What to expect from cryotherapy for molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum causes small, firm bumps that can spread through skin contact or shared items. The clinician freezes selected bumps individually. You may feel a sharp cold sensation, stinging, or aching. A bump can become red, swollen, blistered, or crusted before the surface settles. The treated spots may be tender when clothing rubs them.

Cryotherapy addresses the bumps that are treated, but new bumps can appear while the infection is active. The number and location of bumps, your age, and your skin's healing response influence the plan.

Keep the area clean, avoid picking, and follow dressing advice. Wash hands after touching the bumps or dressings. Do not share towels, razors, clothing, or sports equipment that contacts the skin. Cover treated areas when practical, and avoid close skin contact until your clinician explains when normal activities are appropriate. Do not squeeze untreated bumps or use home freezing products on delicate skin.

Contact the clinic if redness spreads, pain worsens, swelling becomes marked, or drainage looks infected. Seek prompt care for fever, rapidly worsening skin changes, or trouble urinating when bumps are near the genital area. Arrange review if bumps continue appearing, become painful, or the diagnosis is unclear.

Ask which bumps should be treated, how to cover them, when school, sport, swimming, or close contact is reasonable, how to protect household members, and whether another treatment suits your skin.