Better Health Channel
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
  • Molluscum contagiosum (or MC) is a mild, harmless viral skin infection with small, smooth, round, pearly lumps with a central core.
  • Molluscum contagiosum is common in children. It spreads from close contact with other children who are infected.
  • Molluscum contagiosum is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) in adults and can spread by skin-to-skin contact during sex.
  • The infection usually resolves itself, but treatment can shorten the length of symptoms.  

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Reviewed on: 03-10-2023