What Is Molluscum Contagiosum?

Molluscum contagiosum is a skin infection caused by a virus in the poxvirus family. It causes small, raised, round bumps on the skin that are usually painless — but may be itchy or red. Molluscum spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact, including during sex.

Although molluscum can affect anyone, it’s especially common in children and sexually active adults. It’s not always considered an STI, but in adults, it often spreads through intimate contact and shows up in the genital area.

How common is molluscum contagiosum?

It’s very common. According to the CDC, molluscum affects both children and adults worldwide. In the U.S., it’s seen often in dermatology and STI clinics — especially among young adults.

What Are Symptoms of Molluscum Contagiosum?

Molluscum contagiosum causes distinctive bumps on the skin, but otherwise you’ll probably feel fine. These bumps usually appear a few weeks after exposure and tend to develop in areas where skin touches skin — including the genital area, thighs, and lower abdomen.

Symptoms in people with female biology

You might notice small, round, skin-colored or pearly bumps near the vulva, inner thighs, or lower belly. They’re usually painless, but some people experience itching — especially if the bumps get irritated from rubbing or shaving.

Symptoms in people with male biology

The bumps can appear on the penis, scrotum, or nearby skin. Again, they’re usually not painful, but they might become inflamed if scratched or irritated.

In anyone

The bumps are typically smooth, firm, and dome-shaped, often with a little dimple in the center. They might appear alone or in clusters, and they can show up not just in the genital area but also on the buttocks, thighs, or even the face.

How long can you have molluscum without knowing?

Because the bumps don’t always show up right away, you might carry the virus for 2 to 6 weeks — or longer — before noticing anything. And since they don’t usually hurt, many people don’t realize they’re contagious until they’ve already passed it to someone else.

What Does Molluscum Contagiosum Look Like?

Molluscum contagiosum causes a signature type of bump: smooth, round, and slightly raised — like a tiny dome on the skin. They’re usually about the size of a pinhead or a pencil eraser and can appear alone or in clusters.

These bumps tend to be skin-colored, pink, or pearly white. What sets them apart is the little dimple or indentation in the center — almost like a tiny belly button. This feature helps doctors distinguish molluscum from warts, pimples, or ingrown hairs.

The bumps are generally painless but can become red, irritated, or itchy if scratched or shaved over. And scratching often spreads the virus to nearby skin.

In the genital area, molluscum can be mistaken for other conditions, but its smooth, dimpled appearance usually stands out once you know what to look for.

How Is Molluscum Contagiosum Transmitted?

Molluscum contagiosum spreads through close contact with someone who has the virus. This includes direct skin-to-skin contact — like during sex, cuddling, or contact sports — as well as through shared objects like towels or razors.

In adults, it often spreads through sexual contact and tends to show up in areas involved in intimate skin contact: the thighs, groin, lower belly, and buttocks. It’s important to know that the virus can spread even if the bumps aren’t visible yet, especially if the skin is irritated or scratched.

Is molluscum an STI?

It depends on how it spreads. In children, it’s usually passed through play or shared items — so it’s not considered an STI. But in adults, especially when the bumps appear in the genital area, it’s considered a sexually transmissible infection because it’s often passed during sex.

Can I get molluscum from a toilet seat or a handshake?

It’s very unlikely. The virus doesn’t survive long on dry surfaces. Molluscum is mostly passed through warm, moist environments or direct skin contact. That’s why shared towels and razors pose a bigger risk than doorknobs or toilet seats.

How Do You Test for Molluscum Contagiosum?

Most of the time, molluscum is diagnosed visually by a healthcare provider. The bumps are usually easy to recognize.

Diagnosis may include:

• Clinical exam based on appearance
• In uncertain cases, a skin biopsy may be done

Lab testing isn’t usually needed unless another condition (like genital warts or folliculitis) is suspected.

How Is Molluscum Contagiosum Treated?

Molluscum often goes away on its own, especially in healthy adults. But treatment can speed up healing and reduce the risk of spreading it to others.

Common treatments include:

• Cryotherapy (freezing the bumps)
• Curettage (removal with a sharp instrument)
• Topical treatments like cantharidin or retinoid creams
• Laser therapy (in some cases)

There’s no one-size-fits-all treatment. Your provider will recommend a method based on location, severity, and your preferences.

Complications of Molluscum Contagiosum

Molluscum is usually harmless, but it can cause:

• Secondary infections from scratching
• Spread to other body areas
• Emotional distress or self-consciousness (especially with genital lesions)

In people with weakened immune systems, lesions may be more widespread or harder to treat.

Outlook & Prognosis

Molluscum is not dangerous for most people. The bumps often resolve within 6–12 months, though some cases last longer.

You can get molluscum more than once, especially if you’re exposed again through close contact.

The virus doesn’t stay in the body permanently like herpes. Once the bumps are gone, you’re no longer contagious — unless reinfected.

Living With Molluscum Contagiosum

It’s normal to feel embarrassed or confused — especially if you didn’t know molluscum could be sexually transmitted.

Here’s what helps:

• Avoid shaving over bumps (to prevent spread)
• Don’t share towels, razors, or underwear
• Avoid sex until bumps are gone or covered
• Talk to your partner and provider about treatment options

You don’t have to wait forever to live your life. Molluscum isn’t dangerous, and it’s treatable — even if it takes a few tries.

How to Tell Your Partner(s) You Have Molluscum Contagiosum

This can feel awkward, but molluscum is common — and talking about it helps prevent spread.

You might say:

“I found out I have something called molluscum contagiosum. It’s a skin virus that causes little bumps and can spread through close contact. I’m getting it treated and wanted to let you know.”

Let them know:

• It’s not serious
• It often clears on its own
• You’re being responsible by telling them

Most people respond better than you think — especially when you speak with confidence and care.

Last reviewed: May 2025
This content is regularly reviewed and updated to reflect the latest medical guidelines.

• Caused by: Virus (Molluscum contagiosum virus, a poxvirus)
• Spread through: Skin-to-skin contact, including sex; shared towels or razors
• Symptoms: Small, raised, dome-shaped bumps with central dimples; usually painless
• Testing: Visual diagnosis; biopsy rarely needed
• Treatment: Often clears on its own; removal via cryotherapy, topical meds, or curettage
• Risk if untreated: Spread to others or new skin areas; irritation from scratching
• How common: Very common in children and sexually active adults (CDC)