About this topic
Molluscum contagiosum is a skin infection caused by a virus. This infection has small bumps on the skin. They are pink, white, or flesh-colored and may have a dimple in the center. The infection is easily spread. You may become infected by touching one of the bumps, or by touching a towel or something else that has touched them. This can also be an infection you pass when having sex. Any time there are bumps on the skin, the infection is contagious. ‚
Molluscum contagiosum is a common infection in children. It is most often on the face, neck, arms, armpits, and hands. It can be seen anywhere on the body. The only places this infection does not affect are the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. In adults, it is most often on the genitals, belly, or inner thigh. ‚
What are the causes?
This infection is caused by a virus. ‚
What can make this more likely to happen?
- Direct contact with someone who has this infection
- Sharing towels, clothing items, toys, or baths with someone who has this infection
- Having a weakened immune system like with AIDS or cancer
- Living in a tropical climate
- Having a type of eczema or skin problem with scaly, itchy rashes
- Playing contact sports or doing wrestling, gymnastics, or swimming with someone who has the virus
What are the main signs?
- Small, raised, pink pearl-like bumps about 2 to 5 millimeters wide
- Bumps often have a dimple in the center. They may have a cheesy, white, waxy substance in the middle.
- Bumps may happen in crops. These are lines or groups that show up after scratching. You may only have 10 to 20 bumps. People with a weakened immune system may have 100 or more bumps.
- Bumps may itch, but are not painful.
- Redness or swelling when scratching has happened
- Bumps most often show up about 7 weeks after contact, but it may take a few months.
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
The doctor will do an exam. A skin biopsy will be done to confirm the diagnosis. ‚
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
This problem most often goes away on its own in 6 to 18 months for people with normal immune systems. With treatment, the bumps may go away in 2 to 4 months. For people with weak immune systems, this illness may get worse quickly and will not go away without treatment. ‚
Treatment may include: ‚
- Cryotherapy or freezing to remove lesions
- Laser surgery or scraping with a tool called a curette to remove lesions
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Remove lesions
- Help with itching
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Avoid contact with skin lesions.
- Do not share towels, clothes, or baths with people who may be affected.
- Practice safe sex with one partner. Condoms may not fully protect you.
- Use caution when doing sports such as swimming, wrestling, or gymnastics. The virus may be spread on mats and in the water.
Helpful tips
- If you have this problem, avoid touching or scratching the bumps. Doing this can make the problem worse. It may spread to other parts of your body or spread to other people more easily.
- Do not shave areas that have bumps on them.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Dermatologists ‚
http://www.aad.org/skin-conditions/dermatology-a-to-z/molluscum-contagiosum ‚
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‚
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/molluscum/overview.htm ‚
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/skin/molluscum_contagiosum.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