Molluscum contagiosum
Quick facts:
- Molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) causes a skin infection that looks like small lumps.
- MCV is spread by skin-to-skin contact, is common in children and in adults can be the cause of a sexually transmissible infection (STI).
- The small lumps can persist for 6-18 months.
- The lumps usually disappear on their own but treatments to remove them are available.
Transmission
Molluscum contagiosum is a common and generally harmless skin infection caused by the Molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV).
There are several ways the virus can spread:
- Direct skin-to-skin contact
- Scratching or shaving existing MCV lumps and spreading to surrounding skin
- Sharing personal items like razors and towels and in bath or pool water
- Lesions around the genitals can transmit the virus through sexual contact
If the infection is sexually transmitted in adults, lumps usually appear on the thighs, groin, buttocks, lower abdomen, and genital area.
Signs and symptoms
The skin lesions look like small, raised, round lumps with a depression or dimple in the centre, are usually firm and not painful or irritating. Lumps may appear from one week to 6 months after infection. Some people can have the infection and never get any lumps.
Treatment
MCV is usually diagnosed by your doctor who identifies the skin lesions.
In most people, the lesions will go away after 6–18 months. Treatments such as freezing are available and can be discussed with your doctor.
Prevention
You should not have sex with someone who has a visible lump or sore on or near the genitals. Genital lumps or sores could be due to Molluscum contagiosum or some other sexually transmissible infection (STI) such as herpes, genital warts or syphilis. If a sexual partner has a genital lump or ulcer, advise that person to have a sexual health check.
Avoiding sex when signs of MCV are present and using condoms with a water-based lubricant reduces the chance of passing on an infection or contracting it but cannot be 100% effective as other areas of skin where virus is present may not be covered.
Health outcome
Most lesions will go away but it usually takes several months, and sometimes longer, for all the lesions to disappear. If the lumps are scratched, scarring may result. In people with a poor immune system (e.g., HIV), the lesions may persist for a long time and become quite large.
Other resources
- For short animations about common STIs, see Queensland Health's YouTube channel Your Sexual Health.
- For comprehensive safe sex, STIs, testing and treatment information for young adults see Stop the Rise of STIs.
- For videos and resources developed with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities see Young Deadly Free.
- For information on MCV in Arabic, Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, Thai, or Vietnamese go to the StaySTIFree website. Other translated resources about STIs are available from the Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland.
Related content
Help and assistance
Get qualified health advice 24/7 for the cost of a local call. 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84).
This factsheet provides general information and is not intended to replace the need to see a health professional or have a sexual health check. For more information on Molluscum contagiosum or sexual health please talk to a healthcare provider. A doctor, nurse or health worker can assist with:
- providing appropriate tests, treatment and information about how to prevent STIs.
- helping people to ensure that their sexual partners get tested and treated.