Viral skin infection causing small, raised, pearl-like bumps. Review possible symptoms, contributing factors, assessment, warning signs and care options.
About Molluscum Contagiosum
Viral skin infection causing small, raised, pearl-like bumps
Molluscum contagiosum is a common viral skin infection that causes small, raised, pearl-like bumps or papules on the skin.
It is caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV), a member of the poxvirus family, and is highly contagious through direct skin contact.
Editorial update (28 September 2026): structured medical content awaits clinical reviewer sign-off.
How assessment may be approached
Assessment may include symptom timing, fever, exposures, travel, contacts, vaccination status and medicines. Tests may identify a specific infection, but treatment decisions should match clinical urgency and local guidance.
Care can range from monitoring and fluids to prescribed treatment, infection-control measures and follow-up. Ask whether antibiotics or other medicine are actually indicated and how to prevent spread.
When to seek prompt care
Seek urgent care for stiff neck, severe headache, confusion, breathing difficulty, persistent vomiting, dehydration, rash with fever, severe weakness or rapidly worsening illness.
Symptoms
- Small, raised, flesh-colored bumps on the skin
- Bumps have a dimple or pit in the center
- Lesions are usually painless but may be itchy
- Bumps appear in clusters or groups
- Lesions may become inflamed or red
Possible causes
- Molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV)
- Direct skin-to-skin contact
- Sharing contaminated items (towels, clothing)
- Sexual contact (in adults)
- Scratching can spread infection to other body areas
Care and treatment options
- Cryotherapy (freezing)
- Curettage (scraping)
- Topical medications
- Laser therapy
- Natural resolution (6-12 months)
- Prevent spread through good hygiene
Key points
- Most common in children ages 1-10
- Can affect adults, especially those with weakened immune systems
- Usually resolves on its own within 6-12 months
- Highly contagious but harmless
- Treatment speeds healing and reduces transmission
Preparing for a consultation
- Fever readings and timing of symptoms.
- Travel, food, water, animal or contact exposures.
- Vaccination history and immune-suppressing medicines.
- Recent test results, medicines and who else may be unwell.
Questions worth asking
- Is Molluscum Contagiosum the most likely explanation for these symptoms, and what alternatives should be checked?
- Which symptoms or findings would require urgent review?
- Are medicines, underlying health problems or lifestyle factors contributing?
- What tests or examinations are needed now, and what can safely wait?
- What treatment or self-care options are reasonable, and when should I be reviewed again?
- What is the expected benefit, limit, cost and follow-up plan for the suggested care?
Related conditions
Related clinicians
Medical information limitations
This page summarizes listed condition information and cannot confirm a diagnosis or choose treatment. Do not start, stop or change prescribed treatment based only on this page.
Common questions
What is Molluscum Contagiosum?
Viral skin infection causing small, raised, pearl-like bumps This is general information; the name describes a possible diagnosis or clinical problem, not a personal diagnosis.
How might a clinician assess Molluscum Contagiosum?
Assessment may include symptom timing, fever, exposures, travel, contacts, vaccination status and medicines. Tests may identify a specific infection, but treatment decisions should match clinical urgency and local guidance.
What care may be discussed?
Care options listed include Cryotherapy (freezing), Curettage (scraping), Topical medications, Laser therapy. Which option is appropriate depends on the confirmed cause, severity, preferences and contraindications.
When should Molluscum Contagiosum be checked urgently?
Seek urgent care for stiff neck, severe headache, confusion, breathing difficulty, persistent vomiting, dehydration, rash with fever, severe weakness or rapidly worsening illness.
How should I prepare for a consultation?
Fever readings and timing of symptoms. Travel, food, water, animal or contact exposures. Vaccination history and immune-suppressing medicines. Recent test results, medicines and who else may be unwell. Bring previous reports and a current medicine list where relevant.
Can this page diagnose or treat the condition?
No. A page about Molluscum Contagiosum can help you understand possible features and questions, but it cannot confirm a diagnosis or choose treatment. A qualified clinician should assess your symptoms, history and any test results.
General information only; it is not a diagnosis or a substitute for a qualified clinician’s advice.