The following diseases should be considered in the differential diagnosis of molluscum contagiosum:
cryptococcosis
, basal cell carcinoma, keratoacanthoma, histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis, and verruca vulgaris. For genital lesions, condyloma acuminata
What can Molluscum be mistaken for?
Beware: there are other diseases that can mimic molluscum:
Other diseases that can mimic individual localized lesions, especially in the genital areas, include
verruca
, benign adnexal tumors (such as syringomas), pyoderma, or condyloma acuminatum.
How do you know if you have molluscum contagiosum?
- Are raised, round and flesh colored.
- Are small — typically under about 1/4 inch (smaller than 6 millimeters) in diameter.
- Characteristically have a small indentation (umbilication) or dot at the top near the center.
- Can become red and inflamed.
How can you tell the difference between molluscum and folliculitis?
- As with molluscum contagiosum, there may be multiple pimples.
- Unlike molluscum contagiosum lesions, folliculitis pimples are filled with pus.
- Folliculitis pimples are painful and swollen (this may not be true of molluscum contagiosum lesions)
What does molluscum look like when it starts?
Molluscum lesions begin as
dome-shaped, shiny bumps with a central dimple or whitish “core
.” They are pink to skin-colored, and pinhead- to pencil eraser–sized. Molluscum may occur anywhere on the skin except the palms and soles.
Is molluscum an STD?
Molluscum contagiosum is
a sexually transmitted infection (STI)
in adults as it can be spread by skin-to-skin contact during sex. It’s characterised by small, smooth, round, pearly lumps with a central core. The infection usually resolves itself, but treatment can shorten the length of symptoms.
What is the fastest way to get rid of molluscum contagiosum?
- Freeze the bumps off.
- Scrape or cut the bumps off.
- Put a chemical on the bumps to make the body fight them away faster.
- Put medicine on the bumps or give medicine to swallow.
Is molluscum a big deal?
Although molluscum contagiosum is a common skin rash in kids, many parents have never heard of it. The most important thing to know about it is that,
for most children, the rash is no big deal and goes away on its own over time
.
Can Apple cider vinegar get rid of molluscum?
Bumps should not be picked or scraped due to risk of infection or spreading the virus. One
home
treatment that seems to work well is apple cider vinegar.
How did my kid get molluscum contagiosum?
The molluscum virus spreads easily from skin touching skin that has bumps. Kids also can
get it by touching things that have the virus on them
, such as toys, clothing, towels, and bedding. Sexually active teens and adults with bumps in the groin or inner thighs can spread them to partners.
What cream is best for molluscum contagiosum?
Imiquimod
is a cream that can be used to treat larger spots or large clusters of spots. Some studies have found that imiquimod is usually only effective when it is used by people with a weakened immune system. It works by stimulating your immune system into attacking the spots.
What happens if you squeeze molluscum?
If you squeeze a molluscum,
a white cheesy fluid comes out
. In most cases fewer than 30 mollusca develop. Sometimes many mollusca develop over various parts of the skin. They tend to occur in groups or clusters.
Can I get molluscum from my child?
Molluscum contagiosum doesn’t spread easily from person to person and
outbreaks are rare
. It can spread by direct (skin-to-skin) contact with bumps, or indirect contact (e.g., bedding contaminated with material from the bumps, sharing of towels).
What is the incubation period for molluscum?
The incubation period is commonly
1 week to 6 months
(average is 2-3 months).
Does molluscum have a white head?
The spots are usually firm and dome-shaped, with a small dimple in the middle. They’re usually less than 5mm (0.5cm) across, but can sometimes be bigger. They’re typically pink or red on white skin or a beige colour on darker skin, although they may have
a tiny white or yellow head in the centre
.
How do you know molluscum is healing?
The last and best reason for redness is that the bumps may be resolving. Generally, a
few weeks
before a molluscum bump goes away, the immune system will cause some local, non-tender inflammation as part of the healing process. So, if they’re red but don’t hurt, keep an eye out and you will likely see them clear.
