Overview
Molluscum contagiosum is a common, harmless viral skin infection, especially in children, that causes small, firm, pearly bumps with a tiny dimple in the centre. It spreads through skin contact and shared towels, and by scratching, which seeds new bumps nearby. It is not dangerous and usually clears on its own over several months to a couple of years without a scar. Treatment is often not needed, though a doctor can remove troublesome bumps.
Symptoms
- Small, firm, dome-shaped bumps with a central dimple
- Pearly white, pink or skin-coloured bumps
- Clusters on the trunk, limbs, armpits or groin
- Mild itching around the bumps
- New bumps appearing from scratching
When to see a doctor
See a skin doctor if bumps spread widely, become red and sore, appear on the genitals in adults, or you want them removed.
Causes
A poxvirus spread by skin-to-skin contact, shared towels and items, and scratching, which spreads it to nearby skin.