Molluscum contagiosum is a benign, poxvirus infection that typically has a central depression. This image displays lesions from a skin infection with a poxvirus, molluscum contagiosum. As displayed in this image, molluscum appear smooth and can be either skin-colored or, if inflamed, pink. This image displays molluscum lesions with a depression in the center. Some of the numerous molluscum lesions on this child’s trunk and arm are the skin-colored bumps with a slight depression that are typical of molluscum, while others are red and scabbed. Molluscum lesions may be numerous and pearl-like in appearance; some spots on the child's chin show the characteristic indentation in the center.
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Molluscum Contagiosum (Pediatric):
A parent's guide to condition and treatment information

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Picture of Molluscum Contagiosum (Pediatric): Molluscum contagiosum is a benign, poxvirus infection that typically has a central depression. Divider line
Molluscum contagiosum is a benign, poxvirus infection that typically has a central depression.
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Treatments Your Physician May Prescribe
  • Removal with freezing (cryosurgery), scraping (curettage), burning (electrocautery), or a laser
  • Application of chemicals (a strong acid or alkali) or Cantharone (an extract from a blister beetle)
  • Prescription cream with either tretinoin (made from vitamin A) or imiquimod (a product also used to treat warts, another type of viral infection)
Last Modified: 29 Jan 2008

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