Facts
Molluscum contagiosum is an infection caused by a virus from the poxvirus family.
It causes small raised sores on the body. There can be one or more, up to 20 in a single area.
They can be present anywhere on the body, including:
- face
- abdomen
- torso
- arms and legs of children
- inner thigh, genitals and abdomen of adults
They generally won’t appear on the palms of your hands or the soles of your feet.
Children that have eczema or dermatitis may be more susceptible to getting molluscum contagiosum.
It mostly occurs in babies and children aged 12 months to 10 years. People who live in a tropical climate are more likely to be at highest risk but it can occur anywhere. Anyone who takes part in contact sports (wrestling, football) are more likely to get infected.
Incubation period
Incubation period
The incubation period is the length of time it takes from being infected by someone else with molluscum contagiosum, to showing symptoms. It will take several weeks to months before you show any symptoms.
Molluscum contagiosum has an incubation period of: 2-7 weeks
Catching molluscum contagiosum
How do you get molluscum contagiosum?
You can catch molluscum contagiosum by:
- through direct skin contact by touching someone who has this condition
- sharing towels, clothing and other personal items
- touching surfaces or objects that have been touched by someone with this condition
Symptoms
Symptoms of molluscum contagiosum
- Donut shaped white bumps – they are about 2-5mm diameter, pearly white, donut shaped, may be indented in centre, which is filled with white waxy substance
- Itchy – the white bumps may be itchy, but not painful
Treatment
Treatment of molluscum contagiosum
- See a doctor – any child with suspected molluscum contagiosum needs to see a doctor who can perform an examination to diagnose this condition
- No treatment – the bumps normally disappear on their own in time (usually a few months)
- Removal of soft centre – a doctor can remove the soft centre substance (different methods can be used), which will cause the harder outer part to go away too
Complications
Complications
- impetigo – a skin infection that develops after scratching the lesions
- conjunctivitis – an eye infection that may develop if lesions occur on the eyelid
- disseminated secondary eczema – this might occur as a result of overreaction to the virus by your immune system
- widespread molluscum contagiosum – these are larger than usual, often on the face
- sudden scarring with a pitted appearance – this can occur either spontaneously or due to lesion removal surgery
Molluscum contagiosum doesn’t normally cause any complications.
These complications generally occur only in children (and adults) who may have a very impaired immune system.
Vaccination
Vaccination
There’s currently no vaccine for molluscum contagiosum.
If your child has molluscum contagiosum, keep them away from childcare, kindergarten or school. Do not allow them to share any personal items with anyone else.
Risk
Reducing risk of infection
Strategies to reduce infection:
- if your child gets molluscum contagiosum, keep them away from school and other children
- discuss the molluscum contagiosum infection with your doctor
- ensure you and your child/children wash hands with a sanitising hand soap
- wash toys and clothes in detergent that has a sanitising effect
- wipe down surfaces with a 70% alcohol solution
- don’t share eating utensils, linens, towels or other personal items with anyone else
References
References
- About molluscum contagiosum. CDC USA. Accessed 5 July 2024
- Molluscum contagiosum. National Institutes of Health USA. Accessed 5 July 2024
Last reviewed and updated: 5 July 2024
