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Author:

Gary W. Cole, MD, FAAD

Gary W. Cole, MD, FAAD

Dr. Cole is board certified in dermatology. He obtained his BA degree in bacteriology, his MA degree in microbiology, and his MD at the University of California, Los Angeles. He trained in dermatology at the University of Oregon, where he completed his residency.

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Author:

Nili N. Alai, MD, FAAD

Nili N. Alai, MD, FAAD

Dr. Alai is an actively practicing medical and surgical dermatologist in south Orange County, California. She has been a professor of dermatology and family medicine at the University of California, Irvine since 2000. She is U.S. board-certified in dermatology, a 10-year-certified fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, and Fellow of the American Society of Mohs Surgery.

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Editor:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

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In this Article

• Molluscum contagiosum facts
• What is molluscum contagiosum? What causes molluscum contagiosum?
• Who develops molluscum contagiosum?
• What are molluscum contagiosum symptoms and signs?
• How is molluscum contagiosum diagnosed?
• What is the treatment for molluscum contagiosum?
• 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?
• Find a local Dermatologist in your town
• Molluscum Contagiosum Index

Although molluscum contagiosum is primarily a skin condition of healthy children, it is seen in adults, though less frequently. Patients with compromised immune systems, such as those with HIV infection (AIDS virus), hepatitis, chronic illnesses, cancer, systemic chemotherapy, immunosuppressive drugs like prednisone, and those on biologic immune-system-modifying drugs like infliximab (Remicade) or etanercept (Enbrel) may be more prone to developing molluscum contagiosum. Molluscum is also more common in wrestlers, people involved in contact sports, children in day care, and sexually active young adults.

Molluscum contagiosum looks like very small (often the size of a typical pimple or pinhead), smooth flesh-colored bumps scattered on an arm or leg. A characteristic feature is a shiny, smooth, skin-colored bump with a central dell or pinhead-sized opening.

Molluscum bumps are often localized on one body area like the face or trunk, but they may also spread to multiple body areas. Often, anywhere from one to 30 very small, slightly smooth bumps are scattered on the skin. Some of the bumps may be slightly red or have an accompanying dry, itchy light-red rash indicating inflammation.

Sometimes, squeezing the molluscum bump (like a pimple) causes a small white core to pop out. People may think they just have acne and complain of new onset small red bumps and "acne" on their skin.

Skin conditions that can mimic molluscum include

• acne,
• milia (whiteheads),
• warts,
• eczema,
• folliculitis,
• fungal infection like cryptococcosis or histoplasmosis,
• impetigo,
• boils (furuncles),
• atopic dermatitis,
• contact dermatitis,
• bug bites,
• heat rash (miliaria),
• basal cell carcinoma, and
• keratoacanthoma (variant of squamous cell carcinoma).