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Philadelphia and Mainline Center of Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery

Written by Dr. Ringpfeil

Molluscum Contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum is a benign rash caused by a harmless pox virus. Small skin colored or pink bumps with a central dell can occur on various body areas in children but in adults are most commonly seen in the genital area. They are contagious and transmission is by skin to skin contact. They are usually asymptomatic but if irritated can become itchy, red and tender. Once they are red and tender, they tend to resolve within another 10-14 days.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis is usually made clinically based on the characteristic appearance of molluscum contagiosum. A biopsy is rarely necessary unless lesions are unusual.

Management

In children, asymptomatic lesions need not be treated because they will eventually resolve over the course of 9 to 12 months. If treatment is desired due to appearance or symptoms, a number of modal;ities may be employed. Application of the following over the counter and prescription substances may be effective: tea tree oil (including Zymaderm), sinecatechin (green tea), salicylic acid, podophyllin, imiquimod, topical retinoids and cantharidin,. At home treatments often require multiple applications and have the potential for irritation. Length of treatment is highly variable. Individual lesions can be treated in the office via cryosurgery with liquid nitrogen, via application of a chemical blistering agent called cantharidin (commonly referred to as blister beetle juice) or via pulsed dye laser. In-office treatments are highly effective in visible lesions. Some molluscum bumps are not noticeable at time of treatment and if they develop several days later may start another crop on the skin. Application of liquid nitrogen causes some discomfort due to its very cold temperature, whereas cantharidin application is painless. Both treatments can leave permanently lighter colored marks. The pulsed dye laser causes an intense rubber band snapping sensation but leaves no scar. In sexually active adults, the molluscum lesions should be treated to avoid transmission to others. Cryosurgery is usually the treatment of choice in the genital area however topical imiquimod cream or sinecatechin ointment can be employed. Lesions can also be physically removed via curettage (scraping) but this method is less commonly employed. Sexual partners should be checked for the presence of molluscum lesions to avoid reinfection.

Coping

If the decision is made not to treat molluscum lesions in children it is important to avoid irritation to the molluscum. Scratching and chronic friction can cause mollsucum to become inflamed, red and sore. A water proof bandaid may be applied to single spots especially if molluscum is located in exposed or easily scratched area. The molluscum lesions themselves usually do not itch but they commonly occur in areas of eczema prone skin. They are also known to flare eczema (atopic dermatitis).Keeping a child's eczema or atopic dermatitis under control may lessen his or her risk for development of molluscum.

Prevention

Molluscum are spread by skin to skin contact. Infected individuals should avoid skin to skin contact with others. Parents should not bathe their children together if one child has molluscum. Single lesions in exposed areas may be covered with a waterproof band aid that is renewed daily.

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SKIN

# of surveys: 4187
Last updated: 1/02/2024 11:10 AM

PATIENT RATINGS

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Compare our service to other similar practices

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Overall doctor performance

excellent
94.2%
very good
4.89%
good
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poor
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The doctor listened to you attentively

excellent
93.9%
very good
4.97%
good
1.05%
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The doctor took time to answer your questions

excellent
94.0%
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4.66%
good
1.27%
poor
0.02%
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The doctor explained treatment options

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The doctor explained treatment options

excellent
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5.69%
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2.18%
poor
0.11%
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Front desk performance

excellent
85.6%
very good
10.2%
good
3.66%
poor
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very poor
0.08%

Aesthetician performance

excellent
88.6%
very good
7.61%
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Office comfort

excellent
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Parking

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15.7%
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Friendliness of the staff during appointment

excellent
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What WE DID WELL

(Answers:674)

The doctor saw me exactly when i was scheduled.

#12024-01-29

Ambiance and cleanliness of the office; informative, highly professional staff. Overall, this was a very pleasant experience.

#22024-11-23

Office staff was very polite and Dr was very thorough and everything was automated!

#32024-05-13

Novel use of computers

#42024-07-31

Dr. Ringpfeil is wonderful. I must say i've visited various dermatologist in the past and this is the first doctor that has touched my face. Very important to me so that was big believe it or not. Also very easy to talk to and you dont feel rushed.She explains well. i'm very satisfied with my visit.

#52024-01-30

good service

#62011-04-19 10:17:20

So much better then other doctors offices, very very friendly, Love it.

#72011-04-05 09:29:32

Overall friendliness of the staff. Atmosphere was very comfortable.

#82024-02-21

Everything was good. I like this place.

#92024-02-08

Everyone was very nice! Thankyou for all your help!

#102024-07-25

What can we do better?

(answers:373)

I thought everyone was fantastic and very helpful-no suggestions had a great experience

#12024-09-13

I wish there is a more flexible schedule for the morning visit.

#22010-12-16 12:15:00

receptionist should not be so quick to refuse insurance before fully understanding the the type of insurance and how it functions

#32011-09-14 09:34:31

Just keep doing what the company is doing and yall will be fine. no problems at all i will refer anybody to this compnay

#42024-10-08

Can't think of anything. I feel good about this visit.

#52010-09-09 11:47:56

My next appointment could not be scheduled for 6 weeks. I wish I could be seen sooner!

#62010-12-16 10:06:03

I think I was served most excellently. I cannot thing of anything to add.

#72024-05-16

Nicer chairs in office

#82011-01-24 14:33:36

Shorter wait

#92024-06-30

Keep me informed of specials on products that might be good for my skin.

#102011-01-05 16:01:31

Customer Rating : 4.7

Based on 637 ratings
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