T O P I C R E V I E W
lgraymc
Member # 12003
posted 02-26-2003 04:56 PM
This is really a question for the experts here... I've contracted molluscum - it's related to the pox virus (where chix pos comes from) but it's really not so bad. They don't itch, or sting. They really just look like a few, small shaving bumps and don't really bother me. What does bother me is that I may have them for anywhere from 6 months to 5 years! My Planned Parenthood Doctor said there's no treatment necessary for them, they'll go away on their own, but I read somewhere there's topical treatment (such as retinol cream or something) so I can avoid freezing, or lasers (which I can't afford anyway!) Should I seek treatment or just ride it out like the doc suggested?
Gumdrop Girl
Member # 568
posted 02-26-2003 05:42 PM
You can get a second opinion from your regular doctor (i am assuming you have a primary care physician other than the doc at PP, so please correct me if i am wrong).Anyway, a second opinion is always handy. Ask the doctor about treatments -- topical or otherwise. If he/she does not suggest one, you might as well just let them go away on their own.
------------------ Universal Law #4721: Any joke can be made funnier with the word "goatf**ker." Corollary, any story can be made more entertaining by adding a few ninjas.
alaska
Member # 1896
posted 02-27-2003 12:56 AM
Indeed, like gummy said, getting a second opinion, or contacting the place you saw again asking your questions, sounds like a good idea.Indeed, according to WebMD: Topic Overview Molluscum , there is non-surgical treatment for molluscum available.
quote: Chemical treatment (applying medication directly to the lesion). A medication, such as salicylic acid, is applied directly to a lesion. The lesion may be covered with a piece of tape after treatment. Salicylic acid is usually not painful, but other topical medications used to remove lesions may be. The use of cantharidin, which causes the lesion to blister and then go away, may cause pain as the blister develops. Cantharidin is often effective and may decrease further spread of the virus.There is also treatment with oral medication, but that seems to be limited to severe cases, and isn't that effective to start with.
Just felt like mentioning it again: if your lesions are on your genitals, it's a must that you tell any of your partners about them, to be fair. ------------------Caro ~Scarleteen Sexpert~
Spike: (In response to being asked to fight a troll) "I would, but I'm paralyzed with not caring very much."
[This message has been edited by Alaska (edited 02-27-2003).]
PoetgirlNY
Member # 168
posted 02-27-2003 11:04 AM
I'm not sure about the creams and pills treatments, but to have the laser thing or the freezing thing, you have to go to a dermatologist. Getting them treated is good because then you can't spread them to other parts of your body or to your partners.------------------ You were never no locomotive, Sunflower, you were a sunflower! -Allen Ginsberg