The infection most commonly affects children between ages 1 and 10 years, but it can also affect adults. The virus lives solely in the epidermis, or top layer of skin. Anywhere from two to six weeks after being exposed to the virus, the dome-shaped mollusca begin to form on the skin. These lesions may become itchy, sore, red, or swollen, and they may ooze a creamy, gray-white substance when scratched, squeezed, or otherwise irritated. In most people with molluscum contagiosum, the lesions range from about the size of a pinhead to as large as a pencil eraser, or about ¼ inch in diameter. Molluscum contagiosum is contagious and it spreads easily. You can catch the virus through direct skin-to-skin contact with someone who has it and, once you have the infection, you can spread it to other areas of your body simply by touching the lesion and then touching elsewhere on your skin. Aside from person-to-person contact, the virus can also be passed between people through contaminated objects, such as towels, clothing, and toys, as well as from contaminated surfaces in facilities such as pools and daycare centers. Molluscum contagiosum thrives in warm, humid environments, so you’re more likely to get the condition if you live in a tropical climate. Having atopic dermatitis (the most common type of eczema) or a weakened immune system, such as from HIV or AIDS, also increases your risk of getting the condition.
Prognosis of Molluscum Contagiosum
Molluscum contagiosum is benign, meaning it’s not life-threatening. However, in some people, the lesions may take some time to completely go away. Unfortunately, people with a weakened immune system due to HIV and other health conditions often don’t respond to the normal treatment options for molluscum contagiosum. For these people, treatment usually focuses on boosting the immune system, such as with interferon therapy.
Medication Options for Molluscum Contagiosum
These include:
Podophyllotoxin creamSinecatechin (green tea)Bichloracetic acidIodine and salicylic acidTretinoinImiquimod creamCimetidineAntiviral drugs
Most of these are topical agents, meaning they are applied to the affected area of the skin, often at your dermatologist’s office. Cimetidine and antiviral medications are taken orally, with a prescription. People taking antiviral drugs for HIV or hepatitis may find that these drugs help with their molluscum contagiosum as well.
Alternative and Complementary Therapies for Molluscum Contagiosum
Your dermatologist may recommend cantharidin (also called beetle juice) to treat your molluscum contagiosum. After it’s applied, the lesions develop water blisters, usually within 24 to 48 hours. As your skin heals, the bumps clear, typically within two weeks or so. For optimal effectiveness, you’ll likely need two in-office cantharidin treatments.
Prevention of Molluscum Contagiosum
The best way to prevent getting molluscum contagiosum is to avoid direct contact with the skin lesions of people who have molluscum contagiosum. Don’t share towels or other personal items, such as razors and makeup, with other people.
Keeping your hands cleanRefraining from touching, picking, or scratching skin lesionsIf you get molluscum contagiosum, keeping lesions covered with clothing or bandagesAvoiding contact sports — particularly wrestling — if you have an infectionAvoiding swimming in pools unless you have watertight bandages for your lesionsAvoiding sexual activity if you have lesions in your genital areaNot shaving or having electrolysis in an area of your skin with lesions
Condoms can’t fully protect you from getting molluscum contagiosum from a sexual partner, as the virus can be spread to and from areas not covered by a condom. Still, condoms should be used, particularly if you don’t know the health status of a sexual partner, as they reduce your chances of getting or spreading molluscum contagiosum and other STDs. The lesions caused by molluscum contagiosum typically resolve without scarring. However, scratching at the lesion, or physically removing the lesion, can cause scarring. For this reason, physically removing the lesion isn’t recommended in otherwise healthy people. Health problems that can occur if you or your child don’t take steps to treat or prevent molluscum contagiosum include:
Persistence, spread, or recurrence of molluscum contagiosum lesionsSpread of lesions to other parts of the bodyIn some cases, secondary bacterial skin infections
A secondary infection caused by bacteria is the most common complication of molluscum contagiosum. Such secondary infections may cause serious health problems in people who are immunocompromised, such as those with HIV or AIDS, or those taking immunosuppressing drug therapies. However, unlike in herpes, molluscum contagiosum lesions are painless. The AAD site describes the role dermatologists play in diagnosing and treating molluscum contagiosum, as well as an overview of available therapies. The site can also connect you with a dermatologist in your area if you think you may have molluscum contagiosum or another skin condition. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention The CDC offers information on outbreaks of molluscum contagiosum across the country, as well as additional resources for more information on the condition. Additional reporting by Joseph Bennington-Castro.
