Print DiagnosisHealth care providers usually can diagnose molluscum contagiosum just by looking at it. If there's any doubt, they may take skin scrapings from the infected area and view them under a microscope. TreatmentMolluscum contagiosum usually gets better without treatment in 6 months to 2 years. Once the bumps are gone, you're no longer contagious. After healing, it's possible to become reinfected with the virus. For severe or widespread disease, your health care provider might refer you to a specialist in skin conditions (dermatologist) to discuss options for removing the bumps. Treatment might involve one or a combination of the following: A medicine that irritates the sores, such as retinoic acid or benzoyl peroxide A medicine that causes blisters (cantharidin), which lifts off the bumps Scraping Freezing (cryotherapy) Laser therapy, which might be an option for people with a weakened immune system Some procedures can be painful, so your health care provider may numb your skin first. Possible side effects of treatment are infection and scarring. Request an appointment Preparing for your appointmentYou'll likely start by visiting your or your child's health care provider. Or you may be referred to a doctor who specializes in treating skin conditions (dermatologist). Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment, and know what to expect from your health care provider. What you can doBefore your appointment, write a list that answers the following questions: What symptoms are you or your child experiencing? What, if anything, seems to improve the symptoms? What, if anything, appears to worsen the symptoms? What medications and supplements do you or your child take on a regular basis? What to expect from your doctorYour health care provider may ask: When did the symptoms begin? Do the symptoms come and go or are they nonstop? Have you or your child had similar bumps in the past? Has anyone close to you or your child had similar bumps? By Mayo Clinic Staff Request an appointment Symptoms & causes May 06, 2022 Print Share on: FacebookTwitter Show references Molluscum contagiosum. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/molluscum-contagiosum/index.html. Accessed Feb. 22, 2022. Kliegman RM, et al. Cutaneous viral infections. In: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Elsevier; 2020. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Feb. 22, 2022. AskMayoExpert. Molluscum contagiosum. Mayo Clinic; 2022. Mukwende M, et al. Molluscum contagiosum. In: Mind the Gap: A Handbook of Clinical Signs in Black and Brown Skin. St. George's University of London; 2020. https://www.blackandbrownskin.co.uk/mindthegap. Accessed Feb. 22, 2022. Kelly AP, et al., eds. Mucocutaneous viral infections. In: Taylor and Kelly's Dermatology for Skin of Color. 2nd ed. McGraw Hill; 2016. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. Accessed Feb. 22, 2022. Related Molluscum contagiosum News from Mayo Clinic Mayo Clinic Q and A: Viral skin bumps that are a common occurrence in childhood June 09, 2021, 05:00 p.m. CDT Products & Services Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition Molluscum contagiosumSymptoms & causesDiagnosis & treatment Advertisement Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Advertising & Sponsorship Policy Opportunities Ad Choices Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on IncontinenceNEW – Future Care - Mayo Clinic PressNEW – Future CareMayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on Hearing and BalanceFREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic PressFREE Mayo Clinic Diet AssessmentMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book CON-20375209 Patient Care & Health Information Diseases & Conditions Molluscum contagiosum