Molluscum contagiosum

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Molluscum, microscopic appearance	Molluscum contagiosum - close-up	Molluscum contagiosum - close-up of the chest	Molluscum contagiosum on the face
Molluscum on the chest

In people with normal immune systems, the disorder usually disappears spontaneously over a period of months to years. The lesions may be extensive in people with AIDS or other conditions that affect the immune system. Individual lesions may be removed surgically, by scraping, de-coring, freezing, or through needle electrosurgery. Surgical removal of individual lesions may result in scarring. Medications, such as those used to remove warts, may be helpful in removal of lesions.

Individual lesions of molluscum contagiosum usually disappear within about 2 - 3 months. Complete disappearance of all lesions generally occurs within about 6 - 18 months. The disorder may persist in immunosuppressed people.

• Persistence, spread, or recurrence of lesions
• Secondary bacterial skin infections

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have symptoms suggestive of molluscum contagiosum. Also call for an appointment with your health care provider if lesions persist or spread, or if new symptoms appear.

Review Date: 10/31/2005
Reviewed By: Thomas A. Owens, M.D., Departments of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.