How to Get Molluscum

Molluscum contagiosum is a virus that is commonly thought of as a sexually transmitted disease. Although it can be spread through sexual contact, most cases of molluscum are transmitted by skin-to-skin contact such as a handshake. Molluscum causes small, pink, fleshy bumps at the point of the infection. Most people get around 10 to 20 bumps at a time. Molluscum is often mistaken for herpes or genital warts if it appears on the genitals.

Instructions

• 1

  Sharing dirty towels can give you molluscum. Of course it's impractical to wash towels after every use, but keeping clean towels available is a good way to prevent molluscum.

• 2

  Touch infected areas that the virus thrives on. The virus survives in moist, warm areas. These places could be gyms or showers. Many gymnasts and wrestlers get molluscum, because the virus survives on the mats.

• 3

  Engage in skin-to-skin contact with people that have molluscum. This contact could be anything from sexual contact to a handshake. You don't have to touch the bumps in order to contract the virus.

• 4

  Have preexisting conditions such as atopic dermatitis, eczema or AIDS. AIDS weakens the immune system and decreases the body's effectiveness in fighting off the molluscum virus.