Molluscum Contagiosum

What is Molluscum Contagiosum?

Molluscum contagiosum is a common viral skin infection that causes small, smooth, dome-shaped bumps with a central dimple. It is especially common in children, but adults can also develop it. Lesions may occur anywhere on the body, and in adults they can appear in the genital area as well.

Molluscum is usually benign, but it can spread from one part of the body to another and from person to person.

What Causes Molluscum Contagiosum?

Molluscum is caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus. It spreads through direct skin contact and sometimes through shared items such as towels, sports equipment, or other objects that touch the skin.

It can also spread more easily when:

The skin is scratched or picked

There is underlying eczema

The immune system is weakened

Shaving spreads lesions into nearby skin

What are the Symptoms of Molluscum Contagiosum?

Common features include:

• Small pink, white, or skin-colored bumps

• A central indentation or dimple

• Clustered lesions in warm or friction-prone areas

• Surrounding eczema or irritation in some patients

• Occasional tenderness, itch, or inflammation as lesions start to resolve

Although molluscum can clear on its own, some cases persist for many months and can continue to spread.

How do I Treat Molluscum Contagiosum?

Although molluscum contagiosum might resolve independently over a span of up to 2 years, treatments are advisable due to the persistent infectious nature of the lesions. Treatment modalities include:

• Cryotherapy, where lesions undergo freezing

• Cantharidin application, done in office

• Topical preparations infused with podophyllotoxin or salicylic acid

• Electrodessication or curettage for lesion removal, but these might leave scars

• New approved treatments include Ycanth and berdazimer gel (Zelsuvmi), but these can be expensive

How do I Prevent Molluscum Contagiosum?

To curb the transmission of molluscum contagiosum:

• Regularly wash hands

• Avoid scratching or touching the lesions

• Ensure all lesions are covered with clothing or bandages and dispose of them after single use

• Abstain from sharing personal belongings like towels

• Always launder clothes post-wearing

• Engage in safe sexual practices and contemplate abstinence if genital lesions are present

• Addressing surrounding eczema when present

• Avoiding shaving over involved skin