The first ever at-home treatment for molluscum contagiosum, a highly contagious, viral skin infection mainly affecting children, is now available, thanks to a new approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Molluscum contagiosum is relatively common in children but can also affect adults. It is characterized by round, firm, painless bumps that range in size from a pinhead to a pencil eraser. They can sometimes be painful or itchy. When scratched or removed, they often start to bleed. The bumps are usually located on a child’s face, trunk, arms, or legs. Sometimes, the bumps occur on the genitals, lower abdomen, or inner thighs of adults if it is transmitted through sexual intercourse. The infection spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact, especially if the bumps are scratched and open up. The virus can also be passed indirectly through swimming pools, toys, razors, or tattoo supplies. Left untreated, the bumps can last between six months and two years.
