Molluscum contagiosum (molluscum) is a common viral skin infection that causes raised bumps on the skin.
How do I get molluscum?
Molluscum can be spread by sexual contact, skin-to-skin contact or contact with contaminated objects like towels, clothing, tanning beds, gym equipment.
Molluscum can be anywhere on the body, except the bottoms of the hands and feet. Molluscum on the genitals might sometimes be mistaken for herpes or warts.
How do I know if I have molluscum?
You need to see a doctor or nurse to be diagnosed.
Molluscum starts as small, painless bumps that may become raised. They can be pearl or flesh-coloured and often have a dimple in the centre. In adults, the bumps are common on the genitals, abdomen, and inner thighs.
Are molluscum harmful?
Molluscum is generally not harmful, it may last for a few months to a few years. They do go away without any scarring, unless you scratch them a lot. Single bumps usually go away in 2 to 3 months. The bumps are usually all gone in 6 to 18 months. They can last longer in people with weak immune systems.
How can I prevent molluscum from spreading?
Tell your partner(s) that you have molluscum so you can make choices to lower the risk of spreading the virus.
Using a condom is good protection against STIs. But, condoms don’t cover all the skin around the genitals and won’t completely protect against molluscum.
Don’t share personal items like towels, clothes, razors while you have molluscum.
How are molluscum treated?
Molluscum may go away without treatment, but they can also be treated in an STI clinic or doctor's office with freezing (liquid nitrogen). You might need more than 1 treatment.
If you still have symptoms after treatment, talk to your healthcare provider.
Where can I find more information?
If you have questions, need to find a clinic near you, or want more information, call Health Link at 811 anytime, day or night, to talk to a registered nurse.
