Molluscum Contagiosum
Molluscum contagiosum is a common infection of the skin, caused by a virus. It can affect all ages but is more commonly seen in children and young adults. It appears as small dome-shaped bumps that may clear on their own or may spread, increase in number, itch, and cause a rash.
- Causes: Molluscum contagiosum is caused by a member of the poxvirus family. It is harmless but contagious and can be spread by skin-to-skin contact, scratching or rubbing the infected skin, or contact with a wet surface harboring the virus. Thus, molluscum contagiosum may be sexually transmitted, but it’s certainly not the only way of getting this infection.
- Symptoms:Once becoming infected with the virus, those who are not immune will begin to experience symptoms after two to eight weeks. The most obvious symptom is the small, pearl-like bumps that appear on the surface of the skin, called papules. These bumps usually have a dimple or dent in the middle of them. The bumps are dome-like in shape and usually flesh-colored when symptoms are first sighted. After a while, they may turn red in color and drain a white, waxy substance. While rarely described as painful, these bumps may be sore and itchy to some extent. On occasion, a papule may become large, inflamed, and appear infected, but then resolve itself spontaneously.
- Diagnosis: Due to their relatively distinct appearance, a dermatologist can diagnose molluscum contagiosum in many cases just from looking at the skin bumps. If there’s any doubt, a biopsy can be performed to confirm the diagnosis. While molluscum contagiosum may be clear to the dermatologist most of the time, that doesn’t mean it’s obvious to the average person. Something more dangerous could be causing your skin bumps. Don’t avoid getting a diagnose from a certified dermatologist.
- Treatment: After several months, molluscum contagiosum can resolve itself without treatment, but most people seek treatment due to the infectious nature of the lesions that can spread to family, friends, and the public. Treatment by your dermatologists depends upon the number and location of the lesions and the age of the patient. Treatments may include topical retinoids, antivirals, imiquimod, catheradin, liquid nitrogen, cautery, or scraping the lesion. Treatment requires patience, as it is common for new lesions to appear as treated lesions resolve.
Why Choose Zel for Molluscum Contagiosum Treatment
Many people eventually develop an immunity to the virus, but those who are immunocompromised are especially vulnerable to contracting the virus and experiencing a widespread infection and skin rash. Thus, even harmless skin rashes shouldn’t be ignored.
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*Results may vary per patient. Services vary by location.
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Felt COvid safe ... always a great experience working with professionals
Brian brings a unique combination of medical science, clinical expertise, integrity and compassion to his patients. He provides the latest technology available in the field of dermatology but with a personalized touch for each patient. He is highly respected by his colleagues throughout the country for his expertise and sincerity.
Everyone I have met at Zel is amazing!
It is rare to find a dermatologist who is as knowledgeable about the many facets of clinical and cosmetic dermatology as Dr. Zelickson. Because of his knowledge and honesty, doctors worldwide know they can depend on his assessment of new therapies, procedures and medical devices. This, in turn, has made him a much sought–after speaker for the plethora of professional medical society meetings and engagements that we have throughout the year. I am honored to know Dr. Zelickson and consider him a friend to the profession.
Dr. Brian Zelickson was one of our initial Thermage investigators and helped us understand the mechanisms of non–invasive skin tightening. He is a renowned expert on how collagen can affect skin tightening and wrinkle reduction.
Dr. Brian Zelickson is one of this country’s leading laser experts. Not only is he unparalleled as a laser surgeon, it is not an exaggeration to state that his superb research helps determine the future of dermatologic laser surgery.
Dr. Zelickson is a highly regarded skin/light expert in our industry. When Candela looks for both medical and scientific advice for new laser applications, we often turn to him for his counsel. The input he provides us always starts with patient safety and satisfaction. We feel fortunate to be able to tap into Brian as an independent resource. The patients who are treated with Candela devices are often the beneficiaries of Brian’s input to us.
Most patients prefer seeing a doctor who is known for a particular specialty or procedure, but all patients want to see the doctor who invented the procedure or therapy. Dr. Brian Zelickson is one of the most respected physicians in the field of cosmetic dermatology and aesthetic medicine. He has lectured around the world and is one of the most sought–after speakers for all major meetings in dermatology.
I would rate Dr. Zelickson's clinic 10 stars!
We have felt honored to have Dr. Brian Zelickson, a world–renowned dermatologist who is distinguished as a high–quality care physician, serving as the investigator evaluating Syneron non–invasive skin tightening technology
I trained with Dr. Zelickson at Mayo Clinic, and I found him to be a very bright and creative dermatologist and scientist. Later, he was our best advisor when we set up our clinic in the Basque Country in Spain. I call him the ‘paparazzi of dermatology.’ His contribution to our speciality is probably among the best of this century.
Tuve la suerte de conocer al Dr. Brian Zelickson en Minneapolis hace muchos anos y desde entonces acudo regularmente a compartir sus conocimientos. Es un científico honrado, brillante, creativo e innovador. Nunca deja de sorprenderte agradablemente.
Dr. Zelickson is a very well–respected dermatologist, not only in the U.S., but also in Europe. He is famous for being the author of relevant dermatological studies published in many prestigious medical journals and for the improvements he’s made on minimally invasive cosmetic procedures that are being used by dermatologists all over the world.
Our view from Europe of Dr. Brian Zelickson is that he is one of the leading four or five U.S. laser dermatologists. His research contributions, his superb lectures and his expert knowledge of laser skin surgery make him a valued friend, colleague and guest.
Dr. Brian Zelickson is one of the world’s leaders in cutaneous laser surgery. He has performed groundbreaking research over the past decade, advancing the field as well as expertly providing the most up–to–date laser treatments for his patients.
Brian Zelickson is a world–renowned laser expert who helps develop the lasers and treatment parameters used by the rest of the world. He is where others turn to learn the latest techniques in laser surgery. If you want the best treatment available, delivering the best results in the safest environment available, there is no need to look anywhere else.
I have met many laser experts in my 20 years of teaching, lecturing and running a busy practice. There is no one who I respect more than Brian. If I have a clinical question or research idea, Brian is one of the few individuals I call, as I know I can count on his intellect, integrity and common sense.
Dr. Zelickson is one of America’s most knowledgeable laser experts. He has done pioneering work with many of the laser and light–based technologies developed in the world over the last 10 years. He is a giant in the field.
Dr. Zelickson is one of the world’s leaders in the field of lasers for the treatment of the skin. His many years experience in treating thousands of patients with lasers and other medical devices makes him one of the most sought–after doctors in this field. Innovation and caring are his trademarks.