Skip to main content

Molluscum Contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum is a viral disease of the skin that causes small, pink bumps on the skin. It is not harmful and usually does not result any other symptoms. It is common worldwide and accounts for about one percent of all skin disorders in the United States.

Molluscum contagiosum is caused by a virus called the molluscipox virus. A person can contract MC by having direct contact with a person who has the infection, or by indirect contact with shared items, such as clothing, towels, and washcloths. It is unknown how long a person is contagious. The period between exposure and development of symptoms can range from one week to six months. 

Molluscum contagiosum is usually diagnosed based on a medical history and physical examination. Additional tests are not routinely ordered. In most cases, the lesions will heal without treatment over a period of six to nine months. Removal of lesions reduces the rate of spread to other people as well as from one part of the body to another, which happens by touching the lesions (called autoinoculation).

Resources

truetrue