Symptoms

• Molluscum contagiosum is a superficial skin infection.

• A virus invades the skin causing the appearance of firm, flesh-colored, doughnut-shaped bumps

Cause

• Molluscum contagiosum is caused by a virus belonging to the poxvirus family.

• Close contact is usually necessary for transmission

• Shaving or scratching may cause the infection to spread

• The diagnosis is based on the typical appearance of the bumps. No diagnostic test for this virus is available.

Treatment

• The goal of treatment is to remove (cut out) the center, after which the lesion goes away.

• There is always slight risk of scarring.