Q&A

Your skin barrier is the micron-thin lipid wall on the very surface of your skin; when it’s intact, water stays put and microbes stay out. When that wall cracks, a chain reaction of dryness, redness, bumps, and unexpected breakouts starts almost overnight. This article pinpoints the 15 cleares…

Molluscum Contagiosum Development Molluscum contagiosum is caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV), a double-stranded DNA poxvirus that exclusively infects humans. The virus infects only the epidermis, replicating in the cytoplasm of epithelial cells and producing characteristic cytoplasmic…

The Critical Distinction: Immune Response vs. Bacterial Infection Good inflammation in molluscum contagiosum represents the body's immune system finally recognizing and fighting the virus, which is actually a positive sign indicating imminent resolution. This contrasts sharply with bad inflammation…

Early Signs: The first signs of molluscum contagiosum are small, firm bumps on the skin[1][2]. These bumps are typically flesh-colored, white, or pink[1][2]. They are usually smooth, shiny, and may resemble tiny pinheads or white pimples[3][4][2]. The size is generally between 1 to 5 millimeters in…

Cantharidin, also known as "beetle juice," is a vesicant (blister-causing agent) derived from blister beetles. It's primarily used topically to treat warts and molluscum contagiosum, a viral skin infection. Cantharidin works by causing acantholysis, which leads to blistering and ultimately the remov…