How would I know if I had molluscum contagiosum?

Close-up view of typical molluscum bumps.
Typical bumps are approximately 3-5 mm
in diameter.
Image courtesy Dave Bray, MD, WRAMC

Only a health care provider can diagnose molluscum infection. If you have any unusual skin irritation, rash, bump(s), or blister(s) that do not disappear in a few days, you should see a health care provider.

If you have molluscum, you will see small white, pink, or flesh-colored raised bumps or growths with a pit or dimple in the center. The bumps are usually smooth and firm. They can be as small as the head of a pin and as large as a pencil eraser (2 to 5 millimeters in diameter). The growths are usually painless but may become itchy, sore and red and/or swollen. They may occur anywhere on the body including the face, neck, arms, legs, abdomen, and genital area, alone or in groups. The bumps are rarely found on the palms of the hands or the soles of the feet.

What should I do if I think I have molluscum contagiosum?

If you have any unusual skin irritation, rash, bumps, or blisters that do not disappear in a few days, contact a health care provider. Only a health care professional can diagnose molluscum. He or she will discuss treatment options and how to care for the affected skin.

How can I avoid becoming infected with molluscum?

The best way to avoid getting molluscum is by following good hygiene habits.

• Do not touch, pick, or scratch any skin with bumps or blisters (yours or someone else's).
• Good hand hygiene is the best way to avoid getting many infections including molluscum. By  washing your hands frequently you wash away germs picked up from other people or from contaminated surfaces.

What is the correct way to wash my hands?

• First wet your hands and apply soap.
• Next rub your hands vigorously together and scrub all surfaces.
• Continue for 10-15 seconds. Soap combined with scrubbing action helps dislodge and remove germs.
• Rinse well and dry your hands.

I have molluscum. How can I avoid spreading it to others?

Here's an example of two types of watertight
bandages you can find in your local drugstore.
Image courtesy Edie Lederman, MD, CDC
It is important to keep the area with growths clean and covered with clothing or a bandage so that others do not touch the bumps and become infected with molluscum.

However, when there is no risk of others coming into contact with your skin, such as at night when you sleep, uncover the bumps to help keep your skin healthy.

Before participating in sports in which your body will come into contact with another person's body (i.e., wrestling) or shared equipment (swimming pools) cover all growths with clothing or a watertight bandage.

Do not share towels, clothing, or other personal items.

Do not shave or have electrolysis on areas with bumps.

If you have bumps in the genital area, avoid sexual activities until you see a health care provider.

How long does the molluscum contagiosum virus stay in my body?

The virus lives only in the skin and once the growths are gone, the virus is gone and you cannot spread the virus to others.

Molluscum contagiosum is not like herpes viruses, which can remain dormant ("sleeping") in your body for long periods and then reappear. So, assuming you do not come in contact with another infected person, once all the molluscum contagiosum bumps go away, you will not develop any new bumps.

Notes:

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EditText of this page (last edited February 25, 2008)