Page content: What is molluscum contagiosum? | How is it transmitted? | Signs & symptoms | Can it become a serious disease? | How is it treated? | Further information

What is molluscum contagiosum?

It is a viral disease caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV).

How is it transmitted?

It is transmitted by skin-to-skin contact, which is usually sexual in adults and non-sexual in children. Towels and other objects might transmit occasional cases. Spots appear one week to six months (usually two to three months) after contact.

Signs & symptoms

Molluscum contagiosum may cause a variable number of skin lumps, sometimes even ten or twenty. The lumps may be located on or around the genitals. This includes the pubic area, the inner thighs and the abdomen. They are painless, but may be slightly itchy and often pearly white in appearance with a tiny central indentation.

Molluscum contagiosum can be mistaken for genital warts or pimples. If you think you have molluscum contagiosum, it is recommended that you see your doctor or other experienced health professional.

Can it become a serious disease?

Bacterial infections can complicate molluscum contagiosum, causing the lumps to become red and sore. However, these symptoms may also be signs that the lumps are about to disappear naturally. If symptoms don?t resolve quickly, consult your doctor in case you need antibiotic treatment.

How is it treated?

Although molluscum contagiosum eventually resolves, freezing the lumps with liquid nitrogen can shorten the duration of symptoms.

A single treatment is all that is usually required. However, it may take a couple of weeks for the lumps to disappear.

Imiquimod cream 0.1% applied three times daily is also effective.

Do not scratch any irritated areas after treatment, as this may spread the infection. If no treatment is provided it is a mild, self-limiting disease. It can persist for six months to two years. However, any one lump will usually clear up in two to three months.

Further information

• Your local doctor
• Better Health Channel
• Melbourne Sexual Health Centre
• Victorian Department of Human Services, Telephone: 1300 651 160