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Nov 9, 2023 · Molluscum contagiosum is a mild skin infection caused by a virus that forms painless bumps or nodules on the skin. See pictures of molluscum contagiosum and learn about its causes, risk factors, stages, and treatment options.
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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
•Itchy, pink bumps
•Bumps on the face, trunk, arms or legs of children
If you suspect you or your child has molluscum contagiosum, contact your health care provider.
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The virus that causes molluscum contagiosum spreads easily through:
•Skin-to-skin contact
•Contact with infected objects, such as towels, kickboards and wrestling mats
•Swimming in pools or hot tubs contaminated with the virus
•Sexual contact with an affected partner
•Scratching or rubbing the bumps, which spreads the virus to nearby skin
Risk factors for molluscum contagiosum include:
•Being ages 1 to 10. This condition is most common in children.
•Having a weakened immune system. Some conditions and treatments can weaken the immune system. Examples are leukemia, HIV and cancer treatments.
•Having atopic dermatitis. The rash typical of atopic dermatitis creates an entry point for the virus that causes molluscum.
The bumps and the skin around them may become inflamed. This is thought to be an immune system response to the infection. If scratched, these bumps can become infected and heal with scarring. If sores appear on the eyelids, pink eye (conjunctivitis) can develop.
To help prevent the spread of the virus:
•Wash your hands. Keeping your hands clean can help prevent spreading the virus.
•Avoid touching the bumps. Shaving over the infected areas also can spread the virus.
•Don't share or borrow personal items. These include clothing, towels, hairbrushes and other personal items.
•Avoid sexual contact. If you have molluscum contagiosum on or near your genitals, don't have sex until the bumps are treated and gone.
•Cover the bumps. Cover the bumps with clothing when around others, to prevent direct contact. Leave the affected area open to the air when not around others, as this promotes healthy skin. When swimming, cover the bumps with a watertight bandage.
Learn about the common skin infection caused by a virus that results in raised, round, skin-colored bumps. See pictures, causes, risk factors, complications and prevention tips for molluscum contagiosum.
Feb 21, 2023 · Molluscum contagiosum is a skin infection that causes small, painless bumps on the skin. Learn about the symptoms, causes, transmission, complications, diagnosis, and treatment options for this condition, and see pictures of the lesions.
Molluscum contagiosum is a viral infection that causes small, raised, pearly lesions on the skin. Learn about the transmission, treatment, prevention, and long term effects of this condition from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Learn about molluscum contagiosum, a viral skin infection that causes raised, pearl-like bumps on your skin. See pictures of the bumps and how to treat or prevent them.
Images of molluscum contagiosum. Authoritative facts about the skin from DermNet New Zealand.
What does molluscum contagiosum look like? The following pictures show you what molluscum contagiosum tends to look like. This lineup begins by showing you what the bumps look like when they first appear and ends with what you may see right before the skin clears.
