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Molluscum contagiosum is a skin infection that causes small pearly or flesh-colored bumps. The bumps may be clear, and the center often is indented. The infection is caused by a virus. The virus is easily spread but is not harmful. Symptoms of molluscum contagiosum include bumps that are most often found on the trunk, face, eyelids, or genital area in temperate climates and on extremities in the tropics. In children, bumps usually appear on the trunk, face, and arms. In sexually active teens and young adults, the bumps are usually located in the genital area.
Bumps usually go away on their own in two to four months, although they may last longer. Bumps may develop along with eczema, and you may not notice them as much as the eczema. Molluscum contagiosum in people who have an impaired immune system, such as HIV infection, can be more serious. The bumps are widespread and can mimic other serious diseases of people with HIV infection. Conditions that may appear similar to molluscum contagiosum include warts, chickenpox, genital warts, basal cell skin cancer, and lichen planus.
Molluscum contagiosum is usually diagnosed during a physical exam. If you have bumps in your genital area, your doctor may check for other sexually transmitted diseases, such as genital herpes. Some doctors may consider testing for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) if you are at risk for the condition and you have bumps on your face or other symptoms of a severe case of molluscum contagiosum. A biopsy may be done if the diagnosis is unclear and other conditions are suspected.
Treatment for molluscum contagiosum is not always needed because most bumps will go away within two to four months, although they may last longer. But if bumps are visible or embarrassing, or in order to prevent their spread, you may want them removed. Removal or other treatment is recommended for bumps in the genital area. Treatment varies depending on your age and health and the location of the bumps. There has been little research on how well any of the treatments work or how they compare to each other.
You apply the nonprescription medicine, such as salicylic acid, directly to the bumps. It is usually not painful and is often regarded as the first treatment to try. Immunotherapy triggers your immune system to fight the virus causing the skin growth. Imiquimod is applied three times a week, left on the skin for six to ten hours, and washed off. A course may last from four to sixteen weeks. Small studies have shown that it is successful about eighty percent of the time.
Manual extrusion means that the viral material is removed by squeezing the bumps with fingers or a forceps. This is done carefully by a doctor to avoid scarring and keep the infection from spreading. Curettage means that the viral material in the center of the bump is scraped out. A local or topical anesthetic can be used to numb the area. A small scraping instrument called a curette is used to quickly remove the bumps. This procedure may cause scarring.
Your doctor may apply a chemical to the bumps. This destroys the top layers of the skin, allowing a new layer to form. When the chemical is applied, you may feel a burning sensation. Side effects may include mild scarring. Home treatment for molluscum contagiosum involves taking care of the bumps if they have been treated and preventing them from spreading to other parts of your body or to others. If the bumps have been treated, it is important to keep the area clean and protected.
For recent years, plant medicine is considered to be very important because of the unique advantage in the treatment of molluscum. It is natural and does not have significant toxicity and side effects. Plant medicines, just as the name imply, are bulk drugs and preparations that take plant primary metabolites such as protein and amylose and secondary metabolites such as alkaloid, phenols and terpene as active ingredient. It plays a dominant role in natural drugs.
It is clear that chemical drugs can cause serious harm to the body at the time of dealing with animal diseases. The toxicity issue of chemical drugs is an increasing concern. While, natural drugs are not for destroying enemy but for mobilizing autologous tissue or self-recovery capability. Additionally, natural drugs have an effect to improve effect and decrease toxicity by compatibility of medicines and reduce side effect further. To learn more, please go to http://www.naturespharma.org.