What is molluscum caused by?
Molluscum contagiosum is an infection caused by a poxvirus (molluscum contagiosum virus). The result of the infection is usually a benign, mild skin disease characterized by lesions (growths) that may appear anywhere on the body.
Is molluscum contagiosum a form of HPV?
Both molluscum contagiosum and warts are caused by a DNA virus: the molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) and the human papillomavirus (HPV), respectively. Luckily, another similarity they have is that they are both generally benign.
What kills molluscum contagiosum?
The topical povidone-iodine/dimethylsulfoxide system is very effective in eradicating molluscum contagiosum.
How do adults get rid of molluscum contagiosum?
The most effective treatments for molluscum contagiosum are performed by a doctor. These include cryotherapy, curettage, laser therapy, and topical therapy: During cryotherapy, the doctor freezes each bump with liquid nitrogen. During curettage, the doctor pierces the bump and scrapes it off the skin with a small tool.
What happens if molluscum contagiosum is left untreated?
Molluscum contagiosum is a mild, harmless viral skin infection. The virus is spread through skin-to-skin contact and mainly by sexual activity in adults. It appears on the skin surface as a small, raised, round, pearly lump. If left untreated the virus will eventually go away.
Why do adults get molluscum?
Teens and adults can also get molluscum contagiosum. Usually, they get it during sexual contact. When this happens, molluscum is considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI). When someone gets molluscum through sexual contact, bumps usually develop on (and around) the genitals.
What else looks like molluscum?
The following diseases should be considered in the differential diagnosis of molluscum contagiosum: cryptococcosis, basal cell carcinoma, keratoacanthoma, histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis, and verruca vulgaris. For genital lesions, condyloma acuminata and vaginal syringomas should be considered.
What do warts look like on your hands?
Common warts are small, grainy skin growths that occur most often on your fingers or hands. Rough to the touch, common warts also often feature a pattern of tiny black dots, which are small, clotted blood vessels.
What kind of skin infection looks like a worm?
If you already have athlete’s foot, it can spread to your groin, causing Jock itch. Ringworm: This infection is called Tine Corporis and is commonly called Ringworm because the eruption looks like a worm under the skin, but there is no worm involved.
Is it bad to have warts on your skin?
While having warts can be annoying—even embarrassing—they are often treatable and not harmful. Common warts, flat warts, and plantar warts are viral infections of the skin (most originating from the human papillomavirus or HPV family, but not the strains associated with cancer).
What causes warts on the surface of the skin?
Warts are an infection of the skin caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). The virus enters the body through a break in the skin, such as a cut. It then forms a rough bump on the surface of the skin. Warts are benign (non-cancerous) growths. Appointments & Access.