Molluscum contagiosum
Molluscum contagiosumArticle Sections
DefinitionMolluscum contagiosum (mo-LUS-kum kun-tay-jee-OH-sum) is a relatively common viral infection of the skin that most often affects children. It results in firm bumps (papules) that are painless and usually disappear within a year without treatment. If the papules are scratched or injured, the infection can spread to surrounding skin. Though common in children, molluscum contagiosum may affect adults as well. In adults, molluscum contagiosum involving the genitals is considered a sexually transmitted disease (STD). The disorder may also be seen in adults with an altered immune system. Molluscum contagiosum spreads through direct person-to-person contact and through contact with contaminated objects. Because it spreads easily, doctors often recommend medical treatment, especially for adults. Molluscum contagiosumMolluscum contagiosum is a common skin infection that results in raised, round, flesh-colored bumps (papules) on the skin. The papules can become red and inflamed. ...  SymptomsMolluscum contagiosum results in raised, round, flesh-colored bumps (papules) on the skin. The papules:
In children, the papules typically appear on the face, neck, armpits, hands and arms. In adults, molluscum contagiosum may be a sexually transmitted disease (STD) and is usually seen on the genitals, lower abdomen, inner upper thighs and buttocks. The disorder doesn't lead to serious illness and isn't related to genital warts, which are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). However, adults with genital molluscum contagiosum should be screened for other STDs.
When to see a doctor Molluscum contagiosumMolluscum contagiosum is a common skin infection that results in raised, round, flesh-colored bumps (papules) on the skin. The papules can become red and inflamed. ... CausesMolluscum contagiosum results from an infection by the molluscum contagiosum virus — a member of the poxvirus family. This virus spreads easily through:
Scratching or rubbing the papules spreads the virus to nearby skin, as can shaving. Risk factorsBecause molluscum contagiosum is spread by skin-to-skin contact, noninfected people can be at risk of contracting the virus through activities that put them in contact with infected individuals or contaminated objects. People with weakened immune systems are at risk of developing more-severe lesions from the molluscum contagiosum virus. ComplicationsThe papules and the skin around them may become red and inflamed, a condition termed molluscum dermatitis. This is thought to be an immune response to the infection. Sometimes the lesions may be itchy and, if scratched, can become infected. If lesions appear on the eyelids, conjunctivitis can develop. Preparing for your appointmentYou're likely to start by first seeing your family doctor or a general practitioner. However, in some cases when you call to set up an appointment, you may be referred immediately to a specialist, such as a dermatologist. Because appointments can be brief, and because there's often a lot of ground to cover, it's a good idea to be well prepared for your appointment. Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment, and what to expect from your doctor. What you can do
Your time with your doctor is limited, so preparing a list of questions will help you make the most of your time together. List your questions from most important to least important in case time runs out. For molluscum contagiosum, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:
In addition to the questions that you've prepared to ask your doctor, don't hesitate to ask questions during your appointment at any time that you don't understand something.
What to expect from your doctor
Tests and diagnosisMolluscum contagiosum is usually diagnosed by the appearance of characteristic pearly or flesh-colored bumps on the affected area of skin. If there's any doubt, your doctor may take skin scrapings from the infected area and view them under a microscope. The infection can occur anywhere on the body except the palms of your hands or the soles of your feet. In children, infections commonly appear on the face, body, and arms and legs. In adults, infections can also show up in the genital area. In these cases the infection is considered an STD. Treatments and drugsFor people with a normal immune system, molluscum contagiosum resolves without treatment within six to 12 months, though it can sometimes take years to disappear completely. It may take longer for the condition to disappear in children whose immune systems aren't fully developed and in adults with compromised immune systems. Because molluscum contagiosum spreads easily, doctors often recommend medical treatment, especially for adults. Treatment for molluscum contagiosum may include removal of the papules by:
These treatments can be painful, so a topical anesthetic can be prescribed before these procedures to lessen discomfort. Topical medications that are used to remove warts and to treat acne and psoriasis also may be helpful in removing the papules. Sometimes a combination of these treatments may be used.
Treating associated dermatitis
Treatment for people with a weak immune system Alternative medicineSome treatments available on the Internet claim to quickly clear molluscum contagiosum infections; however, no medications studied in rigorous clinical trials have been shown to be consistently effective in clearing the virus, so these products may not be effective. Additionally, check with your doctor before using any dietary supplements or skin treatments — especially if you have eczema — to make sure they won't interact with any other medications or treatments you're using. PreventionTo help prevent the spread of the virus:
Precautions at swimming facilities If you have molluscum contagiosum, avoid playing contact sports such as wrestling because the virus can spread this way. Last Updated: 2010-02-09 © 1998-2013 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com," "Mayo Clinic Health Information," "Reliable information for a healthier life" and the triple-shield Mayo logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.
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