The Truth About Molluscum Contagiosum: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

The most common form of molluscum contagiosum is caused by group C viruses, which are transmitted by body fluids or respiratory droplets. It’s not spread from one person to another through the air. A person with this type of virus might develop a small, flat, raised, benign lesion on the upper arms, shoulders, chest, face, or upper back. It’s usually discovered after a recent close skin-to-skin contact with someone with the virus.

Sometimes the infection is not visible at first, and can only be detected with a microscopic examination. In this case, you might notice it while shaving. Many people with Molluscum contagiosum never experience a full-blown outbreak of the viral rash. It usually spreads slowly, but occasionally it may spread rapidly. This is called an outbreak.

What are the causes of Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum can be caused by a number of different viruses. In general, the bacteria that are active in the warm summer months are more likely to cause the infection. There are two main types of molluscum contagiosum:

Group A

Group A is caused by the virus Molluscum contagiosum group A. It’s spread by close contact and contact with contaminated objects, such as objects, fabrics, and open wounds. Group A molluscum spreads in warmer weather, usually before school or daycare begins in the fall.

Group B

Group B is caused by the virus Molluscum contagiosum group B. It’s spread by contact with contaminated objects and infected areas like fingernails and rashes. Group B molluscum can affect anyone, but it’s more likely to occur in people with weakened immune systems.

Symptoms of Molluscum contagiosum

Small, reddish-brown bumps appear on your skin and can grow up to 1/2 inch long.

Small, raised bumps that feel like a pimple and eventually turn into a red, scaly, raised sore that can produce painful pimples.

A rash of red or white bumps, which look like small blisters.

The red rash spreads over a large area and can be itchy.

The bumps can become scaly, dry, and crusty.

Molluscum contagiosum is caused by an illness in the family of viruses known as “vicinity syndrome” that causes childhood respiratory and respiratory tract infections. This virus is present in most of us at some point in our lives.

The treatment for Molluscum contagiosum

The most common treatment for Molluscum contagiosum is a cooling bath at home. Although this is most effective, it does not eliminate the virus. Your doctor will likely prescribe an antiviral medication to help the virus cure and won’t bother you about the bumps.

Sometimes people with very large numbers of bumps on the skin seek medical attention. For some people, the bumps on their face can affect the rest of their body, and they can develop more serious infections in other parts of their body.

If you have large numbers of bumps or infections in other parts of your body, your doctor may prescribe a different form of antiviral medication. They can also recommend a surgical treatment that involves surgically removing the lesions.

Infection is often self-limiting and will resolve spontaneously within 2 months.

Conclusion

Doctors now believe that mycoplasma isn’t the only germ responsible for the molluscum contagiosum molluscum. It’s estimated that between 20 and 90 percent of people will have Molluscum contagiosum at some point in their lives. The signs and symptoms you may experience depend on which body part is affected.

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