Molluscum are smooth, pearly, flesh-colored skin growths caused by a virus. They begin as small bumps and may grow as large as a pencil eraser. Many have a central pit where the virus bodies live. Usually, molluscum can be itchy and the skin around the growths may become infected. The bumps usually last from two weeks to one and a half years, and can go away by themselves. The molluscum may be passed from person to person by direct contact. Although molluscum will eventually resolve, lesions spread easily, may become infected, may be itchy or irritated, and are sometimes cosmetically objectionable. For these reasons, they are often removed.

What types of treatment are available for Molloscum?

The treatment depends on the age of the patient and the size and location of the growths. Some ways to remove molluscum is by treatment creams, Cantharone, freezing with liquid nitrogen, or scraping the bump and removing the center. New molluscum may form while existing ones are being treated. Any lesions large enough to be seen will be treated. Multiple treatments are usually required.