Melbourne

Sexual
Heal t h
Centre
A part of Alfred Health
Melbourne Sexual Health Centre
580 Swanston Street
Carlton Vic 3053
Australia
Tel: (03) 9341 6200
Fax: (03) 9341 6279

Free Call: 1800 032 017
TTY: (03) 9347 8619
Web: www.mshc.org.au
F
A
C
T

S
H
E
E
T
MOLLUSCUM CONTAGIOSUM
WHAT IS MOLLUSCUM CONTAGIOSUM?
Molluscum contagiosum is a skin infection caused
by one of the pox viruses. It has no harmful
consequences and lesions may persist 6-24 months
before spontaneously healing.
HOW IS IT TRANSMITTED?
The virus that causes molluscum is spread from
person to person by touching the affected skin. The
virus may also be spread by touching a surface with
the virus on it, such as a towel, clothing, or toys.
Once someone has the virus, the bumps can spread
to other parts of their body by shaving or scratching
a bump and then touching another part of the body.
Molluscum can be spread from one person to another
by sexual contact.
Although the virus might be spread by being in a
swimming pool with someone who has the virus,
baths, saunas, or other wet and warm environments,
this has not been proven. It is more likely the virus is
spread by sharing towels and other items around a
pool or sauna than through water.
WHAT DOES THE INFECTION LOOK LIKE?
Molluscum contagiosum usually appears as painless
frm, round, fesh-coloured papules or lumps that have
a dimple in the middle. They often disappear within
a year if they are untreated. If they are scratched or
injured they can spread to surrounding skin. A local
dermatitis can occur.
The lesions can take several weeks to grow and
whereas in children they can be anywhere on the
body, in adults, they usually occur on the thighs, groin,
buttocks, lower abdomen and the genital area.
HOW LONG DO THE LUMPS TAKE TO DEVELOP?
From the time of infection, it takes an average of 2-3
months for the lumps to appear but this may vary from
as little as one week to as long as 6 months. Some
people never get any lumps at all. They usually clear
up by themselves but people often get recurrences.
HOW IS MOLLUSCUM CONTAGIOSUM DIAGNOSED?
Molluscum contagiosum is most often diagnosed
from the distinctive clinical appearance of the lumps
(papules).
HOW IS MOLLUSCUM CONTAGIOSUM TREATED?
Although the lumps usually disappear on their own,
many patients prefer to be treated. At the MSHC we
usually freeze them using liquid nitrogen or sometimes
apply imiquimod (Aldara) cream or podophyllotoxin
paint. Avoid genital hair shaving/waxing/trimming
during treatments to prevent the spread of MC.
REF:
www.dermnet.org.nz
Last Updated August 2012
This fact sheet is designed to provide you with information on Molluscum contagiosum. It is not intended to replace the need for a con-
sultation with your doctor. All clients are strongly advised to check with their doctor about any specifc questions or concerns they may
have. Every effort has been taken to ensure that the information in this pamphlet is correct at the time of printing.