Molluscum contagiosum
About Molluscum contagiosum
A skin disease that is caused by a virus that results in multiple, small, painless, and pearly bumps. The bumps can appear on any skin surface besides the palms and soles of the feet and often have a central crater. The disease may spread by skin-to-skin contact. All age groups are susceptible to the virus, but it is more common in children. The condition is not serious and generally goes away on it's own. The disease is also seen in individuals with HIV. In those individuals, the bumps often do not resolve and can increase in size and number due to immune suppression.Symptoms
Symptoms include tiny bumps on the skin. In children, the bumps appear primarily on the arms, legs and trunk. In adults, they occur most often on the genitals, thighs and abdomen.The bumps are usually smaller than a quarter inch in diameter and there are usually less than twenty.Tests & Diagnostics
A complete history and physical exam will be performed. Your doctor will most likely be able to make the diagnosis by simply looking at the lesions and obtaining the clinical history. If there is doubt about the diagnosis, your doctor may consider performing a skin biopsy (removal of a small amount of tissue for microscopic analysis).Conventional treatment summary
In general, no treatment is necessary. Most infections resolve within a few months. In some instances, you doctor may use liquid nitrogen or topical acids to remove the bumps.Medical specialties
Internal Medicine · Internal Medicine · Dermatology · Dermatology · Pediatrics · Pediatrics · Family Practice · Family Practice · Pediatric Dermatology · Pediatric Dermatology
This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Molluscum contagiosum.