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What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Molluscum Contagiosum?

Molluscum contagiosum is a fairly common viral skin infection that mostly affects children. However, it can be transmitted through adults as well. It is easily spread from one person to another. The signs and symptoms of molluscum contagiosum are recognizable if you know about the disease, and can be alleviated with treatment.

  1. Appearance

    • The most common sign of molluscum contagiosum is small, skin-colored bumps that appear on the skin. Each nodule usually has an indention or dot on top, which can look like there is white, cheesy-looking debris plugging it. There is generally no redness or inflammation surrounding the papules unless they are scratched or rubbed.

    Occurrence

    • The bumps caused by molluscum contagiosum form in lines and clusters, known as crops. They may go away when they are rubbed and scratched. However, this also leads to their spreading to other areas of the body.

    Location

    • For children, the symptoms of molluscum contagiosum typically occur on the face, neck, arms and hands. On adults, the disease is usually transmitted sexually. Therefore, the signs appear on the genitals, thighs and buttocks.

    Transmission

    • Molluscum contagiosum is caused by a virus of the smallpox family. It is spread easily through person-to-person contact. It can also be transferred by touching contaminated items. As mentioned above, sexual transmission is probably the most common way to get the infection in adults. Scratching the affected area can also cause it to spread around the body of the person infected.

    Treatment

    • The viral infection caused by molluscum contagiosum is typically not a serious one, and most people will be relieved of the symptoms without treatment within one year. For others, however, the virus can take years to disappear on its own.
      Medications designed to remove warts are effective in removing the small bumps from the body. Techniques such as scraping, freezing and laser removal are also recommended for adults suffering the effects of molluscum contagiosum.

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