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Molluscum contagiosum is a common skin disease accounting for roughly one percent of all skin diagnoses worldwide. Caused by a virus that spreads from person to person, this disease is characterized by bumps that appear as small, firm, dome-shaped growths. Patients can get molluscum contagiosum by sharing towels or clothing. Wrestlers and gymnasts may get it by touching infected mats. Children are most likely to develop this skin disease, but it can occur at any age. When it comes to molluscum contagiosum, New Jersey’s Skin & Laser Center of NJ offers several noninvasive treatment options.
The only sign of molluscum contagiosum is pink or flesh-colored bumps that can appear anywhere on the skin. These bumps often appear around seven weeks after exposure to the virus, though it can take longer. Most people develop about 10 to 20 bumps. It is possible to continue to develop new bumps over the course of one to two years. Fortunately, treatment of these lesions can shorten the course of the infection, prevent spread to other parts of the body, and prevent spread to others.
In late 2016 she founded the Skin & Laser Center of NJ, LLC in Mahwah, NJ where she continues to treat her medical and cosmetic patients, and further pursues her interest in laser medicine. Dr. Lieb’s mission is to provide high quality dermatologic care using up-to-date medical information and cutting edge technology in an efficiently run practice. Dr. Lieb is board certified in dermatology, is a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, a member of the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery, the American Society of Laser Medicine and Surgery, and the New Jersey Dermatologic Society. Dr. Lieb is a Staff Dermatologist at The Valley Hospital in Ridgewood.
Patients experiencing a molluscum contagiosum outbreak typically experience some variation of the following symptoms:
Note that the bumps are usually painless, but some bumps itch, especially if you develop a rash around them. Lesions may also turn red as the immune system fights the virus, which is when you can develop an itchy rash.
A provider at Skin & Laser Center of NJ can often diagnose molluscum contagiosum by a simple visual examination of the skin. The bumps associated with this condition can look like warts, chicken pox, and even skin cancer, so getting an accurate diagnosis is crucial before any treatment begins. Your provider may scrape off a bit of infected skin so it can be examined under a microscope in a process known as a biopsy.
After a positive molluscum contagiosum diagnosis, the following treatment options are available to address the bumps:
Skin & Laser Center of NJ in Ramsey provides a wide range of medical, surgical, and cosmetic services for patients in and around New Jersey. Patients can get diagnosis and treatment for acne, skin cancer (with Mohs surgery), chronic conditions (like psoriasis, rosacea, and eczema), moles, melasma, vitiligo, athlete’s foot, toenail fungus, scabies, contact dermatitis, and more. Cosmetic options include wrinkle-relaxing BOTOX® and Dysport®, dermal fillers like Juvederm® and Restylane®, Kybella® for reducing a double chin, chemical peels, Hydrafacial MD, microneedling, laser hair removal, laser acne treatments, laser scar treatments, laser tattoo removal, CoolSculpting®, laser vein treatments, sclerotherapy, and more.
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