sexual health info

Molluscum contagiosum

The following are some facts you should know about molluscum contagiosum:

• Molluscum contagiosum is a skin infection caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV).
• It usually causes small, round, pearl-like lumps with a small dimple in the middle, but this can vary.
• The lumps are painless, but can be itchy.
• The infection is common in children.
• Molluscum contagiosum is passed on from one person to another by skin-to-skin contact.
• If you have lumps on or near your genitals, you can pass it on when you have sexual contact.
• If you scratch the lumps, you might spread them to another part of your body.
• It's mild and can be treated, but usually goes away without treatment.

For more information, read Melbourne Sexual Health Centre's fact sheet on molluscum contagiosum.