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Molluscum contagiosum
Molluscum contagiosum is a viral skin infection that causes raised, pearl-like papules or nodules on the skin.
Papules
A papule is a solid or cystic raised spot on the skin that is less than 1 centimeter (cm) wide. It is a type of skin lesion.
Nodules
Skin nodules are solid or cystic raised bumps in the skin that are wider than 1 centimeter (cm), but less than 2 cm.
Causes
Molluscum contagiosum is caused by a virus that is a member of the poxvirus family. You can get the infection in different ways.
This is a common infection in children and occurs when a child comes into direct contact with a lesion or an object that has the virus on it. The infection is most often seen on the face, neck, armpit, arms, and hands. But it may occur anywhere on the body, except the palms and soles.
The virus can spread through contact with contaminated objects, such as towels, clothing, or toys.
The virus also spreads by sexual contact. Early lesions on the genitals may be mistaken for herpes or warts. But unlike herpes, these lesions are painless.
Persons with a weakened immune system (due to conditions such as HIV/ AIDS ) may have a rapidly spreading case of molluscum contagiosum.
AIDS
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the virus that causes AIDS. When a person becomes infected with HIV, the virus attacks and weakens the immune ...
Symptoms
The infection on the skin begins as a small, painless papule. It may become raised to a pearly, flesh-colored nodule. The papule often has a dimple in the center. Scratching or other irritation causes the virus to spread in a line or in groups, called crops.
The papules are about 2 to 5 millimeters wide. Usually, there is no inflammation (swelling and redness) and no redness unless you have been digging or scratching at the lesions (abnormal areas on the skin).
The skin lesion commonly has a central core or plug of white, cheesy or waxy material.
In adults, the lesions are commonly seen on the genitals, abdomen, and inner thigh.
Exams and Tests
Diagnosis is based on the appearance of the lesion and can be confirmed by a skin biopsy . The health care provider will examine the lesion to rule out other disorders and to determine other underlying disorders.
Skin biopsy
A skin lesion biopsy is when a small amount of skin is removed so it can be examined. The skin is tested to look for skin conditions or diseases. A...
Treatment
In people with a healthy immune system, the disorder usually goes away on its own over months to years. But the lesions can spread before they go away.
Individual lesions may be removed surgically. This is done by scraping, de-coring, freezing, or through needle electrosurgery. Laser treatment may also be used. Surgical removal of individual lesions may result in scarring.
Medicines, such as salicylic acid preparations used to remove warts , may be helpful. But these medicines can cause blistering that leads to temporary skin discoloration. Cantharidin, commonly called beetle juice, is the most common solution used to treat the lesions in the provider's office. Tretinoin cream or imiquimod cream may also be prescribed.
Warts
Warts are small, usually painless growths on the skin. Most of the time they are harmless. They are caused by a virus called human papillomavirus (...
Outlook (Prognosis)
Molluscum contagiosum lesions may persist from a few months to a few years. They eventually disappear without scarring, unless there has been excessive scratching, which may leave marks.
The lesions usually all disappear within 6 to 18 months. The disorder may persist in immunosuppressed people.
Immunosuppressed
Immunodeficiency disorders occur when the body's immune response is reduced or absent.
Possible Complications
Problems that can occur include any of the following:
- Persistence, spread, or recurrence of lesions
- Secondary bacterial skin infections
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call for an appointment with your provider if:
- You have a skin problem that looks like molluscum contagiosum
- Molluscum contagiosum lesions persist or spread, or if new symptoms appear
Prevention
Avoid direct contact with the skin lesions. Do not share towels or other personal items, such as razors and make-up, with other people.
Avoiding sex can also prevent getting the molluscum virus and other STDs. You can also avoid STDs by having a monogamous sexual relationship with a partner known to be disease-free.
Male and female condoms can't fully protect you, as the virus can be on areas not covered by the condom. Even so, condoms should still be used every time the disease status of a sexual partner is unknown. Condoms reduce your chances of getting or spreading STDs.
