What is molluscum contagiosum?

Molluscum contagiosum is a common, generally harmless (benign) skin infection. It is caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV). The virus causes small, raised spots that can be spread by skin-to-skin contact. It is more common in children, but it can affect people of any age.

What are the symptoms of molluscum contagiosum?

When the spots first appear, they look like small white pimples. Over time, they become round, pink or pearl-coloured lumps with a hard middle and often a dip in the centre. The spots are usually very small, about 1 to 3 millimetres (mm), but they can be as large as 20mm.

These spots are usually painless but can be itchy, especially if you also have eczema.

CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.

What causes molluscum contagiosum?

Molluscum contagiosum is caused by a virus called the molluscum contagiosum virus. It spreads through touching the spots, which can pass the virus to different parts of the body or to other people. Infection can spread in bath or pool water, or via bath toys, towels, face washers or clothing. It may take months before spots appear after infection.

Molluscum can also be sexually transmitted and may appear on the genitals, lower belly, upper thighs and bottom.

When should I see my doctor?

It is important to see your doctor for a diagnosis of any skin condition. Molluscum contagiosum usually doesn't need treatment. Your doctor might suggest treatment if they are worried about the virus spreading, or to reduce the risk of scarring.

ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.

How is molluscum contagiosum diagnosed?

Molluscum contagiosum is usually diagnosed by your doctor looking closely at the spots.

How is molluscum contagiosum treated?

Molluscum contagiosum usually heals on its own in about 6 to 9 months, so most people do not need treatment. Some people may have spots for years, especially if they have problems with their immune system.

Your doctor may recommend treatment if there is a high chance of the virus spreading, or if you have a weak immune system. You can also discuss treatment with your doctor if you are worried about how the spots affect your mood or self-esteem.

Treatment may involve:

• freezing the spots off with liquid nitrogen
• gently squeezing and pricking with a needle
• surgically scraping them off
• using a cream or lotion
• using wart paint (a type of medicine for warts)

FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.

What are the complications of molluscum contagiosum?

Molluscum contagiosum can cause flare-ups of eczema or other rashes, which may become itchy. Scratching the spots can lead to secondary bacterial infections.

If the person has a skin condition such as eczema, it's best to treat the condition before treating molluscum contagiosum.

The spots usually heal without leaving a scar, but some treatments can leave marks. If you scratch your spots, this may also lead to scarring.

Can molluscum contagiosum be prevented?

You can help stop molluscum spreading by:

• showering rather than bathing
• washing and drying children's bath toys after use
• not sharing towels, face washers or clothing
• drying the affected area last after showering
• washing hands thoroughly after touching the spots

People with molluscum can go to school and work because clothing usually covers the affected areas. If necessary, cover any exposed spots with a skin tape, dressing or adhesive strip.

If you're an adult with molluscum in the genital area, you can lower the chance of spreading it to sexual partners by using condoms and dental dams.

It's a good idea to get tested for other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) if you or your sexual partners have molluscum contagiosum.

Resources and support

• See your doctor, maternal and child health nurse or pharmacist for more advice on molluscum.
• The Royal Children's Hospital offers Kids Health fact sheets on molluscum, eczema and stopping the spread of germs.
• You can also call the Healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Languages other than English

Stay STI Free has a fact sheet on molluscum contagiosum available in many community languages.

The Royal Children's Hospital offers fact sheets on rashes in kids, available in several community languages.

The NSW Multicultural Health Communication Service provides information on hand hygiene in many community languages.

Information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples

Kids Research Institute Australia has a fact sheet on molluscum contagiosum, available as part of the Koolungar Moorditj Healthy Skin Project.

You can watch the No Germs on Me video on hand washing.