Molluscum Contagiosum
Definition
Molluscum contagiosum is a common and contagious skin infection caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV). It is characterized by the appearance of small, raised, and painless bumps on the skin, which can be flesh-colored, white, or pink. The condition is usually self-limiting and resolves without treatment over time, but it can spread to other parts of the body or to other individuals through direct skin-to-skin contact or sharing personal items.
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Pediatric Infectious Diseases
Our internationally recognized team of clinicians focuses on treating a wide array of viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections. Through our outpatient clinical services, we diagnose and treat infectious diseases in children from throughout New England and the Mid-Atlantic states. In addition to HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and Lyme disease, our doctors are experts in: Acquired and congenital infections in newborns Infections in immunocompromised patients Fungal infections Respiratory tract infections Tropical medicine and parasitologyGeneral Pediatrics
We provide preventive and urgent health care to children and adolescents in the greater New Haven community. Our pediatricians work in the Yale New Haven Hospital Pediatric Primary Care Centers at three locations: York Street, St. Raphael campus, and at Chapel Pediatrics in Hamden. We offer routine vaccinations and wellness exams, screening for childhood illness, and positive parenting support and programs. We also have particular expertise in handling conditions that occur during adolescence. Our physicians are highly trained and committed to advocating for children. In our offices, we see children with Husky or commercial insurance, and offer a sliding scale for those without insurance. In our specialty programs, we treat infants and children with a broad range of childhood problems, including: Developmental and behavioral disorders Physical and sexual abuse Rheumatologic conditions, such as arthritis and lupusPsoriasis Treatment Program
Patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis often require a host of medications to manage their disease. One type in particular—biologics—are highly effective, but they can be complicated to administer. They are also expensive, which means navigating insurance coverage can be difficult and result in treatment delays. The Psoriasis Treatment Program brings together a board-certified medical dermatologist who specializes in psoriasis and a pharmacist from Yale New Haven Hospital Ambulatory Clinical Pharmacy Services who is an expert in psoriasis medication management and coordinating insurance coverage. Together, this dedicated team can manage patients’ care in a seamless fashion, which ensures prompt care. One medical professional focuses on the disease process and treatment selection; the other medication management. In this collaborative model, patients meet with their physician first to discuss a treatment plan and talk separately with the pharmacist. The pharmacist talks in depth with the patient, obtaining a complete medical history and answering all questions related to potential laboratory tests and prescribed medications, which can include injections they self-administer at home, as well as oral and topical treatments. The two points of access mean that patients aren’t condensing all of their questions about their treatment plan into one appointment, and the two medical professionals communicate closely about their psoriasis patients. If one is not available to help, the other can. Patients can work directly with their pharmacist on all issues related to medications, side effects, and insurance coverage in between follow-up appointments with their physician. Having two points of contact allows patients timely access to their medical team as well as their prescribed medications. The program brings together a physician who has expertise in treating psoriasis and a pharmacist with additional training in outpatient care and in dermatologic medications, including those for psoriasis. Managing medications for dermatologic patients is the pharmacist’s full-time job. The pharmacist educates patients about the medications and can obtain insurance coverage and set up home delivery of the medications, taking many hassles and obstacles out of the patient’s hands.