Molluscum contagiosum
What is it?
Molluscum contagiosum is a skin disease caused by a virus.
What are the symptoms?
Molluscum causes small raised round lumps with a pit in the centre. In adults they appear most often around the genitals. They may sometimes be confused with warts. They usually appear within two to twelve weeks after exposure.
How is it transmitted?
It is transmitted by direct skin to skin contact with an infected person.
How can I prevent transmission?
Condoms can reduce some of the risk of transmission but they will not always cover the infected area.
How is it diagnosed?
Molluscum is detected by careful examination of the skin.
How is it treated?
A doctor can easily treat the lesions by freezing them or, alternatively, the core of the lump can be extracted with a needle. In most people, if the lesions are few, treatment by a doctor may not be necessary as they are likely to spontaneously disappear. Molluscum is not known to cause any serious problems.