Print Overview Molluscum contagiosum Enlarge image Close Molluscum contagiosum Molluscum contagiosum Molluscum contagiosum is a common skin infection that results in raised, round, skin-colored bumps with a dent or dot at the top. These bumps can take on a pink color. Molluscum contagiosum (mo-LUS-kum kun-tay-jee-OH-sum) is a fairly common skin infection caused by a virus. It causes round, firm, painless bumps ranging in size from a pinhead to a pencil eraser. If the bumps are scratched or injured, the infection can spread to nearby skin. Molluscum contagiosum also spreads through person-to-person contact and contact with infected objects. Though most common in children, molluscum contagiosum can affect adults as well — particularly those with weakened immune systems. Adults with a healthy immune system can develop molluscum contagiosum from sexual activity with an infected partner. Left untreated, the bumps usually disappear in 6 months to 2 years.Products & ServicesBook: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition SymptomsMolluscum contagiosum signs and symptoms include: Raised, round, skin-colored bumps Small bumps — typically under about 1/4 inch (smaller than 6 millimeters) in diameter Bumps with a small dent or dot at the top near the center Itchy, pink bumps Bumps on the face, trunk, arms or legs of children Bumps on the genitals, lower abdomen or inner thighs of adults if the infection was sexually transmitted When to see a doctorIf you suspect you or your child has molluscum contagiosum, contact your health care provider. Request an appointment There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Review/update the information highlighted below and resubmit the form. 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Thank you for subscribing! You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Sorry something went wrong with your subscription Please, try again in a couple of minutes Retry CausesThe virus that causes molluscum contagiosum spreads easily through: Skin-to-skin contact Contact with infected objects, such as towels, kickboards and wrestling mats Swimming in pools or hot tubs contaminated with the virus Sexual contact with an affected partner Scratching or rubbing the bumps, which spreads the virus to nearby skin ComplicationsThe bumps and the skin around them may become inflamed. This is thought to be an immune system response to the infection. If scratched, these bumps can become infected and heal with scarring. If sores appear on the eyelids, pink eye (conjunctivitis) can develop. PreventionTo help prevent the spread of the virus: Wash your hands. Keeping your hands clean can help prevent spreading the virus. Avoid touching the bumps. Shaving over the infected areas also can spread the virus. Don't share or borrow personal items. These include clothing, towels, hairbrushes and other personal items. Avoid sexual contact. If you have molluscum contagiosum on or near your genitals, don't have sex until the bumps are treated and gone. Cover the bumps. Cover the bumps with clothing when around others, to prevent direct contact. Leave the affected area open to the air when not around others, as this promotes healthy skin. When swimming, cover the bumps with a watertight bandage. By Mayo Clinic Staff Request an appointment Diagnosis & treatment 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. 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There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Review/update the information highlighted below and resubmit the form. From Mayo Clinic to your inbox Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. Click here for an email preview. Email ErrorEmail field is required ErrorInclude a valid email address Learn more about Mayo Clinic’s use of data. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include protected health information. If we combine this information with your protected health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Subscribe! Thank you for subscribing! You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Sorry something went wrong with your subscription Please, try again in a couple of minutes Retry