Molluscum Contagiosum

A skin disease caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) usually causing one or more small lesions/bumps alone or in groups. MCV is generally a benign infection and symptoms may self-resolve. MCV was once a disease primarily of children, but it has evolved to become a sexually transmitted disease in adults. It is believed to be a member of the pox virus family.

How do people get molluscum contagiosum?

Molluscum contagiosum may be sexually transmitted by skin-to-skin contact (does not have to be mucous membranes) and/or lesions. Transmission through sexual contact is the most common form of transmission for adults.
MCV may be transmitted from inanimate objects such as towels and clothing that come in contact with the lesions. MCV transmission has been associated with swimming pools and sharing baths with an infected person.
MCV also may be transmitted by autoinoculation, such as touching a lesion and touching another part of the body.

How long does it take before the lesions or bumps appear?

The period of time averages 2 to 3 months and may range from 1 week to 6 months.

How Long are You Infectious?

This is not known for certain, but researchers assume that if the virus is present it may be transmitted.

What are the symptoms of molluscum contagiosum?

Lesions are usually present on the thighs, buttocks, groin and lower abdomen of adults, and may occasionally appear on the external genital and anal region.
Children typically develop lesions on the face, trunk, legs and arms.
The lesions may begin as small bumps which can develop over a period of several weeks into larger sores/bumps. The lesions can be flesh colored, gray-white, yellow or pink. They can cause itching or tenderness in the area, but in most cases the lesions cause few problems. Lesions can last from 2 weeks to 4 years -- the average is 2 years.
People with AIDS or others with compromised immune systems may develop extensive outbreaks.

How is molluscum contagiosum diagnosed?

Diagnosis is usually made by the characteristic appearance of the lesion. MCV may be diagnosed by collecting a specimen from the lesion, placing it onto a slide and staining with a Gram stain which shows changes in infected cells. Diagnosis may be made by collecting a specimen from the lesion and viewing it under an electron microscope.

How is molluscum contagiosum treated?

Usually no treatment is needed because the bumps disappear by themselves within 6-12 months, although this may take up to 4 years.

Lesions can be removed surgically and/or treated with a chemical agent such as podophyllin, cantharidin, phenol, silver nitrate, trichloracetic acid or iodine.
Cryotherapy is an alternative method of removal.

Lesions may recur, but it is not clear whether this is due to reinfection, exacerbation of subclinical infection, or reactivation of latent infection.

How can I keep from getting molluscum contagiosum?

Practice abstinence because transmission through sexual contact is the most common form of transmission for adults, preventing skin-to-skin contact with an infected partner will be most effective in preventing MCV.
Latex condoms, when used consistently and correctly, may reduce the risk of transmission of MCV.
Using condoms may protect the penis or vagina from infection, but they do not protect other areas such as the scrotum or anal area.
Mutual monogamy (sex with only 1 uninfected partner)

If you do get molluscum contagiosum, avoid touching the lesion and then touching another part of the body without washing your hands to prevent chance of spread to other parts of the body.

What about complications from molluscum contagiosum?

Where can I get more information?

Illinois Department of Public Health
HIV/STD Hotline 800-243-2437 (TTY 800-782-0423)

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
CDC-INFO Hotline (24 hours, 7 days a week)
STD information and referrals to STD Clinics
800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636)
TTY: 888-232-6348
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