Molluscum contagiosum is a common viral skin infection that typically resolves on its own. The infection can be transmitted through scratching, direct skin contact, or touching contaminated objects. Poor hygiene and warm, humid climates contribute to its spread. Public swimming pools are a common source of infections in children.

Symptoms of molluscum contagiosum include small, round, flesh-colored bumps on the skin that may become inflamed or itchy. These bumps usually appear in clusters and can spread to different parts of the body.

It is important to avoid scratching or picking at the bumps, as this can result in further spread of the infection. Treatment options for molluscum contagiosum include cryotherapy, topical creams, or in some cases, no treatment at all as the infection often resolves on its own.

If you suspect that you or your child has molluscum contagiosum, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment options.

Who’s At Risk?

Although children aged 2-5 years are most commonly affected, molluscum contagiosum can occur at any age. It is less common in children under one year and more prevalent in those with atopic dermatitis.

Prevention and Treatment

There is no specific treatment required for molluscum contagiosum as it usually resolves on its own. However, there are some ways to help prevent the spread of the virus and manage the symptoms:

• Avoid scratching or picking at the lesions to prevent spreading the virus to other parts of the body.
• Avoid sharing personal items such as towels, clothing, or razors to prevent transmission of the virus to others.
• Avoid sexual contact until the lesions have completely resolved to prevent spread to sexual partners.
• If the lesions are bothersome, a healthcare provider may recommend treatments such as cryotherapy, curettage, or topical medications to help speed up the resolution of the lesions.

It is important to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment recommendations if you suspect you have molluscum contagiosum. They can provide guidance on how to manage the symptoms and prevent spreading the virus to others.

Self-Care Guidelines

Treatment is often unnecessary for mild infections as lesions tend to resolve on their own. It is advised to avoid scratching the affected areas, sharing personal items, or keep the affected areas covered if possible.

Treatments

Molluscum contagiosum can be diagnosed based on its appearance and typically resolves without specific treatment. Consult a healthcare professional for treatment recommendations, which may include medications, gels, creams, or removal techniques like freezing, scraping, or burning.

Visit Urgency

If concerned about moderate or severe infections or the spread and appearance of the infection, seek medical attention. Consult a healthcare professional for lesions in the genital or anal regions.

Trusted Links

References

References:

Bolognia J, Schaffer JV, Cerroni L. Dermatology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018.

James WD, Elston D, Treat JR, Rosenbach MA. Andrew’s Diseases of the Skin. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019.

Kang S, Amagai M, Bruckner AL, et al. Fitzpatrick’s Dermatology. 9th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education; 2019.

Paller A, Mancini A. Paller and Mancini: Hurwitz Clinical Pediatric Dermatology. 6th ed. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2022.

healthdirect Australia is a free service where you can consult a nurse or doctor for guidance.

Key facts

• Molluscum contagiosum is a common skin condition caused by a virus and often resolves without treatment.
• Transmission can occur through skin contact or sharing items with an infected individual.
• Consult a healthcare provider for treatment options if necessary.
• The condition is characterized by small, raised, round bumps on the skin that may be white, pink, or flesh-colored.
• It is most commonly seen in children, but can affect people of all ages.
• In some cases, the bumps may be itchy, inflamed, or have a central indentation.
• While treatment is not always necessary, options may include cryotherapy, curettage, or prescription medications.

What is molluscum contagiosum?

Molluscum contagiosum is a benign skin infection caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus, prevalent in children but affecting individuals of all ages.

What are the symptoms of molluscum contagiosum?

The emergence of spots resembling white pimples that develop into round, pink, or pearl-colored lumps with a hard center and a depression characterizes molluscum contagiosum. These bumps are typically small but can enlarge over time.

Molluscum is generally painless but may cause itching, especially in individuals with eczema. It is a viral infection that is contagious and can be easily spread through close physical contact.

Other symptoms of molluscum contagiosum may include redness and inflammation around the bumps, as well as the formation of additional lumps in the surrounding skin.

When should I see my doctor?

If concerned about spread or scarring, consult a healthcare provider for a diagnosis and potential treatment.

Find a health service and ask your doctor for more comprehensive guidance.

How is molluscum contagiosum treated?

While molluscum contagiosum often clears on its own, the process may take 6-9 months. Treatments may involve freezing, scraping, surgical removal, or the use of creams. The spots typically heal without scarring, but certain treatments may leave marks.

Prioritize treating any underlying skin conditions like eczema before addressing molluscum contagiosum.

