Molluscum contagiosum is a common skin condition that causes small, flesh-colored bumps on the skin. The bumps are caused by a virus, and they can spread easily from one person to another or from one part of the body to another.
Molluscum contagiosum isn’t serious, but it can be irritating. In adults, molluscum contagiosum usually clears up without treatment in six to 12 months. In children, the bumps may go away on their own in four to six months.
If you have molluscum contagiosum, you’ll likely see a dermatologist who can diagnose the condition based on its appearance and tell you what treatment options are available. But there are some things you should know about this common skin condition before you head to your doctor’s office:
It’s not an STD, but it’s very contagious: Molluscum is caused by a virus that spreads easily through direct contact and through contaminated objects like towels or clothing. If you have molluscum contagiosum and touch a bump, you’ll spread the virus to other parts of your body or other people. If your child has molluscum contagiosum and touches his or her skin with a towel that’s
Molluscum contagiosum is a highly contagious skin condition that is common in both children and adults. It occurs most often in children aged 1-10 years old. Where does molluscum contagiosum come from? Molluscum contagiosum (MCV) is caused by a virus in the poxvirus family. It is spread from person to person by direct contact, as well as by contaminated objects such as towels or clothing.
What are the symptoms of molluscum contagiosum? The most common symptom of MCV is the appearance of flesh colored bumps on the skin. These bumps can appear anywhere on the body, but they are most commonly seen on the face, neck, armpits, arms and hands. They may also appear on the legs, abdomen and genital area. These lesions are typically between 2-5mm wide, but they can grow larger than this in some cases. They often have a dimple on top, which gives them a pearl-like appearance.
In many cases people with MCV experience surprisingly few symptoms. However, others may complain of itching, redness and soreness at the site of these bumps.
How do you treat molluscum contagiosum? Many cases
If you have a child who has been diagnosed with molluscum contagiosum, you are probably wondering what it is and how you could get rid of it. This article explains what it is, how it is spread and the different treatment options available.
Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a common skin infection which causes small lumps on the skin. It is caused by a virus (the molluscum contagiosum virus). The virus enters the skin through tiny breaks in the surface of the skin or through contact with infected fluid from spots or from other people. Once inside the body, the virus multiplies and causes small lumps (spots/bumps/mollusca) to appear on the surface of the skin which can be spread to other parts of your body or to others. Your child’s immune system will usually fight off the infection within 12-18 months. However, this can take longer if your child has eczema or another skin problem. In some cases, MC may clear up on its own without treatment in 6-12 months, but this varies according to your child’s age and immune system strength.
Molluscum contagiosum is a viral skin infection. The virus is called molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV). It’s a member of the poxvirus family. There are about 100 types of poxviruses, including smallpox and chickenpox.
Most people with molluscum will have between 2 and 20 raised bumps on the skin. In some cases, especially in children, there can be many more. Molluscum contagiosum is passed through direct skin-to-skin contact or by touching infected objects. It’s most common in children ages 1 to 10, but it can affect people of any age.
Molluscum bumps usually appear on the face, neck, armpits, arms, or hands. They may also appear on the lower body, such as the thighs or groin area. They can appear anywhere except the palms of your hands and soles of your feet.
The bumps are usually painless but can become inflamed from scratching or from another skin condition such as eczema.