Molluscum contagiosum is a common viral infection that affects the skin. This type of skin rash is caused by a virus in the pox family of viruses. While more frequently seen in children, this infection can also occur in adults, especially in those with compromised immune systems. As the name would suggest, molluscum contagiosum is contagious. This viral skin infection can be transmitted from person to person through both direct contact with the skin lesions. It can also be spread through indirect contact with contaminated objects such as infected clothing, towels, and even exercise mats. The skin rash can also spread on an affected person through itching or rubbing of the lesions. When the rash occurs in the genital area, it is a sexually transmitted disease.
It can take up to a couple of months before you see any signs of this infection because the incubation period can be several weeks for this virus. This chronic infection can last for anywhere from a few months to a few years. It is contagious while the lesions are present on the skin. While molluscum contagiosum typically resolves itself in less than a year, a health care provider can assist with removal of the lesions in certain cases. There are generally no long-term complications from this skin infection. If the lesions are embarrassing, there are treatments that can help the skin to clear more rapidly, but many of these treatment options can be uncomfortable and may cause scarring of the affected areas.
1. Small Bumps
The first sign of molluscum contagiosum is usually the formation of small bumps on the skin. These bumps are benign and can occur singly or in groups of up to around 20 lesions. When in groups, these bumps may show up in patches or even in rows. Each of these bumps begins about the size of a pinhead and can grow over the course of several weeks up to the size of a pencil eraser or a pea, up to about 6 millimeters in diameter, or less than 1/4 of an inch. The bumps are typically shaped like a dome and may have a small indentation in the center.
2. Lumps
When multiple bumps appear together, they can seem to be more like lumps. These clusters are usually painless, though they may itch at some points. It’s important to remember not to scratch or rub these lumps, even when they itch, because this can spread the virus to other areas of the body. These lumps typically appear on the face, neck, chest, arms, armpits, hands, or legs in children. In adults, they can occur in these areas or on the abdomen, genitals, and inner thighs, especially if transmitted through sexual contact with an infected individual. Over time, these firm lumps may become softer as they begin to heal.
3. Redness
As the infected individual’s body begins to fight the virus, affected areas and bumps may turn red. This is a result of the immune system doing its job. This redness may also be accompanied by inflammation. If spots are scratched or rubbed, they may become infected. This can lead to additional discomfort from soreness and increased itching and swelling of the affected area. It could help to keep the area covered if redness occurs to prevent the infection from spreading to other areas of the body. If the redness is accompanied by excessive inflammation or discomfort, it’s important to contact a physician to rule out any secondary infection.
4. Waxy Growths
Some individuals with this infectious skin disease describe the associated rash bumps as more like waxy growths. In many cases, it can be easy to confuse these bumps with warts because they may look so similar in appearance. The surface of each bump can feel smooth or waxy to the touch. Inside of each lesion is a waxy core. This core is a whitish material that is thick and may feel somewhat cheesy. This inner core contains the virus, which is easily spread once released from inside of the bump. This is why it is so important to avoid scratching or rubbing the lesions.
5. Smooth Growths
The skin bumps that are associated with molluscum contagiosum may also be described as smooth growths. The rounded bumps have a smooth, even appearance. The surface of each lesion may even appear shiny or somewhat pearly. Some of the bumps are completely smooth across the surface while others may have a small dent or dimple in the center. Not only may these bumps resemble warts, but they may also appear to look like blisters. This can be due to their shiny appearance and the fact that they may become softer over time as the body attempts to rid itself of the viral infection.
6. Pink Bumps
Some of those who have this infection describe the rash as consisting of pink bumps. When lesions first begin to appear, the very small bumps are typically the same color as the skin. These flesh-colored bumps may remain that color or may begin to turn pink as they grow larger. The central core may also grow large enough to make the lesions appear to be white in color, which is why they may look like a blister to some individuals. As the body’s immune system fights off the virus, the bumps may turn from pink to red. You may want to notify your physician of any color changes that are accompanied by pain or itching to make sure that the rash is healing the way that it should.
