Topic: Molluscum Contagiosum
Description
Molluscum contagiosum is a skin disease caused by a virus called poxvirus. This virus causes skin lesions which look like small, round, shiny, wart-like lumps with a depression in the centre.
In adults, it is common to find them around the genitals, pubic area and thighs.
Symptoms
The skin lesions look like small, raised, round lumps with a depression in the centre. They are usually less than 5mm across the widest part. They can be white, pearly or yellow in colour. They are usually not painful or irritating.
Transmission
Molluscum contagiosum is spread by direct skin contact with the skin lesions on a person who has the infection. Lesions around the genitals can be spread through sexual contact. Scratching and shaving can cause spread of lesions to other parts of the body.
Treatment
Molluscum contagiosum is identified by looking at the skin lesions. The inner core of the lesion can be removed and sent for identification if there is any doubt.
In most people, the lesions will go away if they are left alone. Treatments such as, freezing are available, but it is not easy to get rid of all the skin lesions. All the treatment choices involve treating each skin lesion one by one. These choices can be talked over with your doctor.
Health Outcome
Most lesions will go away if they are left alone, however it may take up to two years for all the lesions to disappear. In people with a weakened immune system, the lesions may persist for a long time and become quite large.
Prevention
You should not have sex with someone who has a visible lump or sore on or near the genitals. Genital lumps or sores could be due to molluscum or some other sexually transmissible infection (STI) such as herpes, genital warts, syphilis or scabies. If your sexual partner or intended sexual partner has a genital lump or ulcer, advise that person to have a sexual health check.
Practise safer sex. Always using condoms when you have vaginal or anal sex is the best way to avoid getting an STI. Using water-based lubricant with condoms is recommended. This reduces the risk of the condom breaking. Oil-based lubricants should not be used. They weaken the condom and may cause it to break. If you are giving a man oral sex (his penis in your mouth), then he will need to wear a condom. It does not matter whether you are male or female, if you put your mouth in contact with your partner’s anus or vulva while having sex, you will need to use a dental dam.
Help and Assistance
For more information on molluscum contagiosum, you can talk to:
- your local doctor
- your local sexual health clinic
- your local family planning clinic
- your local public health unit.
Other Resources
Queensland Health Sexual Health website
Related Content
Safe Sex fact sheet
Sexually Transmissible Infections fact sheet
Last Updated: 13th October, 2009
Date Valid to: 30th June, 2010
