Molluscum contagiosum is a common viral infection that not many people know about. If you or your child has small red bumps on the skin, you may have molluscum contagiosum.
Located in Windermere FL, Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center is committed to providing patients with both the informational resources and treatment options they need to maintain healthy skin. Contact us today to schedule a consultation appointment.
What is Molluscum Contagiosum?
Molluscum contagiosum is a common viral infection of the skin. This infection manifests itself in the form of firm, round bumps on the skin’s surface. These bumps can be as small as a pinhead or as large as the eraser on a pencil. While these bumps are typically painless, scratching or injuring them can spread the viral infection that caused them to other areas of the body.
This infection is spread through person to person contact, or from contact with a contaminated object. Since molluscum contagiosum most often occurs in children, these contaminated objects can include toys, towels, bedding and faucet handles. Molluscum contagiosum can also be contracted through sexual contact.
While these bumps can usually disappear within a year if left untreated, they will remain on individuals with compromised immune systems until they seek treatment. A healthcare professional can usually diagnose this condition based off of the appearance of the bumps.
How Can I Prevent it from Spreading?
To avoid contracting molluscum contagiosum, refrain from using hygiene products that are not yours. Some people also suspect that the virus can spread within water, so you may be more likely to contract it after swimming in a public pool.
Once you’ve already contracted the virus, there are precautions you can take to stop it from spreading to other parts of your body and other people. Avoid touching or shaving the bumps at all — even a single point of contact with the bumps can lead to them spreading.
Covering the bumps with waterproof bandages can effectively contain the virus and prevent it from spreading to other parts of the body. Make sure to change these bandages regularly to promote the healing of your skin.
Do not let anyone use any of your personal hygiene options or touch items that you use regularly. Make sure to keep these items extra clean so that you won’t accidentally spread the virus to other parts of your body through contact with them.
If you or someone you know has bumps that you think may be caused by molluscum contagiosum, contact us today. We can set up a consultation appointment for you where Dr. Hudgens can examine these bumps, diagnose them, and discuss treatment options.