Healthdirect Free Australian health advice you can count on.

Medical problem? Call 1800 022 222. If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately

healthdirect Australia is a free service where you can talk to a nurse or doctor who can help you know what to do.

The molluscum contagiosum virus can be spread through pool water.

The molluscum contagiosum virus can be spread through pool water.
beginning of content

Molluscum contagiosum

3-minute read

What is molluscum contagiosum?

Molluscum contagiosum is a common, generally harmless, skin infection 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, although it can affect people of any age.

What are the symptoms of molluscum contagiosum?

When the spots appear, they look like white pimples. Over time they become round, pink or pearl-coloured lumps with a hard core and often a dimple in the centre. The spots are usually very small, about 3­­ to 6 mm, but they can be as large as 30 mm.

Molluscum is painless but can be itchy, especially if the person also has eczema.

Picture of molluscum contagiosum.
Molluscum contagiosum is a skin infection where spots appear, which start out looking like pimples.

How is molluscum contagiosum treated?

Molluscum contagiosum usually heals in about 6 to 18 months without any treatment, although people with immune system problems can have the spots for several years. The spots usually heal without leaving a scar, although aggressive treatment and scratching can leave a mark similar to a chickenpox scar.

It is important to see your doctor for correct diagnosis of molluscum contagiosum. Usually no treatment is usually, but your doctor might suggest treatment to improve the way the spots look, to prevent spread, and to reduce the risk of scarring.

Treatment may involve:

  • freezing the spots off with liquid nitrogen
  • squeezing them gently and pricking with a needle
  • surgically scraping them off
  • using a cream or lotion
  • using wart paint

If the person has irritated skin, that must be treated before the molluscum.

Can molluscum contagiosum be prevented?

Molluscum contagiosum can be spread by touching the spots, although it may be months before spots appear after infection. Molluscum can also be spread to different parts of the body or to other people in bath or pool water, on bath toys, towels, face cloths or clothing.

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 attend school and work because clothing usually covers the affected areas.

Molluscum can also be sexually transmitted. For adults with molluscum on the genital area, transmission to sexual partners can be minimised by using condoms and dental dams, although these do not completely stop it spreading.

If you or your recent sexual partners become infected with molluscum, it’s a good idea to get tested for other sexually transmitted diseases (STIs).

Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.

Last reviewed: May 2021


Back To Top

Need more information?

These trusted information partners have more on this topic.

Top results

ACD A-Z of Skin - Molluscum Contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum is a common viral skin infection which occurs worldwide but is more common in warm climates. This condition frequently affects children.

Read more on Australasian College of Dermatologists website

Molluscum contagiosum in children | Raising Children Network

Molluscum contagiosum is a common childhood skin infection. It causes small red or flesh-coloured spots. It isn’t serious but can be hard to get rid of.

Read more on raisingchildren.net.au website

Scrotal Lumps, Testicular Pain, Twisted Testicles Causes & Treatment | Healthy Male

Testicular or scrotal lumps can be a sign of problems with your testicles. This may be caused by injury but can also be indicative of an underlying medical problem.

Read more on Healthy Male - Andrology Australia website

Common childhood rashes

Childhood rashes are common and many disappear without treatment. Learn about symptoms and treatment of childhood rashes, such as eczema, ringworm and impetigo.

Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website

Ways infectious diseases spread | SA Health

How infectious diseases spread including via air, personal contact, soiled objects, skin, mucous membranes, saliva, urine, blood, sexual contact, food and water

Read more on SA Health website

Infectious diseases: when can my child go back to school or child care? - MyDr.com.au

Children with certain infections need to stay away from school or child care to recover and to help stop the spread of infection. Use this guide to work out how long your child should stay away.

Read more on myDr website

Healthdirect 24hr 7 days a week hotline

24 hour health advice you can count on

1800 022 222

Government Accredited with over 140 information partners

We are a government-funded service, providing quality, approved health information and advice

Australian Government, health department logo ACT Government logo New South Wales government, health department logo Northen Territory Government logo Government of South Australia, health department logo Tasmanian government logo Victorian government logo Government of Western Australia, health department logo

Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.