MOLLUSCUM CONTAGIOSUM

OVERVIEW

Molluscum contagiosum is a viral skin infection caused by a poxvirus. It presents as small, smooth, dome-shaped lesions, often flesh-colored or pearly, with a characteristic central indentation (umbilication).

Molluscum is a benign and self-limited condition and may resolve spontaneously over time. However, lesions can persist for months, spread to other areas of the body, or be transmitted to others. For these reasons, treatment may be recommended in selected cases.

CLINICAL FEATURES

Molluscum lesions typically:

Are small, round, and smooth
Have a central depression
Occur singly or in clusters
May appear on the face, trunk, extremities, or genital area

Lesions are usually painless but may become irritated, inflamed, or secondarily infected, especially if scratched or shaved.

TRANSMISSION AND SPREAD

Molluscum contagiosum spreads through:

Direct skin-to-skin contact
Autoinoculation, such as scratching or shaving over lesions
Shared personal items (e.g., towels, clothing, athletic equipment)

Skin-to-skin contact with affected areas should be avoided when lesions are present to minimize transmission.

GENITAL MOLLUSCUM IN ADOLESCENTS AND ADULTS

In adults, molluscum contagiosum involving the genital area is often acquired through sexual skin-to-skin contact. Lesions may spread to surrounding skin or to partners. For this reason, treatment is commonly recommended in adults with genital molluscum to reduce transmission and prevent further spread.

In children, molluscum contagiosum is frequently spread through non-sexual contact, including close skin contact, shared towels, clothing, or autoinoculation. The presence of molluscum lesions in the genital region of a child does not by itself indicate sexual transmission. Clinical context, lesion distribution, and medical history are carefully considered when evaluating pediatric cases.

WHEN TREATMENT MAY BE RECOMMENDED

Although molluscum often resolves without intervention, treatment may be advised to:

Reduce spread to other body areas
Prevent transmission to others
Limit irritation or inflammation
Address cosmetic or psychosocial concerns
Manage lesions in adults, immunocompromised patients, or sensitive areas

TREATMENT OPTIONS

There is no single required treatment for molluscum contagiosum. Management is individualized based on lesion number, location, symptoms, and patient-specific factors.

Treatment options may include:

Observation, as molluscum is self-limited
Topical treatments, including acids or other agents
Cryosurgery
Chemical destruction
Laser destruction

Multiple treatment sessions may be necessary, and recurrence can occur due to autoinoculation.

ROLE OF LASER THERAPY

Laser therapy may be used selectively for molluscum contagiosum, particularly when lesions are numerous, persistent, recurrent, or located in sensitive areas.

In our clinic, CO₂ laser and Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL) may be utilized depending on lesion characteristics and patient factors:

CO₂ laser allows precise destruction of individual lesions and is considered a standard treatment option in selected cases.
PDL targets the vascular component of lesions and may be used in certain presentations to reduce tissue injury.

As with all destructive treatments, scarring is uncommon but cannot be completely excluded, and careful technique and patient selection are essential.

IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS

Molluscum may spread through scratching, shaving, or close contact
Lesions may recur through autoinoculation
Treatment choice depends on age, immune status, lesion location, and patient preference
Not all patients require treatment

LONG-TERM EXPECTATIONS

Molluscum contagiosum is a self-limited viral infection. With or without treatment, most cases eventually resolve. When treatment is used, the goal is to control spread and symptoms, not to alter the natural course of the virus.

EXPERT CARE

Our office regularly evaluates and treats molluscum contagiosum in both children and adults. Treatment recommendations are individualized based on clinical findings, lesion characteristics, and patient-specific considerations.

📞 Call (847) 518-9999 to schedule a consultation.

Medical Disclosure
This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not replace a personalized medical evaluation. Treatment recommendations may vary based on individual findings. Outcomes may vary, and no specific medical or cosmetic result can be guaranteed. Procedural treatments may not be appropriate for all patients.