Molluscum contagiosum is a common viral skin infection that causes small, round bumps to appear on the surface of the skin. It spreads easily through skin-to-skin contact, but in most healthy people it is harmless and clears up on its own. This article explains what molluscum contagiosum looks like, how it spreads, how it is diagnosed, and what treatment options are available to Canadians.
What Is Molluscum Contagiosum?
Molluscum contagiosum is caused by a poxvirus — a type of virus that infects only the skin. The infection produces small, pearly or flesh-coloured bumps with a tiny dimple in the centre. The virus is contagious, meaning it can pass from person to person, but it is not dangerous for most people.
However, in people with weakened immune systems — such as those living with HIV — the bumps can be widespread and more difficult to treat. In these cases, molluscum contagiosum may be a sign that the immune system needs medical attention. If you or someone you care for has a compromised immune system, speak with your family doctor as soon as possible.
According to Health Canada, viral skin infections like molluscum contagiosum are more common in children but can affect people of all ages.
Symptoms of Molluscum Contagiosum
The most recognisable symptom of molluscum contagiosum is the appearance of small, round bumps on the skin. These bumps are typically 3 to 5 millimetres across — about the size of a pencil eraser. They often have a shiny surface and a small dimple or pit in the middle.
The bumps may appear alone or in clusters. They are usually painless, but they can become red, swollen, and itchy as your immune system works to fight the virus. In many cases, a patch of eczema develops around the bumps as well.
Where Do the Bumps Appear?
The location of the bumps often depends on age and how the infection was spread. In children, molluscum contagiosum bumps most commonly appear on the trunk, face, and arms. In sexually active teenagers and adults, the bumps are more likely to appear in the genital area.
The bumps can also appear on the eyelids, armpits, and the backs of the knees — anywhere that skin-to-skin contact occurs. Furthermore, scratching the bumps can spread the virus to other parts of your own body.
How Long Before Symptoms Appear?
The incubation period for molluscum contagiosum — meaning the time between exposure to the virus and the appearance of bumps — is usually two to seven weeks. However, it can sometimes take up to six months for bumps to show up. This makes it difficult to know exactly when or where you were exposed.
How Molluscum Contagiosum Spreads
Molluscum contagiosum spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person. This includes sexual contact, as well as everyday touching or scratching of the bumps followed by touching another area of skin. The virus can also spread through shared objects like towels, clothing, or sports equipment.
The infection remains contagious until all the bumps have fully disappeared. Without treatment, that can take up to six months or longer. For this reason, taking a few simple precautions can help protect the people around you.
Can Children Get It at School or in Sports?
Yes. Children are especially vulnerable to molluscum contagiosum in group settings. The virus spreads easily in schools, daycare centres, and sports environments where close physical contact is common. Swimming pools and shared change rooms can also be sources of transmission.
It is worth noting that molluscum contagiosum in the genital area of a child is usually the result of self-spreading through scratching. However, if other concerning factors are present, a doctor should assess the situation carefully.
Diagnosing Molluscum Contagiosum
A doctor can usually diagnose molluscum contagiosum by looking at the bumps during a physical examination. The distinctive appearance — round, dimpled, and pearly — makes them relatively easy to identify. No special tests are usually needed.
If the diagnosis is unclear or another skin condition is suspected, your doctor may take a small skin sample (biopsy) from one of the bumps to examine under a microscope. This is a straightforward procedure and is not commonly needed.
What About Adults With Genital Bumps?
If an adult has molluscum contagiosum bumps in the genital area, a doctor may also recommend testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This is because other infections, such as genital herpes, can sometimes look similar. Getting checked gives you a clear picture of your health and helps ensure you receive the right care.
As noted by the Mayo Clinic, molluscum contagiosum is generally diagnosed through a simple visual examination by a healthcare provider.
Treatment Options for Molluscum Contagiosum
In healthy individuals, treatment is not always necessary. The bumps from molluscum contagiosum tend to disappear on their own within two to four months, although it can take longer. Your body’s immune system gradually clears the virus without any intervention.
That said, many people choose to have the bumps treated. Common reasons include wanting to prevent the infection from spreading to others, discomfort or embarrassment, or the bumps appearing in the genital area, where treatment is often recommended.
Medical Treatments Available in Canada
Several treatment options are available through your family doctor or dermatologist. The most common approaches include:
Cryotherapy (freezing): A doctor uses liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy each bump. This is a quick, commonly available procedure in many Canadian clinics.
