Valeria Chavez

April 11, 2015

American Academy of Dermatology. "Excellence in Dermatology Excellence in Dermatologic

Surgery Excellence in Medical Dermatology Excellence in Dermatopathology."
Molluscum Contagiosum: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Outcome. American Academy of
Dermatology, n.d. Web. 12 Apr. 2015.

Molluscum Contagiosum is a harmless viral infection that causes small bumps to

form on the skin.
It is also known as water warts, but should not be treated like a regular wart.
Although it is most commonly found in children, adults with weak immune
systems can also be affected.
MC spreads through skin-to-skin contact or by touching an infected surface.
MC can also be spread through sexual contact.
The bumps start out small, then usually grow in numbers, the maximum being
around 20, but can increase if they are scratched, which spreads the virus.
Small, flesh colored bumps that may appear to be plugged are indicators of MC.
The bumps will turn red and irritated if the body is fighting off the infection, but
medical treatment is usually necessary,
Common places to find MC are the back, chest, neck, thighs, and face.
Treatments options include removal, cryosurgery (liquid nitrogen), or topical
treatments.

Molluscum contagiosum is a common disease that mostly affects children, but people of
all ages should take precautions to avoid catching and spreading the virus.