Overview

Molluscum contagiosum (mo-LUS-kum kun-tay-jee-OH-sum) is a relatively common viral infection of the skin that results in round, firm, painless bumps ranging in size from a pinhead to a pencil eraser. If the bumps are scratched or injured, the infection can spread to surrounding skin.

Though most common in children, molluscum contagiosum can affect adults as well — particularly those with weakened immune systems. In adults with an otherwise normal immune system, molluscum contagiosum involving the genitals is considered a sexually transmitted infection.

Molluscum contagiosum spreads through direct person-to-person contact and through contact with contaminated objects. The bumps associated with molluscum contagiosum usually disappear within a year without treatment but doctor-assisted removal is also an option.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of molluscum contagiosum include bumps on the skin that:

• Are raised, round and flesh colored
• Are small — typically under about 1/4 inch (smaller than 6 millimeters) in diameter
• Characteristically have a small indentation (umbilication) or dot at the top near the center
• Can become red and inflamed
• May be itchy
• Can be easily removed by scratching or rubbing, which can spread the virus to adjacent skin
• Usually appear on the face, neck, armpits, arms and tops of the hands in children
• May be seen on the genitals, lower abdomen and inner upper thighs in adults if the infection was sexually transmitted

When to see a doctor

If you suspect you or your child has molluscum contagiosum, consult your primary care doctor.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Causes

The virus that causes molluscum contagiosum spreads easily through:

• Direct skin-to-skin contact
• Contact with contaminated objects, such as toys, towels and faucet handles
• Sexual contact with an affected partner

Scratching or rubbing the bumps spreads the virus to nearby skin.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Diagnosis

Your doctor usually can diagnose molluscum contagiosum just by looking at it. If there's any doubt, he or she may take skin scrapings from the infected area and view them under a microscope.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Complications

The bumps and the skin around them may become red and inflamed. This is thought to be an immune response to the infection. If scratched, these bumps can become infected. If lesions appear on the eyelids, pink eye (conjunctivitis) can develop.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Prevention

To help prevent the spread of the virus:

• Wash your hands. Keeping your hands clean can help prevent spreading the virus.
• Avoid touching the bumps. Shaving over the infected areas also can spread the virus.
• Don't share personal items. This includes clothing, towels, hairbrushes or other personal items. Refrain from borrowing these items from others as well.
• Avoid sexual contact. If you have molluscum contagiosum on or near your genitals, don't have sex until the bumps are treated and have completely disappeared.
• Cover the bumps. Use a watertight bandage to cover your bumps if there's a possibility that another person may come in contact with infected skin. To keep your skin healthy, uncover it when you won't come in contact with other people.

Swimming pool precautions

It's not clear if the molluscum contagiosum virus can spread in the chlorinated water found in swimming pools. Experts suspect that it's more likely that swimmers transmit the virus through shared use of towels; equipment, such as kickboards; or direct skin contact. To help prevent the spread of molluscum contagiosum, cover the bumps with watertight bandages before swimming and don't share towels, water toys or kickboards.

Risk factors

More widespread molluscum contagiosis infections may occur in people with weakened immune systems and in children who have atopic dermatitis.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com