Molluscum Contagiosum

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Medical Author: Nili N. Alai, MD, FAAD
Medical Editor: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

• What is molluscum contagiosum? What causes molluscum contagiosum?
• Who develops molluscum contagiosum?
• What does molluscum contagiosum look like?
• How is molluscum contagiosum diagnosed?
• How is molluscum contagiosum treated?
• How do I treat the accompanying rash with molluscum contagiosum?
• How do I treat the persistent skin discoloration after molluscum contagiosum?
• Why do I keep getting more molluscum bumps where I shave?
• What are possible complications of molluscum contagiosum?
• What is the prognosis with molluscum contagiosum?
• How do I prevent molluscum contagiosum?
• Molluscum Contagiosum At A Glance

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).

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