Molluscum contagiosum
- Molluscum contagiosum is a fairly common, mild, harmless skin infection caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus.
- Molluscum contagiosum is not a sexually transmissible infection (STI) and can occur without having sex.
- It appears on the skin surface as a small, raised, round, pearly lump.
- If left untreated the virus will eventually go away.
- It is generally harmless and will disappear on its own in healthy people, although this may take up to 2 years. In some people, such individuals living with HIV, it can spread all over body and last for a long time.
- If you have molluscum contagiosum, it is a good idea for you and your sexual partner/s to be tested for other STIs.
How do you get it?
The virus is spread by skin-to-skin contact. In adults it is mainly – but not exclusively – spread by sexual contact. It can be spread around your body by shaving and scratching.
How can you prevent it?
- Have regular STI tests.
- Always use condoms and/ or dams and water-based lubricant when having sex.
- Talk to your sexual partners about sexual health.
What are the signs and symptoms?
Molluscum contagiosum shows up as small, round, pearly lumps. They are often mistaken for warts.
The lumps usually show up 2 to 3 months after someone gets the virus. However, they can develop as early as 1 week after infection or take as long as 6 months to develop after infection.
How do you get tested?
See your doctor or other healthcare professional if you think you may have molluscum contagiosum.
Your doctor or other healthcare professional can look at the lumps to make a diagnosis. If they are unsure they may take a biopsy of the lump and its inner core and send this to a laboratory for testing.
If you have had unprotected sex (sex without a condom or dam), or are in any doubt, it's important to get an STI check-up as the lumps could be signs of other STIs.
How is molluscum contagiosum treated?
In most cases, the lumps will go away by themselves. The infection can last up to 2 years, although each lump generally disappears after 2 to 3 months.
If you are worried or uncomfortable, or have another medical condition, your doctor of other healthcare professional may prescribe a cream or freeze the lumps.
How do you tell your sexual partners?
If you test positive for molluscum contagiosum or an STI, it is important to let your sexual partners know so they can get tested and treated (if needed) too. This is to make their health is not impacted and the infection does not continue to spread. If your regular sexual partners do not get treated, you can get it again.
You can tell your partners yourself – if you feel safe and comfortable to do so. If you don’t want your partners to know your name, you can ask your health care worker to do it or send an anonymous message from Let Them Know (external site).
Last reviewed: 25-06-2025
Acknowledgements
Public Health
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