Can molluscum contagiosum be prevented?

Molluscum contagiosum can be spread through contact with the spots or contaminated items. Prevent the spread by following proper hygiene practices and covering affected areas when necessary.

Individuals with molluscum can usually continue their daily activities, covering exposed spots if required.

What are the complications of molluscum contagiosum?

As molluscum can be sexually transmitted, use protection to reduce the risk. It is also advisable to get tested for other sexually transmitted diseases if infected.

Resources and support

• Consult a healthcare provider, nurse, or pharmacist for further advice.
• Refer to trusted health resources for more information on molluscum.
• Contact the healthdirect helpline for immediate assistance 24/7.

Sources:

For more information on molluscum and other health topics, visit the following trusted health information partners:

• CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention): https://www.cdc.gov/
• Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/
• WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/

Last reviewed: September 2023

Search our site for

Looking for something specific? Use our search bar to easily find what you’re looking for on our site. Whether it’s articles, products, or information, our search function will help you quickly locate the content you need. Start searching now to discover more!

Preventing Molluscum Contagiosum

There are several steps you can take to prevent the spread of molluscum contagiosum:

• Avoid direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person.
• Avoid sharing personal items such as towels, clothing, or razors with someone who has molluscum contagiosum.
• Keep the affected areas clean and covered to prevent spreading the virus.
• Avoid scratching or picking at the bumps to prevent further infection.

Treatment for Molluscum Contagiosum

In many cases, molluscum contagiosum will go away on its own without treatment. However, if treatment is desired, options may include:

• Topical creams or ointments to help clear the bumps.
• Cryotherapy, which involves freezing the bumps off.
• Curettage, a procedure to scrape off the bumps.
• Immunotherapy to help boost the body’s immune response to the virus.

Consult a Healthcare Provider

If you suspect you or your child has molluscum contagiosum, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment options. They can provide personalized recommendations based on your specific situation.

Remember to always follow the advice of healthcare professionals and take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

Disclaimer

Healthdirect Australia is not responsible for the content on external websites you visit.

Please ensure that you are accessing reliable and reputable sources for health information. It is important to verify the credibility of the information you find online before making any health-related decisions.

If you have any concerns about the accuracy or reliability of information on external websites, please consult with a healthcare professional or contact Healthdirect Australia for assistance.

Search our site for

Looking for something specific on our site? Use the search bar above to find what you’re looking for quickly and easily. Whether you’re searching for articles, products, or information, our search feature will help you navigate our site with ease. Happy searching!

Symptom checker

Concerned about your health?

Identify symptoms, answer questions, and get advice.

Reliable 24-hour health advice.

We offer government-funded, approved health information and advice.

Get help and guidance on managing your health. Call our hotline anytime, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for reliable information and support.

In collaboration with over 140 information partners, we provide up-to-date and trustworthy health information to help you make informed decisions about your well-being.

About

• How we can assist
• Register your service

Discover

Resources in your language

healthdirect’s information is developed within a clinical governance framework and managed compliantly.This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and Google’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.

Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Indigenous Owners of Country throughout Australia and their connection to land, sea, and community. We honor the Traditional Owners and Elders.

Support for this browser is being discontinued

Browser support for this site is ending for Internet Explorer 11 and lower. We recommend using Microsoft Edge, Chrome, Firefox, or Safari.

Continue to browse this site with caution if using an unsupported browser.

Molluscum contagiosum is a viral skin infection causing small raised bumps. Common in children, it usually clears up on its own. Seek help if needed.

For medical advice, call Healthline at 0800 611 116. For emergencies, dial 111.

It is important to keep the affected areas clean and avoid scratching or picking at the bumps to prevent spreading the virus. Molluscum contagiosum is highly contagious, so it is important to avoid sharing personal items such as towels or clothing with others.

If the bumps become red, swollen, or painful, consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation and treatment options. In some cases, removal of the bumps may be necessary to prevent spreading to other areas of the body.

Key points about molluscum contagiosum

• molluscum contagiosum is caused by a poxvirus known as the molluscum contagiosum virus
• the infection is most common in children, but can affect people of any age
• molluscum can be spread through direct skin-to-skin contact or by sharing towels or clothing
• treatment options include cryotherapy, curettage, or topical medications
• it is important to avoid scratching or picking at the bumps to prevent spreading the infection

What is molluscum contagiosum?

Molluscum contagiosum (molluscum for short) is common in children, causing small raised bumps. It spreads easily and is caused by a virus.

