How effective is curettage and cautery for molluscum contagiosum?

Curettage removes the central part of each bump, while cautery uses heat to treat the base and reduce bleeding. This approach targets lesions that are present on the day of treatment; it does not create protection against further spread to nearby skin. Molluscum contagiosum is contagious, so scratching, shaving over bumps, or sharing towels can move the virus to other areas or people. Healing commonly involves small crusts and temporary redness. A mark can remain, particularly if a bump was inflamed or repeatedly picked.

A clinician should confirm that the bumps fit molluscum contagiosum, especially when a lesion is unusual, painful, or changing. Tell them about eczema, medicines that affect healing, and any tendency to form raised scars. Afterward, keep treated skin clean, avoid picking crusts, and follow the dressing instructions. Do not share towels, razors, clothing, or sports equipment that touches the area until the skin has healed. Ask whether untreated bumps need another visit and whether eczema around them needs separate care. More detail is available in the Curettage And Cautery treatment guide.

Contact the clinic if redness spreads, pain increases, swelling becomes marked, or drainage develops after treatment. Seek prompt medical advice for fever, rapidly worsening skin changes, or eye-area lesions. Arrange assessment if a bump bleeds repeatedly or fails to heal, because another diagnosis may need consideration.

Ask which bumps will be treated, how the area will be numbed, what skin changes are expected during healing, and how to reduce spread at home. You can also ask when swimming, shaving, exercise, or close skin contact can safely resume.