What Is Molluscum Contagiosum?
Molluscum contagiosum is a viral skin infection caused by a poxvirus. It produces small, firm, dome-shaped bumps, often with a characteristic dimple or indentation in the center. It's usually painless, though bumps can become itchy or irritated.
Molluscum is most common in young children, but can affect anyone, including sexually active adults (where it's considered a sexually transmitted infection when it occurs on the genitals) and people with weakened immune systems, who may develop larger or more numerous lesions.
Causes
- Direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person
- Contact with contaminated objects — towels, clothing, bath toys, gym equipment
- Scratching, which can spread the virus to new areas on the same person (autoinoculation)
- Swimming pools and shared bathing facilities, particularly in group childcare settings
Symptoms
- Small, firm, dome-shaped bumps, usually skin-colored, pink, or pearly white
- A small central dimple or indentation visible on many bumps
- Bumps typically appear in clusters and can multiply over weeks if scratched
- Mild itching or irritation around the bumps in some cases
Treatment Options at Dermatology of Seattle
- In-office removal techniques to clear existing lesions and reduce spread
- Topical prescription treatment to speed clearance
- Guidance on at-home care to reduce spread within a household
- Monitoring for cases likely to resolve on their own without intervention
When to See a Dermatologist
See a dermatologist if bumps are spreading rapidly, appearing near the eyes, causing significant irritation, occurring in a household with multiple young children, or if you're an adult noticing new bumps in the genital area. A professional evaluation also helps rule out other conditions that can look similar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is molluscum contagiosum dangerous?
No — it's a benign viral infection that, while contagious and sometimes cosmetically bothersome, doesn't cause serious illness in people with a healthy immune system. It typically resolves on its own over months to a couple of years, though treatment can speed clearance and limit spread.
How do I stop it from spreading to other family members?
Avoid sharing towels, clothing, or bathwater with an infected person, discourage scratching or picking at the bumps, and keep the area covered when possible, especially around other children.
Does molluscum leave scars?
Molluscum itself usually doesn't scar if left alone, but scratching or picking at the bumps increases the risk of scarring and secondary infection — which is one reason many parents opt for professional treatment rather than waiting it out.