&lt;h2&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;Molluscum Contagiosum Overview&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Molluscum Contagiosum is a common but often misunderstood viral skin infection caused by the &lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Molluscum contagiosum virus&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;, a member of the poxvirus family. This condition can affect individuals of all ages but is frequently seen in children and adults, especially those with weakened immune systems. In Singapore, where close physical contact is common in various settings, understanding Molluscum Contagiosum is essential for prevention, early diagnosis, and effective treatment.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;What is Molluscum Contagiosum?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Molluscum Contagiosum manifests as small, round, raised bumps on the skin. These lesions are usually flesh-coloured or pinkish and may feature a central dimple or depression. They can vary in size, resembling the head of a pin or a pencil eraser. The infection spreads through:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;Direct skin-to-skin contact.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Contact with contaminated surfaces&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt; (e.g., towels, clothing, or sports equipment).&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Sexual contact&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;/span&gt;in adults leads to genital Molluscum Contagiosum.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Incubation Period&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Molluscum contagiosum&#39;s incubation period ranges from &lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;7 weeks to several months&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;. This means the bumps may appear long after the initial exposure, making it harder to trace the source of infection.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Symptoms of Molluscum Contagiosum&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot; data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;The symptoms of Molluscum contagiosum can vary but typically include:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;Skin Bumps&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot; data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;Smooth, round, dome-shaped lesions.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Often flesh-coloured but may become red and inflamed.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Size ranges from under 1 millimetre to about 6 millimetres in diameter.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Location of Lesions&lt;/strong&gt;:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Commonly appear on the&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt; &lt;strong&gt;face, neck, armpits, arms, and hands&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt; in children.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;In adults, lesions are more likely to appear on the &lt;strong style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;genitals, lower abdomen&lt;/span&gt;, &lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;inner thighs&lt;/span&gt;, &lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;and upper thighs&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt; when transmitted sexually.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Itchiness and Spread&lt;/strong&gt;:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot; data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;Some lesions may itch, and scratching can cause the virus to spread to nearby areas, worsening the infection.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h2&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;How is Molluscum Contagiosum Diagnosed in Singapore?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot; data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;Diagnosis is usually straightforward and involves:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;1. Clinical Examination&lt;/strong&gt;:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot; data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;Your healthcare provider can often identify Molluscum Contagiosum by visually inspecting the characteristic bumps.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;2. Laboratory Tests&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;/span&gt;(if needed):&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong style=&quot;color: #000000;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;3. In atypical cases, a skin biopsy&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&amp;nbsp;or testing of the core material of lesions may be performed to confirm the diagnosis.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Treatment Options for Molluscum Contagiosum&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot; data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;In Singapore, various effective treatments are available for Molluscum Contagiosum:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;1. Curettage&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;A healthcare provider uses a sharp curette, needle, or comedone extractor to remove the lesions.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot; data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;This method provides immediate removal but may cause mild discomfort.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;2. Cryotherapy&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot; data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;Lesions are frozen using liquid nitrogen, destroying the infected tissue.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;3. Topical Therapies&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Creams&amp;nbsp;can be applied to stimulate the immune response or directly destroy lesions.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Observation&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;No active treatment may be necessary in mild cases as lesions often resolve independently.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot; data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;This approach is suitable for non-genital lesions in healthy individuals.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;Prevention and Lifestyle Tips&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot; data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;Preventing Molluscum Contagiosum requires proactive measures, including:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Avoiding skin-to-skin contact&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt; with infected individuals.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot; data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;Not sharing personal items like towels, razors, or clothing.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Refraining from scratching or picking at lesions to prevent the spreading of the virus.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot; data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;Cleaning and disinfecting commonly used surfaces in households or sports facilities.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot; data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;For sexually active adults, using protection during intercourse can reduce the risk of genital Molluscum Contagiosum.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;Follow-Up Care for Molluscum Contagiosum&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Even with effective treatment, regular follow-up is critical. In Singapore, healthcare providers often schedule reviews every &lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;2&amp;ndash;4 weeks&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt; to:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot; data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;Assess treatment progress.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot; data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;Ensure no new lesions have developed.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot; data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;Monitor for complications or secondary infections.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;Why Seek Treatment for Molluscum Contagiosum in Singapore?&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot; data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;Singapore is known for its advanced healthcare system and highly trained medical professionals. Early treatment can prevent the spread of Molluscum Contagiosum to other parts of the body or other people.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;Conclusion&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot; data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;Molluscum Contagiosum, while not life-threatening, can cause discomfort and social embarrassment. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications and limit the spread of the virus. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of Molluscum Contagiosum in Singapore, consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot; data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;Taking preventive measures and maintaining regular follow-ups will help you stay one step ahead of this contagious skin condition.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

Molluscum Contagiosum (Water Warts): Testing, Treatment, and Symptoms in Singapore

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