All About the Skin Condition Molluscum Contagiosum, Explained by an MD

“It can be 3 a.m. and I’m in the medical center since I acquired a wig off of Amazon,” writer Kayla Knight states in a video posted to her TikTok account. In it, Knight is noticed in a hospital gown and bonnet with many bumps distribute across her face, neck, and chest. Knight was identified with molluscum, a skin condition typically noticed in children that can from time to time take place later in lifestyle far too.

“Molluscum is incredibly popular and typically responds perfectly to procedure,” Anar Mikailov, MD, FAAD, a skin doctor and cofounder of the pores and skin-care brand name Skintensive, tells PS. “Nevertheless, without treatment, the ailment might persist for months to a long time.”

Whilst Knight acquired diagnosed with the cure just after her knowledge with an contaminated hairpiece, you can essentially get molluscum in a range of ways. Forward, Dr. Mikailov describes the symptoms of the pores and skin issue, how it can be transmitted, and how to take care of it.

What Is Molluscum Contagiosum?

Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a viral infection prompted by poxvirus that outcomes in raised bumps and lesions throughout the pores and skin. “They’re benign but usually bothersome, and the virus normally impacts young small children,” Dr. Mikailov states. “The rash triggered by MC provides with sleek, dome-formed, pores and skin-color (or marginally pink-purple) bumps that can display up singularly but more normally existing in groups.”

In people today with eczema, the molluscum virus can persist for significantly for a longer period and actually cause it to flare, as in some cases the bumps from the an infection can also itch, resulting in folks exacerbating both conditions. Molluscum contagiosum can also be sexually transmitted in grown ups.

Molluscum Contagiosum Results in

Molluscum Contagiosum is commonly transmitted by means of make contact with with an infected man or woman. “Transmission is human-to-human call through pores and skin, mucous membranes, or fomites,” which are objects probably to carry infection, like dresses, furniture, and utensils, according to Dr. Mikailov. “Bath towels, swimming swimming pools, and Turkish baths have all been noted as resources of an infection.” Shut-get hold of athletics like wrestling or boxing can also set somebody at a increased chance of producing MC.

In Knight’s scenario, the wig she bought from Amazon was likely worn or handled by another person who had the virus. “If an individual putting on a wig had MC and subsequently shared that wig, transmission could theoretically come about that way,” Dr. Mikailov suggests.

Molluscum Contagiosum Signs or symptoms

The largest molluscum symptom to glance out for is raised bumps. At times, they could have a smaller indentation in the center, but it is really important to be aware that they are not pores and skin tags. “MC is more comparable to warts, which are also induced by a virus and can be treated in a identical way,” Dr. Mikailov suggests.

Molluscum Contagiosum Stages in Photos

Molluscum Contagiosum Remedy

The bumps prompted by molluscum typically go away on their very own. On the other hand, if you are enduring itching and irritation or just want to get rid of the elevated lesions more rapidly, you can seek medical cure. “Quite a few alternatives for cure exist,” Dr. Mikailov claims. “Men and women can decide for cryotherapy, cantharidin gel, tazarotene or tretinoin, curettage, trichloroacetic acid, or topical cidofovir.” Results and cure times may vary, but it will frequently take a minimal of four to six months for the bumps to distinct.

Ariel Baker is the assistant editor for POPSUGAR Attractiveness. Her parts of expertise include things like celebrity news, attractiveness tendencies, and item assessments. She has additional bylines with Essence and Forbes Vetted.