HEALTH EDUCATION

Molluscum Contagiosum

What it is
Molluscum contagiosum is a viral infection that causes small pearly bumps on the skin. It is often transmitted by nonsexual, intimate contact.

Molluscum usually appears on the genitals as a sexually transmitted infection. It causes no serious illness in people with normal healthy immune systems and usually disappears on its own over a period of months to years.

How it’s spread
Vaginal, anal, and oral intercourse, as well as nonsexual, intimate contact. Children may become infected through casual contact. In such cases, growths may appear on other parts of the body, especially the abdomen.

How it’s treated
In people with healthy immune systems, molluscum usually goes away spontaneously over a period of months to years.

In people with conditions that weaken the immune system, like HIV/AIDS, molluscum lesions can be extensive. They can be removed through surgery or scraping or, freezing. Medications, like the ones used to remove warts, can also be helpful in removal of molluscum lesions.

How it’s prevented
The only sure way of avoiding the molluscum virus is to abstain from sex or to limit sex to partners you KNOW to be uninfected.

Condoms reduce the risk of molluscum contagiosum, but the virus may "shed" beyond the area covered or protected by condoms.

What it does
Molluscum poses no long-term health threats for those with normal-functioning immune systems.

People with AIDS or other immune disorders may develop a rapidly worsening case of molluscum contagiosum. Lesions may persist, spread, or become chronic. They can also lead to secondary bacterial skin infections.

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