References
Damon IK. Other poxviruses that infect humans. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:chap 136.
Javed A, Coulson I. Molluscum contagiosum. In: Lebwohl MG, Heymann WR, Berth-Jones J, Coulson I, eds.
Treatment of Skin Disease: Comprehensive Therapeutic Strategies.
4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2014:chap 149.
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Molluscum contagiosum - close-up - illustration
Molluscum is a viral infection which generally goes away by itself (is self-limited). The lesions are typically raised, firm, flesh-colored bumps (papules) with a pearly or smooth shiny appearance.
Molluscum contagiosum - close-up
illustration
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Molluscum contagiosum - close-up of the chest - illustration
Molluscum is a benign infection which is generally self-limited. The lesions are typically raised, firm, flesh-colored bumps (papules) with a pearly or smooth shiny appearance. These are classical appearing Molluscum. The large lesion in the center is one that has been picked and scratched and shows evidence of low-grade inflammation.
Molluscum contagiosum - close-up of the chest
illustration
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Molluscum on the chest - illustration
These lesions are associated with the molluscum virus and are present on a person who has a weakened immune system (immunocompromised). Molluscum contagiosum are small, raised, pearly skin lesions caused by the molluscum virus, a member of the poxvirus family. They are seen frequently in children and less often in adults. In adults, they may be considered a sexually transmitted disease. Immunocompromised individuals may experience heavy outbreaks of these lesions, as seen in this photograph.
Molluscum on the chest
illustration
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Molluscum, microscopic appearance - illustration
This is how a molluscum lesion appears under microscopic examination. Molluscum are small, raised, pearly skin lesions caused by the molluscum virus, a member of the poxvirus family.
Molluscum, microscopic appearance
illustration
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Molluscum contagiosum on the face - illustration
Molluscum contagiosum is most commonly seen in children, however it does occur in adults and may cause extensive infection in people with weakened immune systems. In this photograph, multiple small molluscum are seen covering the cheek, upper neck, and in the sideburn.
Molluscum contagiosum on the face
illustration
-
Molluscum contagiosum - close-up - illustration
Molluscum is a viral infection which generally goes away by itself (is self-limited). The lesions are typically raised, firm, flesh-colored bumps (papules) with a pearly or smooth shiny appearance.
Molluscum contagiosum - close-up
illustration
-
Molluscum contagiosum - close-up of the chest - illustration
Molluscum is a benign infection which is generally self-limited. The lesions are typically raised, firm, flesh-colored bumps (papules) with a pearly or smooth shiny appearance. These are classical appearing Molluscum. The large lesion in the center is one that has been picked and scratched and shows evidence of low-grade inflammation.
Molluscum contagiosum - close-up of the chest
illustration
-
Molluscum on the chest - illustration
These lesions are associated with the molluscum virus and are present on a person who has a weakened immune system (immunocompromised). Molluscum contagiosum are small, raised, pearly skin lesions caused by the molluscum virus, a member of the poxvirus family. They are seen frequently in children and less often in adults. In adults, they may be considered a sexually transmitted disease. Immunocompromised individuals may experience heavy outbreaks of these lesions, as seen in this photograph.
Molluscum on the chest
illustration
-
Molluscum, microscopic appearance - illustration
This is how a molluscum lesion appears under microscopic examination. Molluscum are small, raised, pearly skin lesions caused by the molluscum virus, a member of the poxvirus family.
Molluscum, microscopic appearance
illustration
-
Molluscum contagiosum on the face - illustration
Molluscum contagiosum is most commonly seen in children, however it does occur in adults and may cause extensive infection in people with weakened immune systems. In this photograph, multiple small molluscum are seen covering the cheek, upper neck, and in the sideburn.
Molluscum contagiosum on the face
illustration
Review Date: 4/14/2015
Reviewed By: Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
