What is molluscum contagiosum?

Molluscum contagiosum (say "moh-LUS-kum kun-tay-jee-OH-sum") is a skin infection caused by a virus. It causes small pearly or flesh-colored bumps. The bumps may itch. It can also cause a rash. The virus spreads easily but is usually not harmful. However, the infection can be worse in people with a weak immune system.

Molluscum contagiosum is most common in young children. But it can also happen in teens and adults.

Without treatment, the infection usually goes away within 6 to 18 months. In some cases, it may take several years for it to go away. You may want treatment for your child if the bumps bother your child or you want to keep them from spreading. Treatments include removing the bumps or freezing or putting medicine on them. Treatment depends on where the bumps are.

Children who have molluscum contagiosum may attend school, day care, and sports as long as the bumps are completely covered by clothing or bandages.

Molluscum contagiosum causes small pearly or flesh-colored bumps that don't cause pain. The bumps are round with a dimple in the center. They may itch, become inflamed, and turn reddish as your body fights the virus.

In most cases, people with molluscum contagiosum can choose not to be treated. The infection usually goes away within 6 to 18 months. When the bumps last a long time, you may choose to be treated. Doctors usually recommend treatment for any bumps in the genital area to prevent spread to any sexual partners.

To prevent molluscum contagiosum from spreading:

• Wash your hands.
• Try not to touch, scratch, or pick at the bumps.
• Cover the bumps with a bandage, medical tape, or clothing when around other people.
• Don't share towels or washcloths.
• Don't shave the area where you have bumps.
• If the bumps are in your genital area, avoid sexual contact.

To diagnose molluscum contagiosum, your doctor will do a physical exam and may take a sample of the bumps for testing. If you have bumps in your genital area, your doctor may check for other sexually transmitted infections, such as genital herpes.

• Teach your child not to share personal items like clothing or sports gear. This includes towels, washcloths, helmets, and goggles.
• Keep the bumps covered with a bandage, medical tape, or clothing when your child is around people. Have your child use waterproof bandages when swimming or playing sports.
• Teach your child to avoid spreading the bumps to other parts of the body. For example, teens should avoid shaving near the bumps. And don't scratch or try to remove the bumps.
• Sexually active teens should not have sex if they have bumps in their genital area. Having treatment can help avoid spreading them to any sexual partners.
• If your child's doctor prescribes medicine, use it exactly as directed.

The molluscum contagiosum virus commonly spreads through skin-to-skin contact. This includes sexual contact or touching the bumps and then touching the skin. Touching an object that has the virus on it, such as a towel, also can spread the infection.

The virus can spread from one part of the body to another. Or it can spread to other people, such as among children at day care or school. The infection is contagious until the bumps are gone.

The time from exposure to the virus until the bumps appear usually is 2 to 7 weeks. But in some cases it can take up to 6 months.

Molluscum contagiosum is a skin infection that causes small pearly or flesh-colored bumps. The center of the bump is often indented. The infection is caused by a virus. The virus is easily spread but is not harmful.

This infection is most common in children. But teens and adults can also get it, often from taking part in sports like wrestling and gymnastics or from sexual contact. It can occur in healthy people. But when it occurs in people with a weak immune system, the symptoms may be worse.