Molluscum Contagiosum Testing and Treatment NYC

by Dr. Alex Shteynshlyuger


If you have any questions, to schedule a consultation, please contact us or call/text: 1-646-663-4125.


Diagnosis and Treatment of Molluscum Contagiosum in New York City

What is Molluscum Contagiosum?

Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a viral infectious condition caused by poxvirus. People who are infected with the molluscum virus usually develop a mild skin disease with characteristic lesions (bumps) that are benign. These benign growths can appear anywhere on the body and usually resolve in 6-12 months but may sometimes last for several years. They do not typically leave scars.  Molluscum skin lesions are often misdiagnosed as herpes or genital warts.

Same-day appointments for diagnosis and treatment of molluscum contagiousum are available.

Where to Get Treatment for Molluscum Contagiousum in NYC?

At New York Urology Specialists, we offer same-day molluscum contagiousum diagnosis and treatment for men and women.

We also perform comprehensive STD testing for other infections. We offer confidential appointments. Our prices are affordable with or without insurance.  Call/text today: 1-646-663-4125 or make an appointment online.  

What are the Symptoms of Molluscum Contagiosum? What is the Typical Appearance?

The main symptom of the disease is the skin growths known as Mollusca or water warts, which usually appear 2-6 weeks after exposure to the virus (the incubation period of the virus can, however, range from as little as 1 week to as long as 6 months).

Molluscum contagiosum symptoms include whitish/pink or flesh-colored bumps that are pearly in appearance. These shiny raised growths typically have a central dimple or depression. They range in size from 2 to 5 mm (pinhead to pencil eraser). Sometimes, the bumps become swollen, itchy, red, and pus-filled. The eczema-like reaction around the growths can lead to scratching and viral spread. The bumps can occur on the face, neck, limbs, armpits, abdomen, thighs, buttocks, groin, and external genitalia, including the anal region. It is rare for molluscum bumps to occur on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet. They may be found alone or in groups.

How is Molluscum Contagiosum Transmitted?

The molluscum contagiosum virus spreads through direct physical contact as well as through fomites (furniture, clothes, linen, utensils, toys, and other inanimate objects and materials that come in contact with humans). The virus does not spread through coughing and sneezing. It is suspected that molluscum may spread through water, for example, through the use of shared baths or swimming pools, but this has not been conclusively proven. Scientists suspect that the MC virus more likely spreads through shared towels and other items used at saunas and pools.

Molluscum contagiosum can spread through skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity, and in fact, this is the most common method of transmission in adults, especially people with genital lesions. The virus can spread from one place on an infected person’s body to another when the person touches or scratches a lesion or uses a razor to shave and then touches the skin somewhere else (this is called auto-inoculation). The virus is present in the top layer of the skin. Once the lesions disappear, an infected person is no longer contagious.

Who is at Risk of Infection?

Molluscum contagiosum is a fairly common skin infection. People who are at risk of infection include:

  • Children 1 to 10 years old
  • Athletes who share equipment such as gym mats
  • Immunocompromised individuals (people with HIV, people being treated for cancer, or people with long-term steroid use)
  • People with atopic dermatitis due to frequent breaks in the skin and greater likelihood of viral spread
  • People who live in a warm, humid climate and crowded conditions which predispose to viral spread

Is Molluscum Contagiosum Dangerous If Left Untreated?

Molluscum contagiosum lesions are usually benign and self-resolving and rarely leave scars. However, if a person scratches or scrapes the lesions, it can cause pitted scarring. In addition, leaving the molluscum infection untreated can lead to complications such as secondary bacterial skin infections and eye inflammation or conjunctivitis (when the eyelid is involved).  Disseminated secondary eczema may occur when the body has an immunological reaction to the virus. In addition, some people desire treatment for cosmetic reasons (lesion visibility). Last but not least, untreated molluscum can lead to the spreading of the infection to family members and sexual partners.

How is Molluscum Diagnosed?

Experienced urologists at New York Urology Specialists are often able to diagnose molluscum contagiosum by looking at the skin and noting the characteristic lesions. Sometimes a scraping or biopsy may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

What do Molluscum Contagiosum Lesions Look Like?

You can find pictures of genital warts, genital herpes and molluscum contagious which are often confused as well as before and after treatment images in our genital infection image gallery.

