What Is Molluscum Contagiosum And What Can You Do About It?
Molluscum contagiosum is a skin virus that can affect anyone, young or old, and appears as a raised bump with a dimple in the center. These bumps are usually itchy and can spread much like any type of virus, from surfaces that have been touched by an infected person, or from skin contact of an infected person. This skin virus can be treated, although if untreated, it can spread rather quickly, leaving you needing a much more in-depth type of treatment. If you have molluscum contagiosum, read on for what you can do about it.
Stop Itching
Stop itching the spots, as they can spread to other parts of your body or to other people. If you have this skin virus, be sure to keep the area covered to prevent you from touching it on a surface and spreading it to others. Also, be sure you aren't touching it in any way. If you do end up scratching or touching these bumps, be sure you wash your hands thoroughly to prevent spreading it further on your body or to others.
Use A Topical Ointment
Apply a topical ointment that can help keep it from itching, such as calamine lotion. These can be applied multiple times throughout the day with a cotton ball and will help prevent it from feeling too itchy. It can also help to dry up the bumps and will help to keep you from spreading the virus to other parts of your body.
Go To The Dermatologist
Make an appointment with your dermatologist to be sure this is what you have, and to have it treated with medications if you haven't been able to get it to go away on its own. This condition usually clears up on its own, but in some cases, a medicated ointment may be necessary, and in other cases, it needs to be removed by freezing or by scraping the tissue, which your dermatologist will need to perform.
If you have bumps on your body and there is a puncture mark in the center, do not scratch it, especially if you have a cluster of them. It could be this skin virus. Be sure to seek help from your dermatologist if these bumps do not go away or they begin to spread. This is a quick-spreading virus, which you could infect others with. Make an appointment to have this virus treated properly to prevent spreading it further.
For more information, contact a local dermatologist.