There’s information about Molluscum Contagiosum everywhere on the internet, but it’s tough to sort out facts from opinion and dig through confusing medical jargon. That’s why we’ve collected all the info you need into one simple, easy to read site. If there’s anything we haven’t covered that you’re curious about, you can reach out to us any time!
What is Molluscum Contagiosum?
Molluscum Contagiosum is an infection caused by a virus known as the Molluscum Contagiosum Virus (or MCV).
When the virus infects you, it causes bumps on your skin that can be as small as the head of a pin, up to the size of a pencil eraser. They sometimes come in clusters and can be pink, white, or flesh-colored, but you can usually identify them by the dimple that often appears in the center. The bumps are called Mollusca, and are occasionally referred to as lesionsor water warts.
They can appear anywhere on the body and number from just a few to literally hundreds in severe cases. While usually painless, they may become swollen or red. They tend to go away on their own after some time, and when they’re completely gone, you don’t have the virus anymore.
The virus itself is extremely contagious and is spread through contact with the skin. In fact, it can even spread by touching the same things an infected person has touched. While that may seem easy to avoid, think about things like countertops, beach towels, and children’s toys that many different people may touch.
If you have Molluscum, you might not need to seek treatment, but you’ll likely be in for a long recovery. It can take 6-12 months in most cases, but sometimes can even take years to fully clear up. It’s best to see a doctor for a diagnosis before exploring treatment options. Some treatments you come across might be painful and have the chance to leave permanent scarring.
