Molluscum in Houston, TX

Molluscum contagiosum (a rash of bumps on the skin that can become inflamed and spread quickly) may be an uncomfortable, unattractive viral infection. Advanced Dermatology can provide you or your child with a private skin consultation to see if what you have is in fact molluscum. We can offer you guidance on how to soothe the symptoms, remove the lesions, and limit the spread of this highly contagious infection.

Patients young and old can contract this unfortunate viral infection. Let us examine your skin at any of our locations in Katy, League City, Pearland, or Sugar Land, TX. We can give helpful recommendations on the appropriate ways to care for your infection.

The skin condition molluscum is a viral infection that can be spread easily with skin-to-skin contact, or from touching objects that have been exposed to the virus (shared toys, sports equipment, articles of clothing, etc.). Adults and children of all ages are at risk of contracting molluscum. Itching, rubbing, scrubbing, and/or shaving the area can cause this viral infection to spread or the bumps to multiply on the surrounding skin. Molluscum can also be transmitted between sexual partners and can appear on the genitals, on the inside of the upper thighs, and on the stomach of the infected person.

An itchy, red rash is the primary symptom of molluscum contagiosum. The bumps will appear primarily on the face, neck, arms (especially in the crevices of the armpits), and on the top of the hands. Other symptoms of the condition include:

• Round bumps on the skin that may be red (inflamed), or flesh-toned with a small dot in the center
• The bumps are very small in size
• The infected pustules can be pus-filled

Risk factors for molluscum contagiosum include a weakened immune system, which makes individuals more susceptible to infections. Children, especially those between the ages of 1 – 10, are also at higher risk due to their developing immune systems and frequent skin contact with others. People living in warm, humid climates are more likely to contract the virus, as it thrives in such environments. Additionally, individuals with atopic dermatitis or other skin conditions may be more vulnerable to developing molluscum due to compromised skin barriers.

Molluscum can be diagnosed through a visual examination by a member of our team at Advanced Dermatology. The characteristic appearance of small, dome-shaped papules with a central indentation is often sufficient for diagnosis. In some cases, a dermatoscope may be used to examine the lesions more closely. Additionally, a skin biopsy may be performed in rare or atypical cases to confirm the diagnosis. Differential diagnosis may be necessary to distinguish molluscum contagiosum from other skin conditions with similar presentations, such as warts or chickenpox. Overall, the diagnosis of molluscum contagiosum is relatively straightforward based on clinical features, and treatment options can be discussed with our team of healthcare providers in Houston, TX.

It is best to talk to a professional before attempting home remedies or over-the-counter medications that treat only the visible symptoms. You could actually make the infection worse. At Advanced Dermatology, we can treat your molluscum infection with these methods:

• Curettage 
  This involves removing the bumps off of the skin. This will not cure the infection or prevent the spread of the virus. Scraping can be painful (especially for young children).
• Cryotherapy
  Using liquid nitrogen, your practitioner can freeze off each bump of infected skin. This may take several appointments with repeat applications to acquire the desired result.
• Cautery
  We can use heat therapy to remove the visible part of each bump, which will also require several treatments for successful removal of the bumps. This does not prevent new bumps from forming.

How can I consult with a professional about my Molluscum contagiosum condition?
If you suspect you or your child may have molluscum contagiosum, you can schedule a private skin consultation at Advanced Dermatology. We have locations in Katy, League City, Pearland, and Sugar Land, TX. Our team will examine your skin, confirm the diagnosis, and provide guidance on managing the symptoms, treating the lesions, and preventing the spread of the infection.

Is there any risk associated with at-home treatments for Molluscum contagiosum?
Yes, attempting home remedies or over-the-counter medications that treat only the visible symptoms of molluscum contagiosum can potentially make the infection worse. Therefore, it's advised to consult a professional before trying any such treatments at home.

Can Molluscum contagiosum resolve itself without treatment?
Molluscum contagiosum can, in some cases, resolve on its own once the virus runs its course. However, it's still recommended to seek professional advice as the condition can be painful, spread to other areas of your body, and may lead to scarring. Advanced Dermatology offers a personalized treatment approach to help manage this condition.

At Advanced Dermatology, we want to help you deal with your viral skin infection with personalized treatment. Molluscum may go away on its own once the virus runs its course, but it can be painful, spread throughout your body, or scar your skin. Call us today for a personal consultation, and we will do our best to minimize the impact of this infection.