Molluscum


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What Is Molluscum? Signs and Symptoms

Molluscum contagiosum is a common viral infection of the skin that causes round, firm, painless bumps to appear. This condition is spread by direct contact with someone who has it or by touching an object that has been infected with the virus. The signs and symptoms of molluscum can take up to six months to appear, and the bumps are usually 1 to 5 millimeters in size.

Common signs of molluscum include bumps that may have the following characteristics:

  • Raised, round, and flesh-colored, pink, or pearly.
  • Small in size and may first look like white pimples.
  • Have a small indent or dot at the top near the center.
  • Can become inflamed and red.
  • May itch.
  • Commonly appear on the body, including the face, neck, armpits, arms, tops of the hands, inner thighs, and lower abdomen.
  • Can be removed by scratching or rubbing, which can spread the virus.

The surrounding skin may show inflammation, and eczema develops around lesions in about 10% of patients. Scratched lesions can also lead to bacterial infections and spread to other areas of the body.

Anyone can get molluscum contagiosum, though some are more likely than others. Risk factors include being under the age of 10, living in tropical climates, having a weakened immune system, having atopic dermatitis, or participating in contact sports where bare skin-to-skin contact is common; it is also common in children, especially healthy children, including those in daycare centers.

Once you have had molluscum contagiosum, you are not protected against being infected again. That is why prevention is important, including washing your hands, avoiding touching molluscum bumps, not sharing personal items with others, avoiding sexual contact with those with molluscum contagiosum, and covering the bumps with clothing when you are around others. Close contact, shared items, and warm water in pools can help people catch molluscum.

This is a benign, common infection with an excellent prognosis, and most lesions heal without permanent skin defects.

Molluscum Contagiosum FAQs

Are baths bad for molluscum?

Bathwater can spread the molluscum virus to parts of the body that were previously unaffected.

Can a child get molluscum twice?

It is possible for children, or patients of any age, to get molluscum more than once.

Can healthy adults get molluscum?

Molluscum contagiosum is most common in children but can affect adults.

Can molluscum contagiosum be cured?

Molluscum is considered cured when bumps no longer occur, which is possible with treatment from a dermatologist. In some cases, however, molluscum will resolve itself without treatment within about six months.

Can molluscum turn into staph?

Molluscum can lead to a secondary staph infection if left untreated. This is not common.

How long does molluscum contagiosum typically last?

Molluscum contagiosum is a self-limiting infection that usually resolves on its own within 6 to 18 months, although in some cases it can persist for several years.

Can molluscum contagiosum spread through swimming pools?

Yes, molluscum contagiosum can occasionally spread through contaminated water in swimming pools or bathtubs, as well as through shared objects like pool toys or towels.

Is molluscum contagiosum considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI)?

In adults, molluscum contagiosum can be considered an STI as it can spread through skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity.

What do molluscum contagiosum lesions look like?

Molluscum contagiosum lesions appear as small, raised bumps that are usually white, pink, or skin-colored. They often have a characteristic dimple or pit in the center and can range in size from a pinhead to a pencil eraser.

Should children with molluscum contagiosum be excluded from school or daycare?

No, children with molluscum contagiosum do not need to be excluded from school or daycare. However, it's important to remind them to wash their hands frequently and avoid sharing personal items to prevent spreading the infection.

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Treatment Options for Molluscum

While molluscum usually gets better without treatment over 6-12 months, it can continue developing bumps for up to five years, though treatment is more often needed in people who are immunocompromised because lesions can be more persistent and resistant to therapy. If you have a weakened immune system, it may be necessary to treat molluscum contagiosum, and in people with HIV, lesions can become widespread and may number in the hundreds. Lesions on the genitals should generally be treated rather than simply observed. Once all of the bumps are gone, you are no longer contagious. Popular treatment options include removing the bumps through the following techniques:

  • Cryotherapy: Liquid nitrogen will be used to freeze away the bumps.
  • Curettage: The bumps will be scraped away using a special tool.
  • Cantharidin: This is an effective topical treatment that causes blisters, which lift off the bumps.
  • surgery: Physical removal techniques may also be used when faster clearance is needed.

Because these techniques involve treating each individual bump, a procedure may require more than one session. Cimetidine is a reasonable oral option for widespread lesions. Intralesional immunotherapy may also be used for recalcitrant cutaneous molluscum contagiosum cases. Those with many large bumps may need additional treatment until the bumps disappear, but more aggressive treatment can increase the risk of scarring, so the approach should be individualized.

Ideal Candidates for Molluscum Treatment

Individuals who have the symptoms of molluscum contagiosum or have lesions that are large, cause discomfort, affect sensitive areas such as the eyelids, involve an existing skin disease, occur with a weakened immune system, or raise concerns about complications from spreading or irritation can benefit from treatment. In order to determine the best course of action, a board-certified dermatologist at Dr. Erwin can diagnose molluscum, review treatment options, and remove lesions when appropriate.

Contact Us Today

If you believe you may have molluscum or have been diagnosed with molluscum, contact our office to learn more about your treatment options. We can be reached by calling 979-543-9933. We will be happy to assist you in scheduling your initial appointment with Dr. Erwin, during which she will be able to properly diagnose and treat your skin.