Image: Molluscum on a child’s legs.

Who gets molluscum

Molluscum mainly affects young children under 10 years. Older children can also get it, but it’s less common. Adults are usually immune if exposed when young.

Signs and symptoms of molluscum

• molluscum causes small raised bumps
• they are skin colored or slightly pink
• the bumps are round and can appear in clusters
• they tend to be half a pea in size or slightly larger with a dimple in the middle
• common locations are the armpit, behind knees, and groin area

Image: Small raised bumps of molluscum behind the knee.

Molluscum can appear in warm, moist areas excluding palms and soles. It’s not painful but can be itchy.

In some cases, the bumps may contain a white, waxy core. It is important not to scratch or pick at the bumps as this can cause them to spread to other areas of the skin. Molluscum is a viral infection that can be spread through direct skin-to-skin contact or by sharing personal items such as towels or clothing.

How molluscum spreads

Molluscum can spread easily through direct contact or shared items, affecting different body parts and individuals.

Common spread methods include skin-to-skin contact, sharing items like towels, and contact with infected water.

Preventing molluscum from spreading

Good hygiene is key to prevent molluscum spread. Follow these tips if your child has it.

Care when touching your child’s skin

Wash hands thoroughly after touching affected skin.

Dispose carefully of used plasters covering the bumps.

Towels and clothing

Avoid sharing towels and clothing.

Dry molluscum-infected skin last to prevent virus spread.

Bathing

Prefer showers over baths for affected individuals. Avoid sharing bath water and toys.

Sanitize bath toys after use if they have been used.
## When to get medical help for molluscum
If you suspect molluscum, schedule a doctor’s appointment. It might be helpful to bring photos for reference.
## Managing molluscum
### Most tamariki won’t need treatment
The majority of children with molluscum do not need treatment as it usually resolves on its own within 6 to 18 months.
### When to consider treatment
Treatment may be necessary for children with facial bumps or weakened immune systems. Managing eczema is crucial for those with both conditions.
## Treatment for molluscum
There are several treatments for molluscum, but none are completely effective. Consult with a doctor to determine the best option.
### Creams and ointments
Your doctor may recommend using creams, lotions, or ointments. They will provide clear instructions on how to apply these.
### Liquid nitrogen
Freezing the bumps with liquid nitrogen may be suggested, but not for extensive cases. This treatment may leave a white spot after removal.
### Surgical and laser treatment
Other treatment options include scraping, laser therapy, or removing the core of the bump. Scarring may occur after treatment.
## Possible complications from molluscum
### Infection
If the molluscum bumps become infected, seek medical attention for antibiotic treatment. Antibiotics won’t eliminate the bumps but can clear any associated infections.
### Scarring
Scarring may develop after molluscum is gone, especially with treatment or repeated scratching.
### Does my child need time off from kura or school?
Children with molluscum do not need to stay away from school or activities. It may take time to heal, but usually, there are no major health consequences.
## Prevention steps and strategies
### Where molluscum contagiosum spreads
Molluscum mostly affects children aged 1-10 and can spread in communal settings like daycare centers and schools.
Some reports suggest transmission in pools, but there is no conclusive evidence.
Molluscum is not a serious health threat and usually does not require treatment. Affected individuals can continue with normal activities without restriction.
### Keep in mind
Teachers and daycare staff should inform parents if they notice lesions on a child’s skin. A doctor’s note may be necessary for school attendance as only a healthcare provider can diagnose molluscum contagiosum.
### Cover lesions
To prevent the spread of molluscum, it’s important to cover lesions to prevent scratching and potential infection. Use waterproof bandages and change them regularly.
When assisting a child with lesions in the diaper area, ensure these are covered too.
### When swimming
If planning to swim with molluscum, take precautions:
– Cover all visible lesions with waterproof bandages
– Dispose of used bandages at home
– Avoid sharing towels, equipment, or toys
### Spotlight
Individuals with open sores should refrain from swimming in pools to prevent infections.
## Considerations for pool administrators
Public pool administrators should carefully consider excluding children with molluscum from pools. Excluding them, who are generally not at risk of serious harm, could lead to social stigma.
If a no-molluscum policy is in place, ensure the diagnosis is confirmed by a healthcare provider and conduct thorough skin checks for all children.
### Disinfect pool equipment
To reduce the spread of molluscum, disinfecting pool equipment that may come in contact with lesions is essential.
While there isn’t a specific disinfectant for molluscum, household bleach solutions and other disinfectants can effectively sanitize surfaces. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe handling.