Molluscum contagiosum

Overview

Spreads by touch and shared towels.

Molluscum spreads by touching the bumps or sharing towels, and it can spread to other parts of the body by scratching.

Each bump lasts weeks to months, and the whole thing usually clears in 6 to 18 months.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Small pearly bumps with a dimple
• Small shiny bumps with a dimple in the middle

Less common

• Red, irritated bumps as they heal

Look up a symptom: Small shiny bumps with a dimple in the middle

When to get medical care

Causes

Virus.

Does it spread or run in families?

• Yes, it can spread from person to person.
• How it spreads: skin contact, shared towels, or sexual contact.
• Condoms lower the risk. Sex partners should be tested and treated too.

Who is more likely to get it

• Children
• Eczema

Diagnosis

A clinician can tell by looking.

Treatment

Leave them alone.

Self-care

• Don't pick or scratch
• Cover bumps for swimming
• Avoid shaving over bumps

Removal options exist.

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

• Don't share towels
• Cover bumps

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a dermatologist (skin doctor).

Back to school, work, or sports

• You can go to school and work as usual.
• Don't have sex until you and your partners finish treatment and your doctor says it's OK.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Adults: Genital molluscum can be sexually spread.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Some infections can pass to the baby during pregnancy or birth. Tell your provider if you've been exposed.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Clears.

Bumps heal without scars if they aren't picked.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

Questions to ask

• Should the bumps be removed?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Molluscum contagiosum