- Parents Home
- Para Padres
- Allergy Center
- Asthma Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- Diseases & Conditions
- Doctors & Hospitals
- Emotions & Behavior
- First Aid & Safety
- Flu Center
- Food Allergy Center
- General Health
- Growth & Development
- Heart Health
- Homework Help Center
- Infections
- Newborn Center
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Play & Learn Center
- Pregnancy Center
- Q&A
- Recipes
- School & Family Life
- Sports Medicine Center
- Videos
- Kids Home
- Para Niños
- Asthma Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- Feelings
- Getting Help
- Health Problems
- Health Problems of Grown-Ups
- Heart Center
- Homework Center
- How the Body Works
- Illnesses & Injuries
- Kids' Medical Dictionary
- Movies & More
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Puberty & Growing Up
- Q&A
- Recipes & Cooking
- Relax & Unwind Center
- Stay Safe Center
- Staying Healthy
- Staying Safe
- Videos
- Teens Home
- Para Adolescentes
- Asthma Center
- Be Your Best Self Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- Diseases & Conditions
- Drugs & Alcohol
- Expert Answers (Q&A)
- Flu Center
- Homework Help Center
- Infections
- Managing Your Medical Care
- Managing Your Weight
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Recipes
- Safety & First Aid
- School & Work
- Sports Center
- Stress & Coping Center
- Videos
- Your Body
- Your Mind
A to Z: Molluscum Contagiosum
Molluscum contagiosum (mol-US-kum kon-tay-jee-OH-sum) is a common viral skin infection that causes a mild rash.
More to Know
The molluscum contagiosum rash doesn't usually cause lasting problems, but is contagious. It can spread to other parts of the body or to other people through skin-to-skin contact (including sexual contact) or contact with an infected person's bath towels or clothes.
The rash looks like one or more small growths or wart-like bumps (called mollusca) that are pink, white, or skin-colored. The bumps are typically soft and smooth and may have an indented center. Although usually painless, the bumps may become itchy, sore, red, and/or swollen. If scratched or picked, they can become infected with bacteria.
Keep in Mind
A doctor often can recognize molluscum contagiosum just by looking at the rash. In many cases, doctors recommend letting the rash go away on its own without treatment. This usually takes 6-12 months, but sometimes can be longer.
All A to Z dictionary entries are regularly reviewed by KidsHealth medical experts.
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
© 1995- The Nemours Foundation. KidsHealth® is a registered trademark of The Nemours Foundation. All rights reserved.
Images sourced by The Nemours Foundation and Getty Images.