$Unique_ID{BRK00763}
$Pretitle{Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue, Ill Defined Symptoms and Rare Diseases}
$Title{What Can be Done to Prevent Molluscum Contagiosum from Spreading?}
$Subject{molluscum infection treatment virus}
$Volume{L-20, N-20}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What Can be Done to Prevent Molluscum Contagiosum from Spreading?


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QUESTION:  My son is 22 months old and developed a skin condition on his face
and eyelid.  They look like fleshy bumps similar to warts.  I took him to a
dermatologist who told me it was molluscum contagiosum and there was no
treatment for it.  They Appear to be getting worse!  What if anything can I do
to prevent them from spreading or coming back.  Will they affect his vision?

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ANSWER:  First to your most pressing worry.  No they will not harm his vision
in any way.  And my dermatologist says there are a great number of possible
treatments to stop the spread, and control the infection.  Dr. Benjamin Raab
of Chicago, Illinois and a member of the 2000 member American Society of
Dermatological Surgeons (who happily provide me with free consultations when I
get stuck) wishes you to have the following information.  Molluscum
contagiosum is caused by a virus infection, is contagious and frequently
contracted from other children in the play group.  They can appear anywhere on
the skin and have a little dimple in the middle of the lesion, which helps
make the diagnosis simple.  Although there are few symptoms that occur with
the infection, it remains contagious for an indefinite period of time,
certainly for as long as the bumps are present.  They can be treated,
successfully by destroying each lesion present.  A number of techniques exist
to accomplish this:  Chemical, using a blistering agent called cantharidin; by
freezing (cryotherapy); drying with an electrical current
(electro-dessication); or removing the central core with a needle or
extractor.  Even lasers may be employed in some cases.  Although it is
possible that the lesions may disappear by themselves, there is no way to
predict just when that may happen, and in the meantime, your child may spread
the disease to others, or even reinfect himself.  Seems to me you should
consult another physician, someone who is experienced in performing one of the
methods outlined here.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
