4 Telltale Signs of Molluscum
Unusual bumps on the face, arms, or legs are just one of the telltale signs of molluscum contagiosum, a generally harmless, viral skin infection that affects kids and adults.
At Balcones Dermatology & Aesthetics, we offer personalized treatment plans to manage molluscum symptoms.
Board-certified dermatologist David A. Bushore, MD, FAAD, and our skilled medical team also offer resources you can use to lower your risk of reinfection and prevent spreading the virus to others.
An overview of molluscum
Molluscum contagiosum is a contagious viral skin infection that spreads through personal contact with others. You can develop the infection or spread it to others through physical touch, sexual contact, or by touching contaminated objects.
The condition is most common in children between the ages of 1 and 10 and in people with a weakened immune system due to underlying medical issues.
Adults and children prone to atopic dermatitis (eczema) are also at a higher risk of infection. During a flare-up of atopic dermatitis rash, breaks in the skin can allow the virus to enter.
4 signs of a molluscum contagiosum infection
Molluscum contagiosum causes symptoms that are similar to other skin conditions but are distinguishable by four key characteristics:
1. Small bumps in the skin
Small bumps develop anywhere on the body, especially on the torso, limbs, and face. If the virus spreads through sexual contact, bumps can also show up on the lower abdomen, inner thighs, and genitals.
Scratching the bumps can make them grow larger and spread to other areas.
2. Dome-shaped growths
Molluscum contagiosum bumps are typically dome-shaped and have a noticeable dent or dot in the center.
Bumps can be singular or grow in clusters, especially in those with weak immune systems.
3. Color-changing bumps
Initially, molluscum contagiosum bumps are skin-colored. As your immune system works to fight off the virus, bumps can change color – first turning pink then appearing red like a pimple.
Red bumps are a sign that the virus is clearing, which indicates the bumps should start going away.
4. Itchy bumps
Molluscum contagiosum is typically painless but the bumps can become itchy. Touching the bumps can spread the virus to other parts of your body and to other people.
Scratching the bumps open increases your risk for a bacterial infection that can cause more intense itching and also make your skin painful.
Care strategies for molluscum contagiosum
Molluscum contagiosum bumps go away on their own within six months. However, some people may still have noticeable bumps for years after a viral infection.
As long as you have bumps on the skin, the virus is still contagious. The bumps must heal fully before your risk of reinfection and spreading the virus to others goes away.
Balcones Dermatology & Aesthetics offers high-quality medical care for adults and kids with large or bothersome bumps. You may also need treatment for molluscum if you have eczema or other chronic skin conditions.
Board-certified dermatologist David A. Bushore, MD, FAAD, uses the latest therapies to treat or remove bumps without damaging skin tissue.
Your care plan may include:
- Topical medications
- Skin scrape
- Cryotherapy
- We also offer recommendations to prevent additional viral infections, such as frequent hand washing and not sharing personal items with others. You should also avoid sexual activity until bumps have been treated and cleared.
Call Balcones Dermatology & Aesthetics in Austin, Texas, today to schedule an evaluation for molluscum symptoms, or use the online feature to book an appointment.