What Are The Symptoms And Treatment Of Molluscum Contagiosum?

Posted on Wed, 26 Feb 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 26 Feb 2014 Answered on

Fri, 21 Mar 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Any ideas of what these white bumps could be

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (2 hours later)

Brief Answer: molluscum contagiosum Detailed Answer: Hello Thank for the query. These bumps are looking like molluscum contagiosum. It is a viral infection. I would like to know few additional points to come to a closer diagnosis. 1. Since when you have these lesions ? 2. Is there pain or any other symptoms in these lesions? 3. Do you have similar lesions anywhere else on body. Please answer the above so I could help you better. Thank you

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (1 hour later)

About 10 days. No there is no pain or any other symptoms associated with them. No other signs of them on the body I thought that molluscum has dimples in the bumps. Does it look like herpes or some other bumps?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (9 hours later)

Brief Answer: Not herpes Detailed Answer: Hello Herpes manifests with water filled lesions. The lesions hardly stay for a day and rupture. There is also associated itching. Molluscum usually presents with dimpled lesions, but it can also present as a whitish bump. The most probable diagnosis is molloscum. Please meet a dermatologist and get them removed. Thank you

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (5 hours later)

Does this picture change your opinion .

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (17 hours later)

Brief Answer: Tzank test to be done Detailed Answer: Hello Even the second picture is suggestive of molluscum. A simple microscopic examination of material obtained from one of the lesions can confirm the diagnosis. It is called as Tzank smear. Please meet a dermatologist and get it done. Thank you

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (3 hours later)

A doctor gave a quick look 2 weeks ago and said maybe herpes so he gave me herpes medication to take for a week but it did not do anything so is that a sign that it cant be herpes if antiviral medication did nothing

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (35 hours later)

Brief Answer: not herpes Detailed Answer: Hello Its not herpes. Lesions of herpes are water filled and remain intact just for a day, later they rupture and may develop ulcers. Also there is always itch or pain in herpes lesions. Thank you

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D