Treatment Options for Molluscum Contagiosum

People who have been diagnosed with the infection can prevent viral spread by:

  • Avoiding picking or scratching the bumps and washing hands frequently
  • Avoiding shared towels or shared baths
  • Avoiding shaving of affected areas
  • Avoiding sexual or skin-to-skin contact with an infected partner (condoms may help prevent transmission but are not foolproof)

The CDC specifically recommends treatment if the bumps are located on the external genitalia (penis, vulva, vagina, or anus). The presence of bumps in these areas raises the possibility that other STDs may be present.

At New York Urology Specialists, we have extensive experience in diagnosing and treating all sexually transmitted diseases. Timely diagnosis and treatment of molluscum and other STDs can help prevent long-term effects and complications.

Board-certified urologists at our Midtown Manhattan offices offer the following treatments for molluscum:

  • Topical steroid creams for relief of itchy eczema or rash.
  • Oral medication (cimetidine).
  • Topical chemical agents such as podophyllotoxin or imiquimod – these treatments must be prescribed by a healthcare professional. Some of them are not suitable for children or pregnant women.
  • Physical removal of the lesions. This can be done under local anesthesia, if needed, to control pain.
  • Freezing off the lesion with liquid nitrogen (cryotherapy).
  • Removal of molluscum lesions with electrocautery (use of an electrified needle) to destroy the papules.

When patients try to remove the lesions at home with tweezers or other sharp instruments, they are at risk of auto-inoculation (spreading the infection further to other areas) or causing secondary bacterial infections.

Urologists at New York Urology Specialists can provide rapid and effective treatment of molluscum to relieve symptoms and reduce the risk of complications and viral spread.

Why Choose New York Urology Specialists for STD Testing and Molluscum Contagiosum Treatment?

  • Same-day STD Testing with a comprehensive evaluation and precise DNA and RNA-based testing.
  • All treatment is performed by a board-certified urologist experienced in treating men with symptoms of chlamydia, gonorrhea, penile discharge, vaginal discharge, genital itching and other sexual problems using medical therapy, minimally invasive therapies, lasers, and surgery.
  • We are one of the few practices in the region to offer a full range of options for the treatment of sexual and erection problems in men.
  • We offer diagnostic testing in our office which avoids hospital costs.
  • Extensive Experience: Thousands of men and women have been treated successfully for STIs, urethritis including NGU (non-gonococcal urethritis), pelvic pain, prostatitis, and cystitis.
  • Confidential and Understanding Care. We understand that most of our patients desire privacy.  We see patients with a variety of urological problems. Your reason for visiting us is entirely confidential.

Scheduling Appointments for STI Treatment and STD Testing at New York Urology Specialists


If you have any questions about testing or treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STI), to schedule a consultation, please contact us or call/text: 1-646-663-4125.  

We have excellent reviews from patients and their partners. 

We offer affordable, highest-quality urology care with or without insurance.   Find out our office hours or directions to our office. We offer weekday, weekend, and evening office hours.


STDs are Treatable in Nearly Every Man and Woman

Excellence-Urology_Care-banner2At New York Urology Specialists, our urologists are specially trained in the evaluation and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STI).  We understand the challenges that STDs such as chlamydia, herpes, gonorrhea, and ureaplasma create for our patients, their relationships, and their self-esteem.  We help you find an effective treatment for your symptoms that may be caused by STD, UTI or another cause. 

Urologists are doctors specializing in the treatment of infections in men and women caused by sexually transmitted diseases as well as bladder infections (UTI). By the virtue of our experience and skill, we are able to offer an effective treatment option for nearly every man and woman with urinary problems and bladder control problems.   

We Treat Some of the Most Complex STD Problems Including:

Schedule an Appointment with Dr. Shteynshlyuger:

Call/text today: 1-646-663-4125 or make an appointment online

Dr. Alex Shteynshlyuger is a fellowship-trained board-certified urologist with expertise in the evaluation and treatment of urological problems in men and women using modern effective and proven treatment methods.  He is highly recommended by top primary care physicians in the New York area. If you or someone you know has been experiencing urological symptoms, make an appointment to take advantage of Dr. Shteynshlyuger’s expert advice. Please feel free to contact us with any questions.

If you have any questions, to schedule a consultation, please contact us or call/text: 1-646-663-4125.

We offer affordable, highest-quality urology care with or without insurance.   Find out our office hours or directions to our office. We offer weekday, weekend, and evening office hours.

 

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