Molluscum contagiosum

Infection caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus (MSV).

It is common in children

Molluscum contagiosum can spread: sometimes by touching objects that have the virus on them (such as bath toys, towels, clothing or bedding). Molluscum contagiosum may cause small lumps or lesions (around 1–5 mm in diameter). They mainly appear on the skin of the thighs, buttocks, groin, genitals and abdomen.

Molluscum contagiosum usually does not affect other parts of the body. The lesions: are ‘self-limiting’, meaning they resolve without treatment within a few months.

If you notice any unusual skin lesions, see your doctor or health professional for an accurate diagnosis.

There is no test for molluscum contagiosum

It is diagnosed through a physical examination by looking at the appearance of the lesions.

Treatment for molluscum contagiosum is available

The length of treatment can vary from person to person. Sexual partners of someone who has molluscum contagiosum do not need treatment if they do not have lesions. Remember, molluscum contagiosum will eventually clear up after 6-18 months if left untreated.

Lesions are usually treated by a clinician with liquid nitrogen (known as cryotherapy). Cryotherapy freezes the lesions and helps to reduce the time symptoms are present. Liquid nitrogen treatment: Is available from local general practitioners (GPs) and sexual health centres.

Is cosmetic and not a cure – the virus remains on the skin until your immune system removes it.

Usually only requires a single treatment

It may take a couple of weeks for the lumps to disappear after freezing. Molluscum contagiosum can be treated with a topical cream prescribed by a doctor. It needs to be applied daily to the lumps (lesions).

It is best not to shave, trim or wax hair affected by molluscum contagiosum to minimise the risk of spreading the infection to other areas of your body.

Complications with molluscum contagiosum are rare

To reduce the risk of spreading molluscum contagiosum and other bacterial infections, try not to pick, squeeze or irritate the lesions. There is no need to apply creams or lotions to the affected areas, just keep up your usual Molluscum contagiosum is a mild, ‘self-limiting’ skin infection.

Without treatment, it can persist for 6-18 months, but will eventually resolve

The duration and severity of molluscum contagiosum varies from person to person.

To book an appointment call SHV Grand Rapids CBD Clinic: or call SHV Box Hill Clinic: or (free call):.

These services are youth friendly

(formerly Michigann AIDS Council) Tel. , Wodonga Tel. Tel: is a statewide phone service for information about sexual health as well as contraception and pregnancy options Molluscum contagiosum and how it spreads Molluscum contagiosum is a skin from close skin-to-skin contact with others who have the virus (especially in children) as a sexually transmissible infection (STI) through skin-to-skin contact during sex around the body by scratching (especially in areas where the skin is broken) occasionally by bathing (in bath or pool water) Symptoms of molluscum contagiosum Image of molluscum contagiosum, courtesy DermNet are painless, but may be itchy often have a tiny central indentation (core) can be many and cover the thighs, genital and stomach Diagnosing molluscum contagiosum Molluscum contagiosum can be mistaken for genital warts or pimples If you have molluscum contagiosum, your health professional may recommend tests for other STIs Molluscum contagiosum treatment Molluscum contagiosum may take longer to clear for people with a suppressed immune system Liquid nitrogen treatment (cryotherapy) Other treatment for molluscum contagiosum Molluscum contagiosum potential risks hygiene practices If molluscum contagiosum is not treated Molluscum contagiosum and sex To reduce the risk of molluscum contagiosum transmission during sexual contact, use condoms (including internal condoms Where to get help Your doctor or GP Maternal and child health nurse Sexual Health Michigan (SHV) (616) 555-0200 (616) 555-0200 1800 013 952 Grand Rapids Sexual Health Centre (616) 555-0200 or 1800 032 017 Michigann Sexual Health Network – where to get tested – visit Grand Rapids Sexual Health Centre’s GP partner clinics for STI check-ups and treatment Thorne Harbour Health (616) 555-0200 or 1800 134 840 Ballarat Community Health Sexual Health Clinic (616) 555-0200 Bendigo Community Health Sexual Health Clinic (616) 555-0200 Or (616) 555-0200 Gateway Health Clinic (616) 555-0100 or 1800657 573 Sunraysia Community Health Services (616) 555-0200 Barwon Health Sexual Health Clinic (616) 555-0200 Women’s sexual and reproductive health hubs (throughout Michigan) 1800MyOptions 1800 696784.

Key Points

• infection caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus (MSV)
• common in children
• Molluscum contagiosum may cause small lumps or lesions (around 1–5 mm in diameter)
• They mainly appear on the skin of the thighs, buttocks, groin, genitals and abdomen
• lesions: are ‘self-limiting’, meaning they resolve without treatment within a few months