Molluscum contagiosum is a skin condition that causes small bumps on the skin, and is caused by a virus. It is a highly contagious skin condition. This site has been set up to provide information and advice to help you understand what molluscum contagiosum is and how it can be treated.
What is Molluscum Contagiosum?
Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a common, contagious, benign (non-cancerous), self-limited disease of the skin that causes clusters of small, pink or fleshy dome-shaped growths that usually appear around the neck, armpit or groin area. The growths are firm but smooth and range in size from 1 mm to 5 mm in diameter. Sometimes they can be as large as 10 mm in diameter. When an individual has MC on their face or trunk, there may be hundreds of lesions present.
Molluscum contagiosum is caused by a poxvirus, which infects only humans. The virus invades the top layer of the skin (the epidermis) and multiplies in cells called keratinocytes. Once inside these cells, the virus grows slowly for several weeks before new lesions develop. The lesions
What is Molluscum Contagiosum?
Molluscum contagiosum is a viral infection of the skin. It causes small lumps to appear on the skin, which are painless and non-itchy. It is caused by a virus which belongs to the poxvirus family. This virus can affect people of any age, but it most commonly affects children under 10 years old.
The condition usually disappears by itself in 6-12 months, although this may take longer in adults. There are various treatments for molluscum contagiosum which your doctor can prescribe or recommend, including creams and solutions. You can also treat it yourself at home with non-prescription products available from pharmacies. The information below is designed to help you understand what molluscum contagiosum is, how to treat it and how to prevent it spreading.
Molluscum contagiosum is not a serious condition, but it can be very distressing and upsetting to sufferers, who often report feeling depressed.
As a skin condition, its main symptom is the appearance of pink or white spots or growths on the body. These are usually around 2-5mm in diameter, but can grow to be larger. The bumps are generally round, but sometimes have an irregular shape.
Molluscum contagiosum is caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV). According to the NHS, the virus is related to viruses such as those that cause chickenpox and shingles.
The bumps associated with molluscum contagiosum are often mistaken for warts. If you are unsure whether you have warts or molluscum contagiosum, it is best to see your doctor or dermatologist for diagnosis.
Molluscum contagiosum is a viral skin infection that results in small pearly or flesh-colored bumps. The virus infects the top layer of the skin, causing a benign raised lesion, or wart (called molluscum).
Molluscum contagiosum is most common in children between the ages of one and ten years old. It is also seen in people with weakened immune systems (for example, those with HIV infection) and atopic dermatitis (eczema). The condition is highly contagious, both among children and from children to adults.
There are four types of molluscum contagiosum: ordinary molluscum contagiosum, giant molluscum contagiosum, molluscum contagiosum of immunodeficiency, and molluscum contagiosum of atopic dermatitis.
Molluscum Contagiosum (MC) is an infection of the skin caused by a poxvirus. It is relatively common in children and young people, especially those with atopic eczema or who attend nurseries/schools. It can also affect adults, but this is less common.
The virus enters the skin through cuts or scratches. The rash does not itch or cause pain and many people are unaware that they have it. When the virus infects the skin, it causes clusters of small bumps to appear on the top layer of skin. These bumps may be pink, flesh-coloured or pearly white and they may have a dimple in the centre of each bump.
Molluscum contagiosum is a viral skin infection caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV). It is a very common disease in children, but it can also affect adults. Molluscum contagiosum is easily spread from person to person and from place to place on the same person. The virus can spread through skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or through contact with contaminated objects such as towels, toys, or clothing. The virus can survive on surfaces for at least 48 hours.
This infection is not a serious health threat and tends to go away on its own over time. However, molluscum contagiosum lesions are very contagious, may spread to other parts of the body, and can be difficult to get rid of. For these reasons it is often best to seek treatment as soon as possible after lesions appear. Treatment usually works well and may speed up healing time.
Molluscum contagiosum is a poxvirus that causes small pearly or flesh-colored bumps ranging in size from a pinhead to a pencil eraser on the upper layers of your skin. Often there is an area of redness around the bump. The bumps may be smooth or have a dimple