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Molluscum Contagiosum
Mild
Molluscum contagiosum is a contagious viral skin infection that causes small, firm, painless bumps, often with a central indentation. The lesions may appear on the face, neck, arms, hands, trunk, or other areas of the skin. In adults they may occur around the genitals. The infection is usually self-limited in people with healthy immune systems, although lesions can persist for months or longer.
Body System
Skin Hair & Nails
When to Seek Medical Attention
Molluscum contagiosum is usually mild and does not generally require emergency care. Seek medical assessment if lesions become painful, extensively inflamed, infected, unusually widespread, or persist longer than expected, or if the diagnosis is uncertain. Prompt evaluation may be appropriate in people with weakened immune systems.
Symptoms
1
Causes
1
Treatments
5
Diet
3
Overview
Molluscum contagiosum is a contagious viral skin infection that causes small, firm, painless bumps, often with a central indentation. The lesions may appear on the face, neck, arms, hands, trunk, or other areas of the skin. In adults they may occur around the genitals. The infection is usually self-limited in people with healthy immune systems, although lesions can persist for months or longer.
Symptoms 1
Hair Loss
Causes 1
Molluscum contagiosum is caused by a virus in the poxvirus family. It spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person and can also spread through contaminated personal items such as towels, clothing, or toys. Sexual contact can transmit the infection in adults. Scratching or irritating lesions can spread the virus to nearby skin. People with weakened immunity may develop more extensive disease.
Infection
Risk Factors
Risk is higher in children who have close skin contact with other children, people who share contaminated personal items, and adults with sexual exposure to an infected partner. People with eczema may be more susceptible to extensive lesions, and those with weakened immune systems, including some people with HIV infection, may develop more numerous or persistent lesions.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on a patient's medical history,
symptoms, physical examination and, when necessary,
laboratory or imaging investigations.
Diagnosis is usually based on the characteristic appearance of the skin lesions and a clinical examination. The typical bumps are small, flesh-colored or pearly, and often have a central dimple. Laboratory testing is not usually necessary. When lesions are unusual or the diagnosis is uncertain, a healthcare professional may examine a sample of a lesion under a microscope or use another appropriate test.
Prevention
Key Prevention Tips
Avoid direct skin contact with visible molluscum lesions and do not share towels, clothing, razors, or other personal items that may contact affected skin
Covering lesions when practical can reduce contact with them, and people with genital lesions should discuss sexual precautions with a healthcare professional
Condoms may reduce but cannot completely prevent sexual transmission because uncovered skin can remain infectious
Prevention Guidance
Avoid direct skin contact with visible molluscum lesions and do not share towels, clothing, razors, or other personal items that may contact affected skin. Covering lesions when practical can reduce contact with them, and people with genital lesions should discuss sexual precautions with a healthcare professional. Condoms may reduce but cannot completely prevent sexual transmission because uncovered skin can remain infectious.
Reminder: Prevention recommendations should be tailored to your personal health status and risk factors.
Treatment & Management 5
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Medical Note: The treatment information provided is intended for educational purposes only.
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting,
stopping, or changing any treatment.
Diet & Nutrition 3
Recommended Foods
Fresh Fruits
Support immunity
Vegetables
Healthy nutrition
Water
Maintain hydration
Foods to Avoid
Processed Foods
Limit intake
Sugary Foods
Limit intake
Medical Nutrition Note: Diet recommendations are intended for general educational purposes and should be tailored to individual health needs by a qualified healthcare professional.
Frequently Asked Questions 5
A viral skin infection causing small bumps.
Yes, it spreads through direct contact.
Many cases resolve without treatment.
It is common in children.
Yes, various treatments are available.
Helpful Tip: These answers provide general medical information.
Consult your healthcare provider for advice tailored to your condition.