Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a fairly common viral infection found in the skin. The disease is caused by a poxvirus called the Molluscum Contagiosum Virus (MCV).
Signs and symptoms include raised bumps on the skin that are usually pink or flesh-colored. They range in size from the tip of a pin to 1⁄4 inch in diameter. Some lesions will have an indicative dimple in the center of the pustule. This visually identifies the lesion as molluscum contagiosum.
In individuals with a healthy immune system, the disease is self-limiting. Most people spontaneously resolve from the disease within 12 to 24 months. Sufferers who are immunocompromised may have symptomatic lesions for several years.
WHAT DO MOLLUSCUM LESIONS LOOK LIKE?
Lesions are generally smooth, circular, have a dimple and are painless to the touch. They have a waxy core. Secondary bacterial infections may occur in some lesions causing them to redden, itch, break or become sore.
When skin becomes infected, the virus may lie in a dormant state. The skin may not display the new lesions for a few weeks. New lesions will often rise as old lesions are being treated. This may cause some people to incorrectly believe the treatment they are using is causing new lesions/spreading.