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What is molluscum contagiosum?
Molluscum contagiosum is a skin infection caused by a virus. It is mild and is easily treated.
How is molluscum contagiosum spread?
Molluscum contagiosum is passed from one person to another by direct skin-to-skin contact, including through sexual intercourse (anal, vaginal, and oral). It is possible that molluscum contagiosum is passed on by clothing or towels. The lumps can spread from one part of the body to another by scratching.
What are the symptoms of molluscum contagiosum?
The symptoms of molluscum contagiosum can appear within 1-6 weeks after exposure. Molluscum contagiosum first appears as smooth, round, pearly lumps with cores in the middle. The lumps may be on or around the pubic area, on the abdomen, or inner thighs. There are usually about 10-20 lumps.
The lumps aren't painful but they may be itchy, especially when they are healing after treatment. The lumps can get infected and become red and sore. However, redness and soreness can also mean that the lumps are healing naturally. If you have redness and soreness and the lumps aren't going away, you should see your health care provider for treatment.
How is molluscum contagiosum treated?
Molluscum contagiosum lumps may go away by themselves, but treatment shortens how long you have the lumps. Treatments usually are medicines applied to the lumps. The lumps may still take a couple of weeks to disappear after treatment. Without treatment, molluscum contagiosum can last for 6 months to 2 years.
Updated 8/13/2005
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