Molluscum contagiosum is a common skin disease that is caused by a virus. The disease is generally mild and should not be a reason for concern or worry.  Molluscum infection causes small white, pink, or flesh-colored bumps or growths with a dimple or pit in the center. The bumps are usually smooth and firm and can appear anywhere on the body. They may become sore, red, and swollen but are usually painless. The bumps normally disappear within 6 to 12 months without treatment and without leaving scars.  People with this skin disease can cause the bumps to spread to different parts of their body by touching or scratching a bump and then touching another part of the body.  The virus can also be spread from person to person.  This can happen if the growths on one person are touched by another person. It can also happen if the virus gets on an object that is touched by other people such as towels, clothing, and toys.

How to prevent spreading

• Wash hands well
• Do not scratch or pick
• Keep the bumps covered
• Do not share towels or other personal items

Treatment

There are treatments for molluscum such as…

• Surgical removal by scraping the lesions off the body
• Freezing the lesions with liquid nitrogen

However, treatment is not usually required because the bumps disappear on their own within 6 months. However, they may not go away completely for up to 4 years. In addition, not all treatments are successful for all people.

Information obtained at www.cdc.gov

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