What is it?
Molluscum contagiosum is a skin infection caused by a virus.
How is it spread?
Molluscum contagiosum is spread by direct contact with a molluscum on the skin of an infected person. This can happen during sex or during a close body contact. The molluscum may also be passed to other parts of the body by hands during scratching.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms usually appear one week to six months after being exposed to the virus. The infection appears as "pinpoints" on the skin. These pinpoints grow into small, smooth, waxy pinkish-white bumps. They have a dip in the middle and a milky-white liquid inside. They may be found on any part of the body.
How is it diagnosed?
Your doctor can usually tell if you have molluscum contagiosum by looking at the pinpoint bumps on your skin. Sometimes these bumps can be mistaken for warts.
What are the complications?
The most common complication is a bacterial infection at the site of the molluscum. The molluscum virus does not seem to affect babies born to infected mothers.
How is it treated?
Your doctor may use a medicated solution to remove the bumps. Podophyllin and liquid nitrogen are two solutions commonly used. Sometimes the bumps can also be removed by surgery. Even after removal, the molluscum may come back and you may need repeated treatment. In some people, the infection may disappear on its own without treatment.
What about sexual partners?
Sexual partners and others who have direct contact with the molluscum should be informed so they can be checked and treated if they have molluscum.
Is follow-up important?
You may return to your doctor or clinic for further treatment if symptoms return.
Remember:
Avoid sex or close body contact with sexual partner(s) and others until all your molluscum bumps are removed.
Avoid scratching the infected area to prevent spreading the virus to other parts of the body.
Use condoms to lower the chance of getting STIs and to prevent pregnancy.
It is possible to have more than one infection at a time, so it is important to be tested for other STIs.
If you have more questions, contact Public Health Clinic Services at 519-355-1071 ext. 5901.
For more information contact Public Health Clinic Services at 519-355-1071 ext. 5901 or online at CKhealth@chatham-kent.ca
Adapted with permission from Elgin – St. Thomas Health Unit.