Definition

Molluscum contagiosum is an infection of the skin.

Causes

Molluscum contagiosum is caused by a specific virus. The virus can be spread from:

• Direct skin to skin contact with an infected person
• Shared items, such as towels or wrestling mats
• One part of a person’s body to another area

Risk Factors

Factors that may increase your risk of getting molluscum contagiosum include:

• Weakened immune system, especially in people with HIV infection
• Poor hygiene
• Overcrowded conditions
• Sexual contact
• Having other skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis

Symptoms

Molluscum contagiosum usually affects the face, trunk, arms, and legs of children. The genitals, abdomen, and inner thighs are common sites in adults.

Symptoms may include:

• Small, dome-shaped bumps with dimpling in center
• Itching and tenderness
• Translucent, pearly, or flesh-colored bumps that may turn gray and drain
• White or waxy substance in the center of lesion
• Multiple lesions in groups

Symptoms may last from several weeks to several years.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is usually made based on the lesion appearance. Sometimes, a biopsy will be taken to rule out other conditions. A biopsy is the removal of a small sample of the area.

Treatment

Molluscum contagiosum usually goes away on its own within 6 months to 2 years without any treatment. For people with HIV infection, the lesions usually persist and spread indefinitely. Your doctor may recommend the removal of some lesions to prevent the spread of the infection or to avoid infecting others.

Lesion may be removed by one of the following:

• Cryotherapy—freezing of the lesion
• Curettage—cutting out lesion
• Laser surgery—steady or pulsed high intensity light
• Topical therapy—destruction of the lesion with a variety of chemicals

Prevention

To reduce your chances of getting molluscum contagiosum, avoid any contact with an infected person.

If you are contagious, avoid any personal contact with others, contact sports, or sharing personal items.

American Social Health Association http://www.ashastd.org

Public Health Agency of Canada http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca

Hanson D. Diven DG. Molluscum contagiosum. Dermatology Online J. 2003;9(2):2.

Molluscum contagiosum. American Academy of Dermatology website. Available at:
http://www.aad.org/dermatology-a-to-z/diseases-and-treatments/m—p/molloscum-contagiosum
Accessed June 4, 2015.

Molluscum contagiosum. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed
Updated March 18, 2015. Accessed June 4, 2015.

Molluscum contagiosum. American Social Health Association website. Available at:
http://www.ashasexualhealth.org/stdsstis/molluscum-contagiosum/
Accessed June 4, 2015.

Stulberg DL, Hutchinson AG. Molluscum contagiosum and warts. Am Fam Physician. 2003;67(6):1233-1240.

Theos AU, Cummins R, et al. Effectiveness of imiquimod cream 5% for treating childhood molluscum contagiosum in a double-blind, randomized pilot trial. Cutis. 2004;74(2):134-138,141-142.