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Molluscum contagiosum

2 sourcesEvery line checked against its source

In short

Molluscum contagiosum is a viral infection that causes spots on the skin.

What it is1

  • Molluscum contagiosum is an infection that causes small, raised sores on your body.

    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Worth knowing4

  • The spots are about 2 to 5mm wide and usually appear together.

    NHS website

  • Molluscum contagiosum is contagious.

    NHS website

  • The spots usually clear up within 18 months without treatment.

    NHS website

  • It's rare to need treatment for molluscum contagiosum because it usually clears up on its own.

    NHS website

What helps1

  • Things that can help: try things to help with dryness and itchy skin, such as holding a damp towel against the skin, having cool baths or using an fragrance-free moisturizer regularly; keep the affected area covered, including using waterproof bandages if you go swimming; use a condom while having sex if you are infected.

    NHS website

What to avoid2

  • Do not try to remove the sores or the fluid inside them yourself. This can spread the infection to other areas of your body.

    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

  • Things to avoid: do not squeeze or scratch the spots, as it could cause an infection or scarring; do not share baths or things such as towels, bedding or clothes.

    NHS website

See a provider if1

  • See a health care provider if you're not sure your spots are caused by molluscum contagiosum; the spots are very itchy, painful, swollen or covered with crusts; you have spots near your eyes or genitals; you have a weakened immune system and think you may have molluscum contagiosum.

    NHS website

Sources

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

These pages describe what the sources say. They cannot say what is going on with your skin.

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