Molluscum Contagiosum

What Is Molluscum Contagiosum?

Molluscum contagiosum is a common skin infection that causes small, smooth bumps to appear on the skin. These bumps are usually flesh-colored, dome-shaped, and often have a dimple or dent in the center. While the condition is generally harmless, it can be uncomfortable, and it spreads easily from person to person.

Many people only experience a few bumps, but some cases can lead to dozens. If your immune system is weakened, the bumps may appear more widely across the body. In any case, it’s always a good idea to have any new or unusual skin changes checked by a board-certified dermatology provider.

What Do Molluscum Bumps Look Like?

These bumps tend to show up in clusters and may:

• Be round, raised, and flesh-toned
• Have a dimple or central indentation
• Feel firm to the touch
• Itch, feel sore, or become irritated
• Range in size from a pinhead to a pencil eraser

Although they’re usually painless, the bumps can become bothersome, especially in areas that rub against clothing or skin folds.

How Does Molluscum Contagiosum Spread?

This skin infection is caused by a virus and spreads through direct contact. That includes:

• Skin-to-skin contact (including during play or sexual activity)
• Sharing towels, razors, or gym equipment
• Touching a bump and then scratching or rubbing another area of your skin
• Contact with contaminated pool toys or wet surfaces

Children are especially prone to picking it up at schools, playgrounds, or through shared bath items. Adults may contract it through close personal contact. Once you have it, it can spread across your own body if the bumps aren’t covered or treated.

Treatment Options

In many cases, molluscum goes away on its own within 6 to 12 months—but waiting it out isn’t always ideal, especially if the bumps are spreading, irritated, or impacting daily life.

At Biltmore Dermatology, we offer treatment options to speed up the healing process and reduce the risk of spreading it to others. These may include:

• Topical treatments like salicylic acid, tretinoin, or cantharidin
• Cryotherapy (freezing the bumps)
• Curettage (gently removing them)
• Laser therapy in some cases

Even with treatment, new bumps may appear as your body continues to clear the virus, but our team will guide you through every step.

Prevention Tips

The best way to prevent molluscum contagiosum is through good hygiene and skin protection. Here are a few ways to reduce your risk:

• Avoid sharing towels, razors, or personal care items
• Wash your hands regularly, especially after touching affected skin
• Keep bumps covered with clean bandages to prevent the spread
• Shower and clean your skin after swimming in public pools or hot tubs
• Avoid scratching or picking at the bumps

If someone in your household has molluscum, take extra care to clean shared surfaces and avoid skin-to-skin contact during flare-ups.

Schedule a Visit

If you’ve noticed new bumps on your skin—or your child’s—it’s a good time to have them evaluated. At Biltmore Dermatology, our board-certified dermatology provider will assess your skin, discuss treatment options, and help you feel confident in your care.

Contact us to schedule an appointment at our Terre Haute or Vincennes office, or walk in at your convenience. We’re here to help you clear things up.