Molluscum Contagiosum
Medical Author: Nili N. Alai, MD, FAAD
Medical Editor: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
What is molluscum contagiosum? What causes molluscum contagiosum?
Molluscum contagiosum is a common skin disorder caused by a superficial skin
infection with the poxvirus. It is not caused by bacteria, yeasts, or
fungi. Diet does not seem
to affect molluscum contagiosum. Molluscum contagiosum appears as multiple,
scattered, small tan or pink little bumps on any part of the skin, including the
neck, trunk, arms, legs, buttocks, and face. Although possible, it is
extremely rare to have it all over the body in a healthy individual with a
normal immune system. Molluscum contagiosum most characteristically involves
just one or two body areas at a time, like the chest, back, or legs. Other common
locations include the face, neck, eyelids, thighs, genitals, and buttocks. It
generally spares the palms and soles.
Skin infected with molluscum contagiosum may have some
dilation of the small superficial blood vessels and inflammation, thereby giving
the bumps a red or flushed appearance. More males are affected than
females. Most people have no other symptoms, but itching can occur. The molluscum virus does not affect internal organs or enter the bloodstream.
Molluscum contagiosum can spread from one body part to another. As the name
implies, molluscum contagiosum is very contagious and easily transmitted from
person to person via skin contact or sharing razors or towels, public swimming
pools, shared bathtubs, or hot tubs. Molluscum contagiosum can be cosmetically
displeasing, but it is otherwise medically harmless. Molluscum contagiosum may
resolve over months to years spontaneously without any treatment. Molluscum
contagiosum is typically treated with common wart remedies like liquid nitrogen
(freezing) or burning (cautery).
Next: Who develops molluscum contagiosum? »
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