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Whittall Street Clinic is featured in Channel 4's new programme ‘The Sex Clinic’, starts 10pm Thursday 11th April.
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New Rapid HIV Testing clinic at St Martin’s in the Bullring
Now open every Tuesday 11.00am - 3.15pm - no appointment needed.
The clinic is located upstairs in the St Martin’s Centre for Health & Healing next to the Church in the Bullring. Entrance to the clinic is via St Martin’s church shop.
Molluscum contagiosum
Molluscum contagiosum is a viral infection of the skin. This is a common skin problem. Small, wart-like swellings appear on the skin, often in groups. Mollusca lesions heal on their own and without any problem. Healing may take between four and six months.
Unlike herpes, once mollusca lesions heal up, they will not come back.
How is it passed on?
The condition is caused by a virus, which is easily transmitted by direct skin contact.
Adults usually contract molluscum contagiosum through sexual contact and the spots appear on the lower abdomen, genitals and thighs. It is also possible to pass on the infection through lying on sun beds or through changing rooms.
Symptoms
Small, firm, round, wart-like lumps (mollusca) appear on the skin. They are usually dome shaped and pinky-white in colour with a smooth surface. There is often a tiny dimple on the top. When they split, a white, waxy material escapes. This is where the virus lies.
The lumps usually appear in groups but sometimes they’re spread out over different parts of the skin.
Mollusca often appear on exposed areas of skin, such as the face, arms and hands, as well as the chest and stomach. They are generally symptomless. Occasionally they may cause itching. They may become infected when scratched or picked.
How is molluscum contagiosum diagnosed?
Diagnosis is made on the clinical appearance by experienced clinicians. No test is currently available.
What is the treatment for molluscum contagiosum?
Molluscum contagiosum does not need treatment and lesions heal up on their own. They may take between two weeks and six months to disappear. Occasionally, liquid nitrogen is used to clear mulloscum; this requires weekly clinic visit.
You can help protect yourself from STI by using condoms every time you have sex.
