Molluscum Contagiosum
What is molluscum contagiosum?
Molluscum contagiosum is a common, harmless skin infection caused by a virus that can develop in adults and children. Molluscum contagiosum appear as small, painless, skin-coloured bumps on the skin. They have a pit or dimple in the centre. In adults, molluscum contagiosum most commonly infects the pubic and genital area. In children the infection usually occurs on the back, chest, and arms or legs.
How did I get molluscum contagiosum?
Molluscum contagiosum are spread by skin-to-skin contact or through contact with a surface that has the virus on it.
The virus can spread:
- from person to person through skin-to-skin contact during sex
- from one area of the body to another by scratching a bump
- by touching something with the virus on it, like a towel used by another person with molluscum contagiosum.
How are molluscum contagiosum diagnosed?
A health care provider will usually diagnose molluscum contagiosum by checking your skin. Rarely, they may also take a small skin sample (called a biopsy) and send it to a laboratory for testing.
We also recommend you have an Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) check to exclude other infections.
What is the treatment for molluscum contagiosum?
Your health care provider will talk with you about treatment. If not treated, molluscum contagiosum will go away in healthy people, but this may take 6 to 18 months.
Cryotherapy is used to treat the molluscum contagiosum. This treatment involves freezing the molluscum with liquid nitrogen. The number of treatments you need will vary. Cryotherapy can be uncomfortable and can have side effects including skin irritation, swelling and blistering which can last several days. These side effects do not usually need treatment. It is safe to have cryotherapy when you are pregnant.
How can I reduce my risk of getting molluscum contagiosum?
Molluscum contagiosum is most easily spread by skin-to-skin contact. Using condoms can reduce your risk of getting or transmitting the virus. If you notice your partner has unusual bumps in their pubic or genital area, ask them to see their health care provider.
Are there any problems from having molluscum contagiosum?
Serious problems are very rare, but the condition can cause skin irritation in the area where the bumps are. If you have a lowered immune system, you may have problems with molluscum contagiosum growing larger and becoming widespread. You may also find that you don’t respond to treatment as well as other people.
Will my sexual partner(s) also get molluscum contagiosum?
If you have molluscum contagiosum it’s possible that your sexual partner(s) will also have or get molluscum contagiosum. Your sexual partner(s) should see their health care provider if they notice any symptoms. You should avoid sharing towels, washcloths, razors, or other personal equipment to prevent spreading the virus.
If you need more information or have any questions, please contact the Canberra Sexual Health Centre on (02) 5124 2184 or talk to your GP.
Other resources:
- https://www.staystifree.org.au/get-the-facts/molluscum-contagiosum (also in other languages)