Do you have molluscum contagiosum? If you think you may have this skin infection, take a look at the top reasons to visit a dermatology clinic.
Molluscum Contagiosum Is Contagious
This common viral infection can spread from person to person through physical contact. But someone else's touch isn't the only way to pick up this uncomfortable infection. An infected person can spread the virus by touching a shared surface, including bed linens, towels, and other objects. If you touch the surface, the virus can spread to your body.
Along with person-to-person and person-to-object spread, you can also re-infect yourself with this virus. If you scratch or touch an open molluscum contagiosum lesion, you could spread the virus to another area of your body.
A dermatologist can diagnose this infection and prescribe a treatment. This lowers the likelihood that you'll pass the virus on to someone else and reduces the risk of it spreading to another part of your body.
Molluscum Contagiosum Is Uncomfortable
Some dermatology patients experience inflammation, itchiness, or discomfort with molluscum contagiosum. Even though the virus can cause physical aggravation or irritation, you don't have to live with the discomfort. A dermatologist's prescribed treatment won't just cure the condition—it will also alleviate the potentially unpleasant symptoms.
Molluscum Contagiosum Is Treatable
Molluscum contagiosum is typically a self-limiting disease in most healthy children and adults. This means the body will heal itself without outside intervention. Even though the virus will go away on its own over time, you may not want to wait for the lesions to disappear.
Not only are you contagious and uncomfortable during a molluscum contagiosum outbreak, but you may feel self-conscious about your physical appearance. Treatments for molluscum contagiosum include physical removal (such as cryotherapy, curettage, or laser therapy), oral medications, and topical therapy (such as prescription creams).
The specific treatment your dermatologist recommends depends on several factors. These include the spread of the disease, the severity of the lesions, and your overall health. Some therapies aren't as effective for immunocompromised individuals or are potentially unsafe for pregnant women.
While molluscum contagiosum is easily diagnosable, it requires a doctor's examination. Never attempt to self-diagnose or treat yourself. It's possible the red, itchy bumps are another dermatological condition (which would require a different type of treatment). Always follow your medical provider's treatment instructions to achieve the best results possible and stop the spread of this skin disease.
To learn more, contact a dermatologist.
In most photos you see in magazines and on Instagram, the models' skin has been airbrushed to look smooth and perfect. In real life, you will probably never get your skin to look that perfect. But there likely is room for improvement. Professional treatment by a dermatologist can help you get rid of stubborn blemishes, dry patches, clogged pores, and other imperfections that might make you feel self-conscious. Treatments have come a long way in recent years, and new therapies like laser treatment and dermabrasion are giving patients amazing results. Learn more as you dig into the articles offered on this website.