Molluscum Contagiosum

• Symptoms

  • Molluscum contagiosum is a superficial skin infection.
  • A virus invades the skin causing the appearance of firm, flesh-colored, doughnut-shaped bumps

• Cause

  • Molluscum contagiosum is caused by a virus belonging to the poxvirus family.
  • Close contact is usually necessary for transmission
  • Shaving or scratching may cause the infection to spread

• Diagnosis

  • The diagnosis is based on the typical appearance of the bumps. No diagnostic test for this virus is available.

• Treatment

  • The goal of treatment is to remove (cut out) the center, after which the lesion goes away.

• Risks of Treatment

  • There is always slight risk of scarring.