Molluscum Contagiosum | Poxvirus | CDC (2024)

FAQs

What triggers molluscum? ›

Molluscum contagiosum is an infection caused by a virus. The virus (poxvirus) spreads from person to person through physical contact or contaminated surfaces or objects. This infection begins with a single bump that can spread and increase in number when you itch your skin.

It spreads from close contact with other children who are infected. Molluscum contagiosum is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) in adults and can spread by skin-to-skin contact during sex. The infection usually resolves itself, but treatment can shorten the length of symptoms.

Most of the time, molluscum clears up on its own without treatment. Each bump goes away in about 2–3 months. New bumps can appear as old ones go away, so it can take 6-12 months (and sometimes longer) for molluscum to fully go away. Sometimes, doctors remove the bumps or help them go away more quickly.

The molluscum virus causes the rash after it enters a small break in the skin. Bumps usually appear 2–6 weeks after that. The molluscum virus spreads easily from skin touching skin that has bumps. Kids also can get it by touching things that have the virus on them, such as toys, clothing, towels, and bedding.

If you try to remove the bumps on your own or squeeze out the fluid inside, you risk spreading the virus to other parts of your body. Keep the bumps clean and wash your hands after touching the molluscum. Washing your hands helps to remove the virus from your skin so that you don't spread the virus to other areas.

Over a few weeks, the bumps can enlarge and develop a white-colored pus head that creates a small crater when it bursts. Our dermatologists advise patients against attempting to intentionally pop the bumps to prevent molluscum contagiosum getting worse and spreading to other areas of the body.

Molluscum contagiosum is caused by a virus in the poxvirus family. This is different from the human papilloma virus (HPV) family that causes warts, but these two conditions are commonly discussed together because they are contagious viral diseases that cause skin lesions.

Molluscum contagiosum is very common in the United States. It's so common you shouldn't be surprised if you or your family catch it. Anyone can get infected, but it's most common in children between 1 and 10 years old. The infection is usually mild and goes away without any treatment.

These lesions will burst on their own, this is the final stage which involves burst pus-filled papules forming red sores (fourth image from the left). These sores can become infected with bacteria if not properly cared for, leading to secondary infections.

Hydrogen peroxide (HP) is a powerful oxidizing agent and antiseptic that can inactivate poxvirus in vitro. 21 Treatment with HP, which is sold outside of Spain in a 1% cream, resulted in complete resolution of lesions in an 8-month-old patient with genital MC when applied at every diaper change for 1 week.

What can be mistaken for molluscum contagiosum? ›

To perform cryosurgery, your dermatologist applies an extremely cold substance like liquid nitrogen to each molluscum bump. This extreme cold can effectively destroy the bumps. Because new molluscum bumps can form, you will need to return for treatment every 2 to 3 weeks until the bumps clear.

Treatment. In healthy children, the virus usually goes away on its own within a few months to a few years.

Most adults have been exposed to molluscum in their youth and are therefore immune, so it is not likely you will become infected by touching your child's spots.

Molluscum contagiosum signs and symptoms include: Raised, round, skin-colored bumps. Small bumps — typically under about 1/4 inch (smaller than 6 millimeters) in diameter. Bumps with a small dent or dot at the top near the center.

If molluscum contagiosum is severe or recurs, this suggests that the immune system is struggling to fight off the virus. To boost immune function, people can try: eating a balanced diet that is rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthful fats.

Molluscum contagiosum is very common in the United States. It's so common you shouldn't be surprised if you or your family catch it. Anyone can get infected, but it's most common in children between 1 and 10 years old. The infection is usually mild and goes away without any treatment.

When you have a healthy immune system, the body will get rid of the virus. Once this happens, the skin will clear. Clearing can take time. For many children, the body clears the infection within 6 to 9 months.

This can happen by: Having skin-to-skin contact with someone who has molluscum. Touching an object that someone who has molluscum touched. Sharing a personal item, such as clothing or a towel, with someone who has molluscum.