Small Pearl-shaped Spots, Which are Pink in Color on My Skin – Molluscum Contagiosum

Molluscum Contagiosum is a viral infection of the skin. It appears as small, pearl-shaped spots, which are pink in color. It may occur at any age but is typically found in children. It is not a serious disease and usually clears up within a few months. It can, however, last for up to two years.

Molluscum contagiosum is a common skin disease caused by a virus that affects the top layers of the skin. The name molluscum contagiosum implies that the virus develops growths that are easily spread by skin contact. Similar to warts, this virus belongs to the poxvirus family and enters the skin through small breaks of hair follicles. It does not affect any internal organs. The incubation period from the time of initial contact until the molluscum or spots appear is anything from two to eight weeks. Symptoms of Molluscum Contagiosum include pink, pearl-like spots on the face, arms, and legs, which can be 1mm to 5mm in diameter.

How is molluscum contagiosum treated?

Many skin specialists advise treating Molluscum because the growths are easily spread from one area of the skin to another. Some growths may appear as others are going away. However, Molluscum will eventually go away on its own without leaving a scar. It may take from 6 months up to 5 years for all of the molluscum to go away. They may be more persistent in people with a weakened immune system.

Molluscum warts are treated in similar ways to that of other warts. They can be frozen with liquid nitrogen, destroyed with various acids or blistering solutions, treated with an electric needle (electrocautery), scraped off with a sharp instrument (curette), treated daily with a home application of a topical retinoid cream or gel (a topical immune modifier), or other topical antiviral medications.

What if the molluscum comes back after treatment?

It is always possible for a person’s skin to get infected again with the Molluscum virus. The condition may be easier to control if treatment is started when there are only a few warts present.

Take-Home Advice

Be patient – the condition will pass. Wash your hands after touching the Molluscum warts. Do not share towels used on the infected area with other people. Avoid scratching the molluscum as this may cause further infection. This is a benign disease that spontaneously improves after a couple of months.