What is Molluscum Contigiosum?

 

 

Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a viral infection that is caused by a type of pox virus called Molluscum Contagiosum Virus (MCV). These are commonly called Molluscum and mainly affects children, but it can affect any age group.MC (Molluscum Contagiosum) is generally considered a self-limiting skin disorder which normally gets better with time and doesn’t require any specific treatment. They are also generally considered harmless. Molluscum (MC) can however, to spread around the body, so it can sometimes may take up to 18 months or more for the condition to clear completely.

Molluscum contagiosum (MC) appear as small, skin coloured bumps (papules) with a umbilicated (depressed centre) centre. They however do not produce any symptoms but can be occasionally itchy. They appear in clusters on trunk, armpits and behind knees or groins.If you have these on your skin, then we suggest you to seek help from your own GPs to get their opinion and advice.

One should also seek help of the local STD clinics in this matter if one has very severe form of molluscum so that they can be screened against HIV infection.At Renew Skin and Health clinic we shave off couple of lesions of MC (Molluscum Contagiosum) to send for biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. Once they are confirmed then we can look into removing the rest with CO2 laser and generally one treatment will be required. Please be aware there will be consultation fees of £100. Plus £350 for biopsy which includes shaving of two lesions and then sending them to laboratory for histo-pathology (Biopsy).Subsequent laser vaporisation of these lesions will cost £75/lesion under local anaesthesia. The above treatment may also be available in other clinics locally to your area and you should explore into this.