Most of the questions addressed here relate to the treatment of molluscum. To learn more on molluscum in general, please click the "Get more information" button to the left..

4. What are the treatments for molluscum?
5. I was just treated with cantharone, what should I expect?
6. The area treated with cantharone is burning and it hasn't been 4 hours yet, what should I do?
7. There is some redness/discoloration in the area that was treated, is that normal?

1. What are mollucum?
Molluscum are tiny bumps that occur as the result of exposure to a virus.


2. Are molluscum contagious?
Yes they are. As a matter of fact, the true name is molluscum contagiosum, so the fact that they can spread is implied in their name.


3. Do molluscum need to be treated?
While molluscum are not dangerous, they are contagious and can spread. Because of this, it is a good idea to have them treated.


4. What are the treatments for molluscum?
Most of the treatments deal with "destroying" the molluscum. These include treatment with heat (cautery), liquid nitrogen ("freezing"), curreting, and with cantharone ("beetle juice", a blistering agent). When cantharone is used, it is applied and should be wiped of 4 hours after application.


5. I was just treated with cantharone, what should I expect?
A blister is likely to form a few days after the medicine is applied. There many be mild stinging in the area. This will then lift the molluscum off of the skin to help get rid of it.


6. The area treated with cantharone is burning and it hasn't been 4 hours yet, what should I do?
If there is irritation in the area, then it is OK to wash the cantharone off early.


7. There is some redness/discoloration in the area that was treated, is that normal?
Yes it is. After the blister forms, there may be some redness or darker coloration that may last a while longer. This will likely fade gradually over time.