A Poorly Understood STI
Molluscum contagiosumis a contagious skin infection because of a key in ofpoxvirus.
It results in round, flesh-colored, painless, and sometimesitchy bumpsthat can appear anywhere on the skin.
It most often affects young children, as well as adults who have weakened immune systems.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet New Zealandwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
It is transmitted by direct skin contact.
Because it can spread during sexual contact, it is considered asexually transmitted infection (STI)in adults.
This article explains what molluscum contagiosum is, what causes it, and the symptoms associated with it.
It also discusses how it is diagnosed and treatment options.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
Reproduced with permission from DermNet New Zealandwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
Types of Molluscum Contagiosum
There are foursubtypes of the virusthat can trigger molluscum contagiosum.
All four types cause the same lesions, or bumps.
Molluscum Contagiosum Symptoms
The molluscum contagiosum virus causes raised, firm bumps on the skin.
These bumps range from the size of a pinhead to the size of a pencil eraser.
They are usually white, pink, or flesh-colored with a small dimple or pit in the middle.
While typically painless, the bumps can be itchy, irritated, swollen, or sore.
However, in some cases, lesions can persist for five years.
How It Spreads
Molluscum contagiosum spreads through close or skin-to-skin contact.
This may include shared towels, athletic equipment, clothes, toys, and other shared objects.
Diagnosis
Any and all new bumps on the skin should be looked at by ahealthcare provider.
This is particularly true if they appear in the genital area.
Your provider can diagnose a molluscum infection based on a physical examination.
Sometimes abiopsy, or removing a tiny sample of scraped skin, is necessary.
Molluscum contagiosum is not detected through urine or blood tests.
Treatment
Molluscum contagiosum should only be treated by a healthcare professional.
Treatments advocated on the Internet may actually cause more harm than good.
Once the molluscum bumps are gone, the infection is considered to be cured.
Molluscum contagiosum has no dormant or inactive phase likeherpesorhuman papillomavirus (HPV).
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two topical agents for the treatment of MC.
Ycanth (cantharidin) is a topical treatment for people aged 2 and older.
Scarring usually does not occur.
However, scarring is possible if you scratch the bumps off or have them medically removed.
Molluscum contagiosum infections are generally easy to manage in individuals with healthy immune systems.
They can be much more problematic in people with uncontrolled HIV, or with weakened immune systems.
In rare cases, infections that spread can lead to permanent skin changes.
However, if you come into contact with someone with this condition, it is possible to get reinfected.
Among adults, the most common way that this condition is transmitted is through sexual contact.
In children, it can be difficult to prevent this infection from spreading.
These round, usually-painless bumps may sometimes be itchy, swollen, or sore.
It spreads from skin-to-skin contact and close contact.
Your healthcare provider can diagnose this condition with a physical examination and a biopsy, if needed.
Treatment will vary depending on the specific individual.
In most cases, the infection can fully clear up untreated within six to 12 months.
Remember that this virus typically clears on its own without treatment and often doesn’t cause any scarring.
Frequently Asked Questions
No.
It is brought on by a poxvirus, not a herpes simplex virus.
Because it can spread through sexual contact, it is considered an STI in adults.
Healthcare providers can also remove them with freezing, lasers, and other treatments.
Food and Drug Administration.Zelsuvmi label.
Food and Drug Administration.Ycanth label.
