Key points
- Molluscum contagiosum is an infection that causes small, raised sores on your body.
- You can catch the disease if you touch someone else who has it.
- You can also get it if you touch surfaces or objects that have been touched by someone with molluscum.
- Molluscum contagiosum mostly occurs in kids ages 1 to 10.
Overview
Molluscum contagiosum is an infection caused by a poxvirus that causes lesions (growths) that can appear on the body, either alone or in groups. Molluscum contagiosum is very common in the United States. It's so common you shouldn't be surprised if you or your family catch it.
The infection is usually mild and goes away without any treatment. You can catch the infection more than once in your lifetime if you're around someone who has it.
Keep in mind
Anyone can get infected, but molluscum is most common in children between 1 and 10 years old.
Signs and symptoms
Molluscum contagiosum causes small, raised bumps called Mollusca, which:
- Usually look white, pink or the same color as your skin
- Feel firm, sometimes with a dip in the center
- Appear anywhere on your body, but rarely on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet
- Are about the size of a pinhead to a pencil eraser
The sores may be itchy, sore, red, or swollen. They typically go away in six months to a year, but they can also take longer to resolve. They usually don't leave scars.
Complications
The most common complication is a bacterial infection if lesions are scratched or broken. A bacterial infection can be serious for people with a weakened immune system and may need treatment.
Risk factors
Because it's most common in children, many kids in daycare centers and schools may get molluscum. You are at increased risk for getting the disease if you:
- Have a weakened immune system (such as from HIV or cancer)
- Have eczema
- Live in warm, humid climates with crowded living conditions
How it spreads
You can get molluscum if you touch someone who has it. It can also spread when you touch items that have the virus on it. Examples include towels, clothing, toys, or pool equipment used by someone who has molluscum.
If you have molluscum, you can spread it to other areas of your body. This can happen if you touch or scratch the sores, shave over them, or have hair removal procedures on the area.
You can also catch molluscum if you have sex with someone who has it. Many molluscum infections in adults occur this way.
Prevention
Prevent molluscum contagiosum by washing hands frequently and avoid sharing items like towels and clothes.
Cover the lesions with clothing or a bandage to avoid spreading the infection further on your body or to others, and to prevent bacterial infection.
Treatment and recovery
Healthy people usually recover from molluscum without treatment. So, treatment isn't usually needed.
One exception is if you have sores around your genitals (penis, vulva, vagina, or anus). In this case, treatment is usually recommended. See a healthcare provider as soon as you can. They can determine if the sores are caused by molluscum or another disease. They can also suggest appropriate treatment.
Be aware that some treatments available on the internet may not be effective and may be harmful.
Don't treat molluscum sores on your own
Do not try to remove the sores or the fluid inside them yourself. This can spread the infection to other areas of your body. It can also cause the sores to become infected.