Molluscum Contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum is infection of the skin by a poxvirus that causes flesh-colored or white smooth, waxy bumps.

The bumps are usually less than ¼ inch in diameter and have a tiny dimple in the center. The virus that causes molluscum is contagious; it spreads by direct skin contact and is common in children (see Section 23, Chapter 267). Genital lesions are often transmitted sexually in adults.

Molluscum can infect any part of the skin. The bumps usually are not itchy or painful and may be discovered only coincidentally during a physical examination. However, the bumps can become very inflamed (resembling a boil) and itchy as the body fights off the virus. This inflammatory response may herald the disappearance of the lesions.

Most growths disappear spontaneously in 1 to 2 years; no treatment is needed unless they are disfiguring or otherwise bothersome. The growths can be treated by freezing or removing their core with a needle or sharp scraping instrument (curette). Sometimes doctors give high doses of cimetidine by mouth or apply trichloroacetic acid or cantharidin to molluscum. Others prescribe retinoic acid or imiquimod cream, which is applied for weeks or months.