Molluscum Contagiosum Support Group

Molluscum contagiosum are wart-like tumors of the skin caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV-1 to -4), a DNA poxvirus. This condition is commonly found in young children and affects the body, arms, and legs. It is spread through direct contact, saliva, or shared articles of clothing.

In adults, molluscum infections are often sexually transmitted and usually affects the genitals, lower abdomen, buttocks, and inner thighs. In rare cases, molluscum infections are also found in the lips and mouth.

The time from infection to the appearance of lesions ranges from 1 week to 6 months.

Molluscum contagiosum lesions are flesh-colored, dome-shaped, and pearly in appearance. They are often 1-5 millimeters in diameter, with a dimpled center. They are generally not painful, but they may itch or become irritated. Picking or scratching the bumps may lead to further infection or scarring. In about 10% of the cases, eczema develops around the lesions.

In most patients, the lesions are asymptomatic. They may be complicated by secondary bacterial infections. They may cause itching and consequent eczema around the tumors.

The central waxy core contains the virus. In a process called auto-inoculation, the virus may spread to neighboring skin areas. Children are particularly susceptible to auto-inoculation, and may have widespread clusters of lesions.

Molluscum lesions may go away on their own in six to nine months, but treatment is recommended to prevent auto-inoculation and to avoid infecting other people. The lesions can persist for up to two years.

Molluscum contagiosum infections are often self-limited, so treatment is sometimes optional. There are a few treatment options that can be done at home. Betadine surgical scrub can be gently scrubbed on the infected area for 5 minutes daily until the lesions resolve (this is not recommended for those allergic to iodine or betadine). For mild cases, over-the-counter wart medicines, such as salicylic acid may shorten infection duration. Daily topical application of tretinoin cream ("Retin-A 0.025%") may also trigger resolution. These treatments require several weeks for the infection to clear. Repeated application of adhesive or duct tape after bathing for 16 weeks led to cure in 90% of patients in one study.

The infection can also be cleared without medicine if there are only a few lesions. First, the affected skin area should be cleaned with an alcohol swab. Next, a sterile needle is used to cut across the head of the lesion, through the central dimple. The contents of the papule is removed with another alcohol swab. This procedure is repeated for each lesion (and is therefore unreasonable for a large infection). With this method, the lesions will heal in two to three days.