Molluscum contagiosum tends to be more numerous and last longer in children who also have atopic dermatitis, due to deficiencies in the skin barrier. It can be very extensive and troublesome in patients with human immunodeficiency virus ( HIV) infection or that have other reasons for poor immune function. What causes molluscum contagiosum? Among people who have eczema, AIDS or other conditions that affect their immune system, the lesions associated with molluscum contagiosum can grow larger than 5 mm (giant molluscum contagiosum). Where do symptoms of molluscum contagiosum form on my body? Cantharidin is the only FDA approved treatment of molluscum. It is a topical chemical treatment approved for use in adults and children ages 2 and older and must be administered by a health care professional. Podophyllotoxin cream (0.5%) is reliable as a home therapy for adults but is not recommended for pregnant women because of presumed toxicity to the fetus. Each lesion must be treated individually as the therapeutic effect is localized. Other options for topical therapy include iodine and salicylic acid, potassium hydroxide, tretinoin, and imiquimod (T cell modifier). Imiquimod has not been proven effective for the treatment of molluscum contagiosum in children and is not recommended for children due to possible adverse events. These treatments must be prescribed by a health care professional. Therapy for immunocompromised persons

Secondary dermatitis may be treated symptomatically with a mild topical topical corticosteroid such as hydrocortisone cream. Dermatitis is unlikely to fully resolve until the molluscum infection has cleared up. Prevention of molluscum contagiosum infection MolluDab contains potassium hydroxide solution (caustic potash) andmay have a corrosive effect if used wrongly. Do not squeeze or scratch the spots, as this is can release the virus increasing its spread, both to others and to other areas of the skin not yet affected. It is not a good idea to try and remove lesions or the fluid inside of lesions yourself. By removing lesions or lesion fluid by yourself you may unintentionally autoinoculate other parts of the body or risk spreading it to others. By scratching or scraping the skin you could cause a bacterial infection. Oral therapy Since these methods involve treating each bump, a procedure may require more than one session. If you have many large bumps, additional treatment may be necessary every 3 to 6 weeks until the bumps disappear. New bumps may appear as the existing ones heal. Prescribed medications for molluscum contagiosumSometimes treatment is wanted, if the lesions are particularly unsightly or troublesome, or if they are spreading very widely. You should discuss this with your GP. Olsen JR, Piguet V, Gallacher J, Francis NA. Molluscum contagiosum and associations with atopic eczema in children: a retrospective longitudinal study in primary care.Br J Gen Pract . 2016;66(642):e53-8. doi:10.3399/bjgp15X688093. Journal

Most papules are 2-5 mm in size. Occasionally lesions can reach 1 cm or greater in diameter, this is particularly so with solitary lesions Please note that parcels weighing over 2kg may be sent via courier due to Royal Mail weight restrictions. I am being very careful with towels, washing them after every use and not letting them share clothes etc, in the hope it will stop the spread. I am petrified we will give it to friends too which they certainly wouldn't thank me for!Take special care if you have atopic dermatitis (atopic eczema). Seek advice from your doctor if the area affected by molluscum and dermatitis. MolluDab ® should not be used during flare ups of atopic dermatitis or on mucus membranes. Purchasing information for pharmacists