AIDS InfoNet www.aidsinfonet.org Fact Sheet Number 513 MOLLUSCUM WHAT IS MOLLUSCUM? HOW DO I KNOW IF I CAN MOLLUSCUM BE
Molluscum contagiosum is a skin HAVE MOLLUSCUM? PREVENTED?
infection. It is caused by a virus. A health care provider can easily Because the virus that causes
Molluscum causes small bumps identify molluscum lesions. They are molluscum is so common, it is not
(lesions) to appear on the skin. Most of
waxy, flesh-colored bumps that don’t possible to avoid being exposed to it.
them are less than half an inch in hurt or itch. There are only one or two However, if you have molluscum you
other infections that cause skin should make sure that the lesions don’t
Some lesions have a small dent or problems that look at all similar to touch anyone else. You should also be
dimple in the center. The lesions are molluscum.
Be careful not to scratch the lesions or
HOW IS MOLLUSCUM care providers think that using an
and almost everyone has it in his or her
TREATED?
electric shaver helps prevent the spread
body. A healthy immune system will Molluscum lesions are treated the same of molluscum.
control molluscum so that if lesions way as warts. Unfortunately, the lesions
appear, they do not last a long time. often return and need to be treated
systems can develop molluscum They can be frozen with liquid
DRUG INTERACTION PROBLEMS
They can be burned with an electric The acne drugs tretinoin (Retin-A) and
needle (electrocautery) or a laser. isotretinoin (Accutane) tend to dry out
the skin. Dry skin is also a side effect of
problem. However, many people find They can be treated with chemicals (Crixivan) and some other antiretroviral
used on warts such as medications (ARVs). If you take use
podophyllin, or podofilox. These along with ARVs that can cause dry
chemicals can not be used on skin, your skin problems could get
They can be cut or “scooped” out
HOW DOES MOLLUSCUM SPREAD?
They can be treated with drugs THE BOTTOM LINE
contact. It often spreads through sexual
of the skin, but it is especially common
This is a newer approach. These not medically dangerous, the lesions
It can be spread from existing lesions to
cause redness and soreness. Molluscum can be spread from person
to person by direct skin contact. It can
people. It can also be spread by objects
be spread during sexual activity. If you
(or clothing) that came in contact with a
Another approach is to use the lesions to new areas if you shave with a
they often return and have to be treated
Reviewed April 10, 2013 A project of the New Mexico AIDS Education and Training Center. Partially funded by the National Library of Medicine Fact Sheets can be downloaded from the Internet at http://www.aidsinfonet.org
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DO RIVER REACHES DIFFER IN HABITAT-FLOW RELATIONSHIPS ACCORDING TO HYDROLOGIC CLASSIFICATION AND RIVER SIZE? Environmental Hydraulics Institute ‘‘IH Cantabria’’, Universidad de Cantabria. C/ Isabel Torres nº 15. Santander, Cantabria, 39011, Spain Environmental Hydraulics Institute ‘‘IH Cantabria’’, Universidad de Cantabria. C/ Isabel Torres nº 15. Santander, Can
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