Molluscum contagiosum

About Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum is a viral skin infection caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus. It is a sexually transmissible infection (STI) in adults as it can be spread by skin-to-skin contact during sex.

You can also spread the infection around your body by scratching, especially in areas where the skin is broken. Occasionally, molluscum contagiosum can be spread by bathing (bath or pool water), or by touching objects that have the virus on them, such as bath toys, towels, clothing or bedding.

Molluscum contagiosum is common in children and results from close contact with other children who have the infection.

Symptoms of molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum may cause small lumps or lesions (around 1–5 mm in diameter) to appear on the skin of the thighs, genitals and abdominal area. It usually does not affect other parts of your body.

The lesions:

• are painless, but may be slightly itchy
• often have a tiny central indentation
• can be numerous and cover the thighs, genital and abdominal areas
• will eventually resolve without treatment within a few months (are ‘self-limiting’).

Diagnosis of molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum can be mistaken for genital warts or pimples. If you notice any unusual skin lesions, it’s recommended that you see your doctor or other experienced health professional for an accurate diagnosis.

There is no test for molluscum contagiosum – it’s diagnosed only by the appearance of the lesions. If you have molluscum contagiosum, your health professional may recommend tests for other STIs.

Treatment of molluscum contagiosum

Treatment is available, although molluscum contagiosum will eventually clear up by itself if left untreated. The lesions are usually treated with liquid nitrogen, which freezes them. This helps reduce the length of time that symptoms are present.

Liquid nitrogen treatment:

• is commonly available from your local doctor or sexual health centre
• is cosmetic and it is not a cure, as the virus remains on the skin until your immune system has got rid of it
• usually only requires a single treatment. However, it may take a couple of weeks for the lumps to disappear after freezing with liquid nitrogen.

People with suppressed immune systems may take longer for molluscum contagiosum to clear. Sexual partners of a person with molluscum contagiosum do not need treatment if they have no lesions on their body.

Complications of molluscum contagiosum

Bacterial infections can complicate molluscum contagiosum, however, this is rare. To lessen the risk of bacterial infection or the spread of molluscum contagiosum, do not pick, squeeze or irritate the lesions. There is no need to apply creams or lotions, just keep up your usual hygiene practices.

If molluscum contagiosum is not treated

Molluscum contagiosum is a mild, ‘self-limiting’ skin infection. Without treatment, it can persist for several months, but will eventually resolve. The duration, severity and length of treatment of molluscum contagiosum vary from person to person.

Where to get help

• Your doctor / GP
• Sexual Health Victoria (SHV). To book an appointment call SHV Melbourne CBD Clinic: (03) 9660 4700 or call SHV Box Hill Clinic: (03) 9257 0100 or (free call): 1800 013 952. These services are youth friendly.
• Melbourne Sexual Health Centre Tel. (03) 9341 6200 or 1800 032 017 or TTY (for the hearing impaired) (03) 9347 8619
• Thorne Harbour Health (formerly Victorian AIDS Council) Tel. (03) 9865 6700 or 1800 134 840
• Ballarat Community Health Sexual Health Clinic Tel. (03) 5338 4500
• Bendigo Community Health Sexual Health Clinic Tel. (03) 5434 4300 Or (03) 5448 1600
• Gateway Health Clinic, Wodonga Tel. (02) 6022 8888 or 1800657 573
• Sunraysia Community Health Services Tel. (03) 5022 5444
• Barwon Health Sexual Health Clinic Tel. (03) 5226 7489
• 1800MyOptions Tel:1800 696784 is a statewide phone service for information about sexual health as well as contraception and pregnancy options