Molluscum is a skin disease caused by the Molluscum Contagiosum Virus (MCV) usually causing one or more small skin lesions or bumps. They can last from 2 weeks to 4 years - the average is 2 years.
Molluscum is generally an infection that will resolve itself. People who have a compromised immune system may develop extensive episodes.
Molluscum may reappear, even following a successful course of treatment.
Signs and symptoms of molluscum The incubation period for molluscum ranges from 1 week to 6 months, with an average of 2 to 3 months. The lesions typically appear as small bumps that develop into larger sores or bumps over several weeks. They can be:
• Flesh coloured, grey-white, yellow or pink; • Itchy or tender; • Present on the thighs, buttocks, groin and lower abdomen of adults and occasionally on the external genital and anal regions or the face.
Transmission and prevention of molluscum Sexual transmission is the most common way molluscum is spread in adults. It may also be transmitted by:
• Skin to skin contact; • Towels and clothing that come into contact with lesions (such as wetsuits); • Touching a lesion and then touching another part of the body.
The risk of infection with molluscum can be reduced by:
• Preventing skin to skin contact with an infected person; • Always use a condom for vaginal, anal or oral sex; • Do not share towels and clothing.
It is important to note that the use of condoms only protects the penis and the inside of the vagina from infection. All unprotected skin areas, including testicles, anus and pubic region remain exposed.
Treatment of molluscum In most cases molluscum does not require treatment and the symptoms will disappear over a period of time. In more persistent cases it may be advisable to remove lesions. This has the advantage of reducing the risk of transmitting the virus. Lesions can be removed either by freezing or by using a chemical.
