Molluscum Contagiosum Fact Sheet

Updated August 2025 

Definition

Molluscum is a skin infection caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus.

Signs and Symptoms

After a person comes in contact with molluscum it may take anywhere from 1 week to 6 months for symptoms to appear. The virus causes small, white or skin-coloured round, raised, bumps on the skin. They often have a dip in the middle. Molluscum bumps are usually 2 to 5 millimetres in diameter but, rarely, can be larger. There are often many bumps together.

A person can get molluscum on any part of their body except the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. However, on adults it is most common to find them on the lower abdomen, genitals and inner thighs. There is usually no pain, inflammation or redness unless the bumps have been irritated or scratched.

Diagnosis

An experienced health care provider can usually tell if a person has molluscum by looking at the bumps. However, molluscum may be mistaken for warts or ingrown hairs.

Complications (that may arise)

The most common complication is a secondary bacterial infection at the site of the molluscum bump. Scarring can also occur if there is excessive scratching of the bumps.

Risk Factors

People with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of getting molluscum. Their bumps may be larger, look different and can be more difficult to treat.

Treatment

The bumps usually disappear on their own in six to twelve months. Rarely, it can take several years for molluscum to resolve. Treatment can help prevent spreading the infection to other people by removing the bumps. Once all the bumps are gone the virus is gone but you can get infected again. There are several ways to remove the molluscum bumps. Commonly, your health care provider may suggest removing the bumps by freezing them. Other treatment options include scraping or applying prescription creams to the bumps. Treatment may cause temporary or permanent scarring or changes in the colour of the skin. Skin colour changes may be more noticeable in people with dark skin.

Prevention

Here are a few important points to remember:

  • Avoid sexual contact or close body contact with anyone until all the molluscum bumps are gone.
  • Avoid shaving or scratching the bumps. This can spread the bumps to other parts of your body.
  • When possible, cover the bumps with a bandage to avoid scratching and spreading the virus.
  • Do not share towels, clothing, washcloths or other personal items.
  • The virus lives on the skin and once all the bumps are gone, the virus is gone. You can be re-infected if you come in contact with the virus again.
  • Male and female condoms may not fully protect you, as the virus can be on areas of the skin not covered by the condom. Condoms should still be used every time you have sex to protect against other STIs and HIV.

Transmission/Spread

Molluscum can be passed on by direct contact with a molluscum bump on the skin of an infected person. The virus can also be spread through contact with contaminated objects, such as towels, clothing, or razors. If a person has molluscum, they can spread it to another part of their own body by scratching or picking at the bump or shaving the affected area. In adults, the virus is usually spread through sexual contact.

Information for Sexual Partners (for STIs)

It is important to inform any sexual partner(s) or anyone who has had direct contact with the molluscum bumps so that they can be checked and treated if necessary.

For More Information

Call the Sexual Health Infoline Ontario at 416-392-2437 (1-800-668-2437) or visit toronto.ca/health

Safer sex: To reduce your risk of getting a sexually transmitted infection (STI), use a condom every time you have vaginal, anal or oral sex.