What is the first treatment for molluscum contagiosum?

Molluscum contagiosum produces small, smooth, dome-shaped bumps that can have a central dip. The infection can settle without a procedure, so a clinician may recommend watching the skin when lesions are few and not troublesome. The decision also considers age, eczema, the body area involved and the risk of passing bumps to others.

If treatment is appropriate, cryotherapy uses controlled cold to treat individual lesions. Curettage and cautery physically remove a lesion and manage the surface afterwards. Both can cause temporary soreness, crusting or changes in skin colour, and the clinician can explain which approach suits the person and site.

Keep bumps covered when practical, avoid scratching, and do not share towels, clothing or razors. Wash hands after touching the area and manage dry, itchy surrounding skin with advice from a clinician. Do not use unlabelled home acids or attempt to cut lesions away. Treatment may not prevent new bumps from appearing immediately because nearby skin can already contain infection.

Arrange medical review when the diagnosis is unclear, lesions involve the eyelid or genitals, or bumps become very inflamed, painful or infected-looking. Seek prompt care for spreading redness, warmth, pus or fever. People with weakened immunity or extensive eczema should be assessed because management may need closer supervision.

Ask whether observation is suitable, how to protect household members, and whether cryotherapy or curettage and cautery is better for the lesion location. Clarify wound care, expected crusting and when the child or adult can return to close-contact activities.