Molluscum Contagiosum

What is Molluscum Contagiosum?

Molluscum Contagiosum is a viral infection of the skin caused by a pox virus. It can be spread easily from person to person by skin to skin contact or by contact with infected surfaces. It can appear anywhere on the skin although genital molluscum contagiosum in adults tend to be sexually transmitted.

Incubation Period for Molluscum Contagiosum

Can take up to 7 weeks or several months for bumps or lesions to appear on the skin.

Symptoms of Molluscum Contagiosum

Bumps on the skin
Can range from <10 to >100 bumps
Appear as small, smooth, pearly, discrete, scattered, round dome-shaped papules
May be flesh coloured or pinkish
Often has a central dimple or punctum below which may be filled with a thick white curdish or cheesy substance
Usually painless but some may itch
Can appear on the face, neck, armpits, arms, and hands. Other common places for bumps to appear are the genitals, abdomen, and inner thighs. Adults often get molluscum contagiosum through sexual contact.
Can spread to other parts of the body by scratching or picking

Testing for Molluscum Contagiosum

May be diagnosed clinically by visual examination of bumps and lesions
Laboratory testing of expressed core substance or skin biopsy

Treatment for Molluscum Contagiosum

Curretage: Deroofing and scraping each lesion with a sharp currette, comedone extractor or needle
Cryotherapy: Destroying or freezing each lesion with liquid nitrogen
Topical therapy: Applying therapeutic creams like Imiquimod or podophyllin

Follow Up for Molluscum Contagiosum

With any form of treatment, follow up reviews are advisable in 2 – 4 weeks to assess improvements and check for complications.

Bumps may continue to appear for up to 6 months after starting treatment although most people can achieve complete clearing in 2 – 4 months.

Even without treatment, the skin is able to clear on its own but it may take up to 12 – 18 months.

Prevention of Molluscum Contagiosum

Regular sex partners are encouraged to come for examination and treatment, where indicated.