Curettage (scraping): A doctor uses a small tool called a curette to scrape the viral material from the centre of each bump. This removes the bump directly.
Laser therapy: A laser is used to destroy the bumps. This option is typically available through a dermatologist or skin specialist.
Topical medications: Prescription creams or ointments applied directly to the skin can help the bumps clear up more quickly.
Oral medications: In some cases, a doctor may prescribe medication taken by mouth to support the body’s immune response.
In some cases, the bumps may return after treatment, and a second round may be needed. Additionally, some treatments — such as freezing or scraping — can occasionally leave minor scarring. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor before choosing a treatment.
What to Avoid While You Have Molluscum Contagiosum
Until the bumps have fully cleared, there are several things you should avoid to prevent spreading the virus to others. These precautions are simple but effective:
Do not share towels, clothing, or personal items with others.
Avoid close physical contact, such as contact sports or wrestling.
Stay out of public swimming pools, saunas, and shared showers.
Do not scratch or pick at the bumps.
Avoid using corticosteroid skin creams on or near the bumps, as these can weaken the local immune response and allow the infection to worsen.
These steps protect both you and the people around you while your skin heals.
When to See a Doctor About Molluscum Contagiosum
Most cases of molluscum contagiosum do not require an urgent visit, but there are situations where you should seek medical advice. If the bumps are spreading quickly, becoming very inflamed, or are located in the genital area, book an appointment with your family doctor. If you do not have a family doctor, a walk-in clinic is a convenient option available in most Canadian cities and towns.
You should also see a doctor if:
The bumps are not improving after several months.
You or your child has a weakened immune system.
The bumps appear on the eyelids or near the eyes.
You are unsure whether what you are seeing is molluscum contagiosum or another skin condition.
There is significant pain, swelling, or discharge from the bumps.
Your provincial health plan covers visits to family doctors and walk-in clinics for concerns like this. You do not need to manage a skin infection on your own. As always, a qualified healthcare provider is the best person to guide your care. Healthline also offers a helpful overview of molluscum contagiosum for general reference.
Frequently Asked Questions About Molluscum Contagiosum
Is molluscum contagiosum dangerous?
For most healthy people, molluscum contagiosum is not dangerous. It is a mild viral skin infection that clears up on its own over time. However, in people with weakened immune systems, the infection can be more severe and may require medical treatment.
How long does molluscum contagiosum last without treatment?
Without treatment, molluscum contagiosum bumps typically disappear within two to four months in healthy individuals. In some cases, the infection can persist for six months or longer. The virus remains contagious until all the bumps are completely gone.
Can molluscum contagiosum spread through a swimming pool?
There is some evidence that molluscum contagiosum can spread in shared aquatic environments like public swimming pools and hot tubs. Sharing towels or equipment at these facilities also increases the risk. If you have active bumps, it is best to avoid public pools until they have fully cleared.
Should my child stay home from school if they have molluscum contagiosum?
In most cases, children with molluscum contagiosum do not need to stay home from school. The risk of spreading the virus is low when bumps are covered with clothing or a bandage. However, speak with your family doctor or walk-in clinic for personalised advice based on your child’s situation.
Is molluscum contagiosum always a sexually transmitted infection?
No, molluscum contagiosum is not always sexually transmitted. In children, it most often spreads through everyday skin-to-skin contact or touching shared objects. In adults, however, sexual contact is a common route of transmission, especially when bumps appear in the genital area.
Can molluscum contagiosum come back after treatment?
Yes, molluscum contagiosum can return after treatment, particularly if you come into contact with the virus again. In some cases, not all bumps are fully cleared during the first round of treatment, and a follow-up visit may be needed. Your doctor can advise you on the best approach if the bumps reappear.
Key Takeaways
Molluscum contagiosum is a mild, contagious viral skin infection that causes small, round, dimpled bumps on the skin.
It spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact, shared personal items, and sometimes through water in public pools.
In healthy people, the bumps often clear up on their own within a few months without treatment.
Treatment options — including freezing, scraping, laser therapy, and topical creams — are available through Canadian family doctors and dermatologists.
Avoid sharing towels, close physical contact, and public pools until the bumps have fully disappeared.
See your family doctor or visit a walk-in clinic if bumps are spreading, located in the genital area, or not clearing after several months.
Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any treatment for a skin condition.
