Molluscum contagiosum and how it spreads
Molluscum contagiosum is a skin infection caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus (MSV). It is common in children.
Molluscum contagiosum can spread:
- from close skin-to-skin contact with others who have the virus (especially in children)
- as a sexually transmissible infection (STI) through skin-to-skin contact during sex
- around the body by scratching (especially in areas where the skin is broken)
- occasionally by bathing (in bath or pool water)
- sometimes by touching objects that have the virus on them (such as bath toys, towels, clothing or bedding).
Symptoms of molluscum contagiosum
Molluscum contagiosum may cause small lumps or lesions (around 1–5 mm in diameter). They mainly appear on the skin of the thighs, buttocks, groin, genitals and abdomen. Molluscum contagiosum usually does not affect other parts of the body.
Image of molluscum contagiosum, courtesy DermNet
The lesions:
- are painless, but may be itchy
- often have a tiny central indentation (core)
- can be many and cover the thighs, genital and stomach
- are ‘self-limiting’, meaning they resolve without treatment within a few months.
Diagnosing molluscum contagiosum
Molluscum contagiosum can be mistaken for genital warts or pimples.
If you notice any unusual skin lesions, see your doctor or health professional for an accurate diagnosis.
There is no test for molluscum contagiosum. It is diagnosed through a physical examination by looking at the appearance of the lesions.
If you have molluscum contagiosum, your health professional may recommend tests for other STIs.
Molluscum contagiosum treatment
Treatment for molluscum contagiosum is available. The length of treatment can vary from person to person.
Molluscum contagiosum may take longer to clear for people with a suppressed immune system.
Sexual partners of someone who has molluscum contagiosum do not need treatment if they do not have lesions.
Remember, molluscum contagiosum will eventually clear up after 6-18 months if left untreated.
Liquid nitrogen treatment (cryotherapy)
Lesions are usually treated by a clinician with liquid nitrogen (known as cryotherapy). Cryotherapy freezes the lesions and helps to reduce the time symptoms are present.
Liquid nitrogen treatment:
- Is available from local general practitioners (GPs) and sexual health centres.
- Is cosmetic and not a cure – the virus remains on the skin until your immune system removes it.
- Usually only requires a single treatment. It may take a couple of weeks for the lumps to disappear after freezing.
Other treatment for molluscum contagiosum
Molluscum contagiosum can be treated with a topical cream prescribed by a doctor. It needs to be applied daily to the lumps (lesions).
It is best not to shave, trim or wax hair affected by molluscum contagiosum to minimise the risk of spreading the infection to other areas of your body.
Molluscum contagiosum potential risks
Complications with molluscum contagiosum are rare.
To reduce the risk of spreading molluscum contagiosum and other bacterial infections, try not to pick, squeeze or irritate the lesions. There is no need to apply creams or lotions to the affected areas, just keep up your usual hygiene practices.
If molluscum contagiosum is not treated
Molluscum contagiosum is a mild, ‘self-limiting’ skin infection.
Without treatment, it can persist for 6-18 months, but will eventually resolve.
The duration and severity of molluscum contagiosum varies from person to person.
Molluscum contagiosum and sex
To reduce the risk of molluscum contagiosum transmission during sexual contact, use condoms (including internal condoms) or dams.
Where to get help
- Your doctor or GP
- Maternal and child health nurse
- Sexual Health Victoria (SHV). To book an appointment call SHV Melbourne CBD Clinic: (03) 9660 4700 or call SHV Box Hill Clinic: (03) 9257 0100 or (free call): 1800 013 952. These services are youth friendly.
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre Tel. (03) 9341 6200 or 1800 032 017.
- Victorian Sexual Health Network – where to get tested – visit Melbourne Sexual Health Centre's GP partner clinics for STI check-ups and treatment
- Thorne Harbour Health (formerly Victorian AIDS Council) Tel. (03) 9865 6700 or 1800 134 840
- Ballarat Community Health Sexual Health Clinic Tel. (03) 5338 4500
- Bendigo Community Health Sexual Health Clinic Tel. (03) 5434 4300 Or (03) 5448 1600
- Gateway Health Clinic, Wodonga Tel. (02) 6022 8888 or 1800657 573
- Sunraysia Community Health Services Tel. (03) 5022 5444
- Barwon Health Sexual Health Clinic Tel. (03) 5226 7489
- Women's sexual and reproductive health hubs (throughout Victoria)
- 1800MyOptions Tel:1800 696784 is a statewide phone service for information about sexual health as well as contraception and pregnancy options
