Molluscum Information and Pictures

Information and pictures on molluscum, a sexually transmitted disease. Information including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, transmission, prevention and other general information.

AIDS - Bacterial Vaginosis - Chancroid - Chlamydia Gonorrhea - Genital Warts - Granuloma - Hepatitis - Herpes - Lymphogranuloma - Molluscum - Pelvic Inflammatory Disease - Pubic Lice - Scabies - Syphilis - Trichomoniasis - Urinary Tract Infection - Vaginitis - Yeast Infection

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MOLLUSCUM

Molluscum Pictures | Molluscum Support

Molluscum contagiosum is a benign viral infection of the skin but is not particularly harmful or painful.

Hundreds of thousands of cases of this virus are diagnosed every year.

Symptoms
Molluscum causes normal skin to grow into bumps. There is no pain or discharge from these but they may bleed if cut. Symptoms usually appear between 2-12 weeks after being exposed to the infection, but can take years to manifest.
Symptoms include

Small, waxy, round, raised polyp-like growths (often with a tiny depression in the middle) which may be single at first, but can multiply into clusters, containing a firm white substance rather than pus

The blisters occur wherever the virus entered the body, usually on the:

abdomen/belly

genitals

thighs

The blisters can be:

clear

flesh-colored

pink

white

yellow

Other Symptoms

Itching

Red, scaly skin around the blisters

Individual blisters may disappear on their own after about two months, but the general outbreak can last anywhere from six months to three years.
Click Here to view photos of Molluscum

Transmission
The virus is transmitted by:

Direct skin-to-skin contact with infected skin

Manual contact, such as sharing towels and sports/locker room equipment

Nonsexual, intimate contact

Scratching, picking or breaking the blisters and touching one another (especially in preschool and elementary school children)

Vaginal, anal, and oral intercourse

Diagnosis
Diagnosis is usually ascertained by:

Observation of the classical skin lesion

Tissue taken from the sore and examined under a microscope

Treatment
Although the virus remains in the body, the immune system of a healthy person can usually control the outbreaks causing the blisters to disappear.
Outbreaks can recur, possibly triggered by a weakening of the immune system. The infection usually clears up in 6-18 months without any treatment.
Molluscum is treated by destroying the infected skin. Growths are usually removed using one of the following techniques:

Burning growths off with a potent acid, such as Trichloracetic Acid

Electrical current

Freezing the growths with liquid nitrogen

Laser surgery using a blistering agent, such as Podophyllin which is made from rainforest beetles)

Retin A ® a common acne treatment (often used with children)

People are also finding success with Heal Molluscum an essential oil blend

Note
Always use a recommended health professional trained in these techniques to prevent damage to the normal surrounding tissue.

Prevention

Abstinence

Latex condoms and gloves may offer some protection if the lesion is on the penis, if they are put on before sex and worn until sexual contact is over

Limited sexual partners to one uninfected person

People infected with molloscum contagiosum are best advised to abstain from sex until the blisters have been successfully removed and healed

Restricting body contact between infected and uninfected people can help reduce the chance of spreading infection

Some skin cancers may look like Molluscum so it is important that any abnormal lumps or bumps be examined

Do not

share towels and washcloths

squeeze the lesions which makes them more contagious

Note

The virus may 'shed' beyond the area protected by the condom

Washing, douching or urinating after sex does not prevent STDs

Prognosis

Persons with weak immune systems may experience outbreaks elsewhere on the body

Molluscum Pictures | Molluscum Support

AIDS - Bacterial Vaginosis - Chancroid - Chlamydia Gonorrhea - Genital Warts - Granuloma - Hepatitis - Herpes - Lymphogranuloma - Molluscum - Pelvic Inflammatory Disease - Pubic Lice - Scabies - Syphilis - Trichomoninasis - Urinary Tract Infection - Vaginitis - Yeast Infection

Sexual Health Resource - STD Clinics & Support - Safe Sex - STD Dating - Cheap Rx Medications

Ask your questions on the Sexual Health Discussion Forum

Information and pictures on this site are provided for informational purposes and are not meant to substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider.