4%
very good
14.4%
good
15.7%
poor
2.49%
very poor
0.9%

Friendliness of the staff during appointment

excellent
90.9%
very good
7.23%
good
1.85%
poor
0.05%
very poor
0%

What WE DID WELL

(Answers:674)

All was excellent

#12011-05-03 10:51:30

No wait time, very efficient and easy to get in/out during work day.

#22011-09-27 12:59:17

Being treated promptly

#32010-12-22 09:39:41

Art work

#42025-03-07

The decor was really nice. It is a very warm and welcoming office. Not intimidating or over the top either. Nice in-between.

#52010-11-29 13:43:41

The service was great!

#62024-07-26

The doctor's way of explaning everything.

#72024-10-04

There was no option to thank Andrea, but she also did a lovely job.

#82011-12-20 08:37:39

The doctor was a good listener and gave clear answers

#92025-01-14

I love the Edith Piaf music being piped in - that was an awesome touch.

#102025-03-31

What can we do better?

(answers:373)

The only (minor) thing that I was disappointed in was that when I booked the appt. via phone, I was told that in addition to my cosmetic questions and consult, the Dr. would also be able to do my full body check. It turned out that there was not enough time to do both.

#12011-07-27 15:04:39

I really can't think of anything to add

#22010-11-24 09:41:39

let people know about opportunity for free consultation with Jill(?) when making appointment.

#32010-09-13 11:24:22

service was excellent

#42024-04-26

Always laugh at my jokes.

#52024-12-12

everything was great

#62024-08-24

Nothing, my visit was great.

#72024-12-19

I had an appointment for a consulation for sun damage. Unfortunately, I need to see either a doctor or PA for my issue and this was not included in my appointment, so I need to make another trip. It is difficult for me to carve time out of my work day to take care of personal needs, so this is creating an inconvenience for me. I would have preferred to had the complete consultation done in one appointment.

#82011-02-14 14:14:53

Try to get enrolled as a provider in Tricare Prime!

#92025-02-14

no complaints

#102024-12-21

Send us a message!

Enter your information, and we will text you shortly.