Molluscum contagiosum
Molluscum contagiosum or MC is a viral infection that causes small spots on the skin.
It's not an STI but it can be transmitted by sex and skin-to-skin touching. In most cases, MC is harmless and does not need treatment.
How do you get it?
MC is transmitted through direct contact with someone who has the virus. It’s more common in children, but adults can get it.
It’s most often spread through skin-to-skin contact, which includes sexual contact. You can also get it if you touch something that has the virus on it, such as towels, bedding, clothes, toys, gym or pool equipment.
Symptoms of molluscum contagiosum
Usually the only symptom of MC is spots. These are usually pink coloured, but could appear white or match your skin colour. There will usually be a group of spots. They can feel firm and raised, with a dip in the centre. Similar to the shape of a donut.
The spots can appear anywhere on your body but it’s rare to find them on the palms of your hands or soles of feet. With sexually transmitted molluscum contagiosum, these spots will usually appear around the genitals, pubic region, lower abdomen, upper thighs or buttocks.
The spots will start in one part of the body. But they can be spread to other areas of the skin if you touch, scratch or shave over the bumps.
The spots might be itchy and sore, but you should try not to scratch them. This can spread the virus or cause further infection.
Molluscum contagiosum spots usually go away in 6-12 months and don’t leave scars.
Can I get tested?
There is no test for MC. Healthcare professionals can recognise and diagnose it by checking your symptoms and taking a look at the spots. But because MC is not serious and often goes away without treatment, it’s not always necessary to get medical help.
You should contact your GP about MC if you get spots around your eyes or if the spots become very itchy, painful or swollen.
How to avoid molluscum contagiosum
Molluscum contagiosum is contagious when the spots are visible on the skin. You can stop it from spreading by washing your hands regularly and doing your best not to touch, pick or scratch the spots.
Using condoms reduces the risk of contracting molluscum contagiosum as well as STIS. You can get free condoms at sexual health clinics.
If you or a partner have molluscum contagiosum:
cover the spots with clothing, plasters or medical tape when you’re together
avoid sharing towels, bed linen or clothing
do not share sex toys together
wash your hands regularly, especially after intimate or sexual touching
If you’ve had molluscum contagiosum once, you can still get the infection again.
Treatment for molluscum contagiosum
Treatment usually isn’t needed as the virus clears up by itself.
If you have molluscum contagiosum spots around your genitals then you can get treatment from your GP or local sexual health clinic.
Do not try to remove the spots yourself. This can spread the infection or introduce infection if you damage the skin. Some treatments available online may not work, and might be harmful to you.
If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, some treatments may be harmful so always talk to a medical professional before starting any treatment.
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