Molluscum contagiosusm is a common skin infection caused by the molluscipoxvirus.
The virus is transmitted by direct skin-to-skin contact where there are minor breaks in the skin and is most common in children. The virus can also be transmitted sexually when it affects the genital area.
The virus causes small, usually 2 to 5 mm, painless, pink or pearly white lumps on the skin. The top of the lump is indented and contains a white core. The infection is not serious, as it only affects the skin and will disappear without treatment although this may take several months. Individual lumps often disappear after about 2 months, but often there will be more than one lump and they will not all disappear until 6 to 9 months have passed.
There are no long-term ill effects following molluscum contagiosum. People who are immune suppressed may have more lesions (lumps) and these may take longer to clear up.
Diagnosis is made by examination of the skin and can be confirmed by microscopic examination of the core of the lump, but this is not usually necessary.
(time between becoming infected and developing symptoms)
2 to 7 weeks, sometimes longer.
(time during which an infected person can infect others)
As long as the lumps are present. This may be for several months.
Lumps will disappear without treatment, although this may take several months Cryotherapy (freezing) may occasionally be used for cosmetic reasons.
