Molluscum Contagiosum

Overview

Molluscum contagiosum is a common, usually harmless skin infection caused by a virus. It causes small, firm, raised bumps on the skin, often with a little dimple in the center. The bumps are generally not painful, but they can be itchy or sore. For most people, the infection clears up on its own without treatment, although it can take several months to a couple of years.

Yes, it is quite common, especially among children. It occurs worldwide and is more frequent in warm, humid climates.

Molluscum contagiosum most often affects children between 1 and 10 years old. It can also affect adults who have a weakened immune system, or those who take part in close-contact sports like wrestling. In adults, the virus can sometimes be passed through sexual contact, but this is not the only way it spreads.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Small, firm, dome-shaped bumps on the skin, usually 1–5 mm in size.
• A central dimple or pit on the top of each bump.
• Bumps can appear on the face, neck, arms, legs, and sometimes the torso or genital area.
• The bumps may be itchy, sore, or become red and swollen if irritated.
• They may become inflamed when your immune system fights the virus.

Symptoms in children

• In children, bumps often appear on the face, neck, arms, and legs.
• There may be just a few bumps or many – sometimes dozens.
• Scratching or picking can spread the bumps to other parts of the skin.
• The bumps are usually harmless and not painful, but may be itchy.

Symptoms in older adults

• In adults, bumps can appear on any part of the skin.
• If spread through sexual contact, they may be seen in the genital area, lower belly, or inner thighs.
• Adults with weakened immune systems may have larger, more numerous, or longer-lasting bumps.

Causes

Main causes

• Infection with the molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV), a type of poxvirus.
• Direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person's bumps or skin.
• Touching contaminated objects such as towels, clothing, gym equipment, or swimming pool surfaces.
• Scratching or picking the bumps and then touching other parts of your skin.

Risk factors

• Being a child, especially between 1 and 10 years old.
• Having a weakened immune system due to HIV, organ transplantation, or certain medications.
• Participating in sports with close skin contact, such as wrestling.
• Sharing towels, toys, or personal items with someone who has the infection.
• Living in a warm, humid climate.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• See a doctor the same day if you notice signs of a bacterial skin infection, such as increasing redness, pain, swelling, warmth, or pus.
• Seek same-day care if the bumps appear around the eyes, or if you have an immune system condition and the bumps are spreading quickly.
• If you are an adult with bumps in the genital area, see your GP or visit a sexual health clinic.

Book a routine appointment if:

• Make a routine appointment if the bumps are persistent, bothersome, or cause cosmetic concerns.
• See your GP if you are worried about the infection and want confirmation of the diagnosis.
• If the bumps do not go away on their own within a few months, or if they keep coming back, consult your doctor.

Diagnosis

A healthcare professional can usually diagnose molluscum contagiosum by looking at the bumps. The characteristic appearance – small, firm, dome-shaped bumps with a central dimple – is quite distinctive, so further tests are not usually needed.

Tests that may be done

• In rare cases, a doctor may gently scrape a small sample from a bump and look at it under a microscope.
• Blood tests are not typically needed, but might be done if you have very widespread or recurrent bumps to check for an immune system issue.

What to expect at your appointment

The doctor will examine your skin and ask about your symptoms, how long the bumps have been present, and whether you or your child feel itchy or uncomfortable. The appointment is usually brief and no special preparation is needed. The doctor may also ask about your general health and whether you have any condition that could weaken your immune system.

Treatment

Treatment is not always necessary because the infection often clears on its own. However, your doctor may offer treatment to reduce spreading, relieve itching, or remove bothersome bumps. The right approach depends on your age, the number of bumps, and where they are on your body. Always follow your doctor's advice.

Self-care at home

• Keep the affected skin clean and dry.
• Avoid scratching or picking the bumps, as this can spread the virus and increase the risk of infection.
• Wash your hands regularly, especially after touching the bumps.
• Do not share towels, flannels, clothing, or sports equipment with other people.
• Avoid close-contact sports, such as wrestling, until the bumps are gone.
• If the bumps itch, apply a cool, damp cloth – or ask your pharmacist or doctor about a suitable anti-itch treatment.

Medical treatments

A doctor may offer treatments to remove the bumps or help your immune system clear the virus. These may include medicated creams or chemical solutions applied directly to the bumps, or physical methods such as freezing (cryotherapy). For children, these procedures can sometimes be uncomfortable, so your healthcare provider will discuss the best option. A wait-and-see approach is often recommended for children. Your GP or dermatologist will suggest a treatment tailored to you.

When is surgery considered?

Minor surgical removal, such as scraping off the bumps with a small instrument, is sometimes done for persistent or large bumps. This is only done by a qualified healthcare professional, such as a dermatologist or GP with the right training.

Living with this condition

Continue your normal daily activities, but take simple steps to avoid passing the virus to others. You can cover the bumps with clothing or a waterproof plaster when swimming or using communal showers. Be gentle with your skin and try not to scratch. If your child has the infection, keep their fingernails short to reduce damage from scratching.

Lifestyle tips

• Wash hands often with soap and water.
• Use separate towels and flannels for each family member and wash them regularly in hot water.
• Wash clothing and bedding that may have touched the bumps in hot, soapy water.
• If you use a gym or swimming pool, dry yourself thoroughly and do not share equipment without cleaning it first.
• If the bumps are in the genital area, avoid sexual contact until they have completely cleared.

Diet and exercise

There is no special diet or exercise plan for molluscum contagiosum. Eating a balanced diet and staying active supports your immune system in general. If you feel self-conscious, you can still exercise, but avoid close-contact sports or make sure the bumps are covered with clothing or a plaster.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

For many people, molluscum contagiosum is not a serious health problem, but the visible bumps can cause embarrassment or worry, especially for teenagers and adults. It is normal to feel this way. Remember that the infection is common and usually clears on its own. If you or your child feel distressed, talk to your GP, who can offer reassurance and advice. If you are struggling to cope, it is important to reach out for mental health support – your GP or a local health service can point you in the right direction.

Prevention

You can reduce the risk of getting or spreading molluscum contagiosum by washing your hands often, not sharing personal items, and avoiding skin-to-skin contact with someone who has active bumps. If a family member is infected, keep their towels and clothing separate and wash them on a hot cycle. Shower after contact sports and avoid sharing bathwater with a child who has bumps. However, it is not always possible to prevent the infection completely, especially among children.

Vaccines

There is no vaccine that protects against molluscum contagiosum.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening for this infection, as it is usually diagnosed when the bumps appear. If you have concerns, see your GP for a check-up.

Complications

If left untreated

• In most cases, there are no complications and the bumps clear on their own.
• If left untreated, the bumps can spread to other parts of the body through scratching or contact.
• A secondary bacterial infection of the bumps can occur, causing redness, pain, and swelling that may require treatment with antibiotics.
• In people with weakened immune systems, the bumps may persist longer, become larger, or spread widely. There may be small scars or patches of lighter skin after healing.

Long-term outlook

The outlook is very good. In healthy people, molluscum contagiosum usually clears without scarring within 6 to 12 months, though it can take up to 18 months or longer. Once the bumps go away, your body creates immunity against the virus, so it rarely returns in the same person. Even without treatment, the infection is benign and self-limiting. Your healthcare provider can help you manage symptoms and reduce spreading.

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