Molluscum

Molluscum (correct name molluscum contagiosum) is a skin infection caused by a virus. It is transmitted by skin-to-skin contact, so it is commonly caught during sexual contact.

What molluscum looks like

Molluscum shows as white or pink bumps on the skin. They are small (usually 1–5 mm across) and round in shape. If you look very carefully (ideally with a magnifying glass), you will usually see a small dimple in the centre of each one. There are usually several, often scattered on the lower abdomen among the pubic hair, or on the upper thighs. In men they may be on the penis, and in women on the lips of the vagina. Sometimes they can be difficult to distinguish from genital warts.

How molluscum is treated

In time, molluscum usually goes away on its own. Strangely, molluscum usually goes away faster if the lumps become damaged. Therefore a doctor or nurse will treat them by piercing each one with a sharp sterile needle and digging out some of the material inside. Large molluscums can be treated by freezing (cryotherapy). In dark-skinned individuals, treatment may leave a tiny pale area. You should avoid shaving over molluscum, as this may spread them or encourage scarring.

Is molluscum dangerous?

Molluscum is not dangerous. If you scratch the lumps, they could become infected, leaving a scar after healing.

Written by: Dr Margaret Stearn
Edited by: Dr Margaret Stearn
Last updated: Friday, February 12th 2010

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Comments on this article

Posted by donny on 12/06/2010 at 10:07:09 pm

i dont know if this is what i have or not... does it hurt if you poke them?

Posted by Optional on 14/05/2010 at 02:51:27 pm

Thankyou so much for this, it has good infomation on that, i was a litte scared, but now its nothing to worry, about as they go away on there own. Thanks!!!!

Posted by Lovabrotha on 31/12/2009 at 06:45:00 pm

I recently just had unprotected sex with someone about two weeks ago..... I have always had lumps around my pubic area but thought nothing of it.... After my last sexual encounter I have just recntly notice a single lump on my shaft ( slightly reddish) it hurts slightly during an erection but aside that it doesn't disturb me..... Is this a serious problem ???... This first time I have ever had any growth on my penis

Posted by ... on 14/03/2009 at 10:13:00 pm

ive had this problem for agess and doctors misdiagnosed me sooo many times once it was so painful and i couldn't walk so i was admitted to hospital and even they misdiagnosed me. thank you sooo much for this help