Molluscum contagiosum
Molluscum contagiosum is a viral skin infection producing small shiny bumps with a central dimple.
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Medicines commonly prescribed for Molluscum contagiosum
For informational purposes only. Always consult a doctor before using any medicine.
Dosage form: CREAM, 3.75%Active substance: imiquimodManufacturer: Viatris Healthcare LimitedPrescription requiredDosage form: CREAM, 50 mg/gActive substance: imiquimodManufacturer: Viatris Healthcare LimitedPrescription requiredDosage form: CREAM, 50 mg/gActive substance: imiquimodManufacturer: Industrial Farmaceutica Cantabria S.A.Prescription required
Molluscum contagiosum is a viral skin infection producing small shiny bumps with a central dimple. It is very common in children, is not dangerous and disappears on its own, though it may take months or even a couple of years. That slowness is what usually exhausts families, which is why it helps to understand from the outset what can be done and what is not worth doing.
How it looks
- dome-shaped papules 2–5 mm across, shiny, pearly or skin-coloured;
- a central dimple, the feature that identifies them;
- from one to dozens, often in clusters;
- they do not hurt and sometimes itch slightly;
- sites in children: trunk, armpits, inner arms, behind the knees, face;
- in adults, often on the genitals, groin and lower abdomen, because it is then sexually transmitted;
- they line up along scratch marks;
- eczema sometimes develops around the lesions;
- before disappearing they usually become inflamed and red, which is a sign that the body is clearing them, not of infection.
How it spreads
- direct skin-to-skin contact;
- shared towels, sponges, clothing and toys;
- swimming pools and shared baths, mainly through towels and floats;
- self-inoculation: scratching spreads it across the child's own skin. This is the most common reason for new lesions;
- sexually in adults;
- the incubation period ranges from two weeks to six months;
- it is contagious while visible lesions are present.
When to see a doctor
- to confirm the diagnosis if you are unsure;
- the lesions are on the eyelids or very close to the eye;
- there are many and they are spreading rapidly;
- they are red, hot or discharging — added bacterial infection;
- they have appeared on an adult's genitals: screening for other sexually transmitted infections should be considered;
- they have appeared on a child's genitals with no lesions elsewhere: this warrants assessment;
- the child has atopic dermatitis: lesions spread more and management differs;
- immunity is reduced: lesions are then more numerous, larger and more persistent;
- they have not gone within two years.
Treatment
The first honest option is not to treat. The lesions disappear on their own without leaving a mark, and many treatments leave scars or discolouration where the body would have left nothing. In children with a few lesions, waiting is usually the best decision.
Treatment is considered where there are many lesions, where they are in visible or troublesome places, where an adult has genital involvement, or where it is causing distress.
- curettage: scraping the lesions off after topical anaesthetic; quick and effective;
- cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen;
- potassium hydroxide solution, applicable at home following strict instructions;
- cantharidin, applied in clinic;
- imiquimod: its actual effectiveness in molluscum is limited, despite how widely it is used;
- topical tretinoin in some cases;
- antibiotics only if there is bacterial superinfection;
- treating the surrounding eczema, which reduces scratching and therefore spread.
What you can do at home
- stop the child scratching: short nails and treatment of any itch;
- cover the lesions with clothing or a dressing where there will be close contact;
- own towel, and no sharing of sponges or clothing;
- showers rather than shared baths between siblings;
- do not shave or wax over affected areas: the fastest way to multiply them;
- moisturise the skin, particularly if there is atopic dermatitis;
- do not squeeze the lesions: this spreads the virus and can leave a scar.
School, swimming and normal life
A child can attend school and nursery as normal: there is no need to keep them away. They can also swim, covering the lesions with a waterproof dressing where possible and using their own towel. Restricting a child's social life for months because of a harmless condition does more harm than the molluscum itself.
Common questions
How long does it last? On average 6–18 months, sometimes up to two years. Each individual lesion lasts around two months.
Will it scar? If left to run their course, no. Aggressive treatments and scratching can scar.
Can you get it again? Yes, although the immunity left behind makes it less likely.
Why have they suddenly gone red? This is usually the sign that the immune system is clearing them and that they are about to disappear.
In an adult with genital lesions, is it an STI? Yes, in that context it is sexually transmitted, and screening for other infections is worth considering.
Online consultation
In an online consultation the doctor confirms the diagnosis from photographs, helps you decide whether to treat or wait in your case, explains how to stop it spreading, recognises superinfection and advises on school, swimming and everyday life.
This material is for information only and does not replace a medical consultation.
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Medically reviewed by
Reviewed on Jul 4, 2026
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