STD MOLLUSCUM CONTAGIOSUM: TREATMENT
As noted previously, if left untreated, the lesions eventually disappear on their own, but the process may take several months. To speed up this process, there are two treatment options. The first is freezing the lesions with liquid nitrogen—which is also the standard treatment for another sexually transmitted skin infection, genital warts. Another common treatment for warts, topical liquids such as podophyllin (10-25% solution) or trichloroacetic acid (80-90% solution), can be used either alone or in addition to the liquid nitrogen. These treatments basically destroy the virus as well as the skin cells containing the virus. The second treatment option is to nick the skin of the lesions with a sterile needle and then express the central core of virus.
This is easier if the lesions are larger. The lesions tend to be well vascularized, so bleeding can occur with this method. Patients can be taught to perform this procedure themselves.
Treatment may not be successful in people with such underlying immune system problems as AIDS.
The lesions are usually not red, tender, or filled with pus. If these features are noted, it may be a sign that there is a secondary bacterial infection, most often with the common bacteria found on the skin, such as staphylococcus and streptococcus. Such infections occur in about 40 percent of those with molluscum infection. If a secondary bacterial infection is suspected, antibiotic treatment may be necessary.
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