Molluscum Contagiosum
What Causes Molluscum Contagiosum?
Molluscum contagiosum is a virus passed from one person to another from direct contact with infected skin. In adults it usually is transmitted during sex and bumps appear mainly on the lower belly and genital region. The bumps appear 2 to 3 months after infection, on average. Some people may carry the virus in their skin without getting the bumps, and may still be able to infect others.
What Do They Look Like?
The typical bump is flesh-colored, painless, smooth, and firm. Often the center of the bump has a depression. The bumps are usually the size of a pencil eraser or smaller.
What Should I Do About Molluscum Contagiosum?
If you are a healthy person, these bumps should disappear on their own after several weeks or months. You should not have any further problems with it. The virus will go away by itself over several months and there are no long-term complications in a healthy person. If you have HIV or other illnesses that weaken your immune system, molluscum can be more of a problem and can grow uncontrolled.
Is Molluscum Contagiosum Contagious?
Yes. The bumps can spread from one place on your body to another place if you touch them or scratch them. You can spread the virus to other people if you share towels, razors, or nail clippers. You can spread genital bumps through sexual contact.
How is Molluscum Contagiosum Treated?
Your health care provider can treat molluscum contagiosum in the following ways:
- The bumps will usually disappear on their own after a few weeks or months. No scarring should occur. If the lesions are in an uncomfortable area or you are concerned about them there are several options to have them removed.
- Mechanical: This includes cutting or freezing the bumps off. The County STD clinic treats molluscum by freezing the bumps with liquid nitrogen. This will reduce the time it takes to get rid of them, and may reduce the risk of infecting other people, but new bumps may form until the virus infection goes away by itself after several months.
- Chemical: A medical provider may use a chemical (such as trichloroacetic acid) to dissolve the bumps.
- Immune Therapy: A newer medication called imiquimod may be applied to molluscum contagiosum bumps. The medicine works by helping the body's immune system to heal the bumps.
- HIV-infected individuals should discuss treatment options with their physician.
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Anna M. Gove Student Health Center, 107 Gray Drive 27412
Greensboro, NC 27402-6170
VOICE 336.334.5340
FAX 336.334.5343