Molluscum Contagiosum: The Bumps That Won’t Quit

magine a cluster of tiny, pearly bumps appearing out of nowhere—painless, but persistent. That’s the signature of molluscum contagiosum, a common viral skin infection that’s especially notorious in children but can affect adults too.

At SkinWise Clinic, we don’t just treat what’s visible. We care for the skin and the person underneath—because every bump has a backstory.

What Is Molluscum Contagiosum?

Molluscum contagiosum is caused by a poxvirus that infects the top layer of skin, leading to small, dome-shaped bumps with a central dimple. While it’s harmless and self-limiting, it can be cosmetically distressing and spread through contact.

Most people recover without scarring—but it can take months to years to clear if untreated.

What Does It Look Like?

• Small, shiny, skin-coloured or pink bumps (2–5 mm)

• Often with a central indentation

• Can appear singly or in clusters

• Found commonly on the face, torso, limbs, armpits, or groin

• In adults, may affect the genital area through sexual transmission

Who Gets It?

• Children: Most common group; spreads through skin contact or shared items.

• Adults: Often sexually transmitted or from shaving infected areas.

• Immunocompromised individuals: May develop extensive, stubborn lesions.

How Does It Spread?

• Skin-to-skin contact (direct touch or sports)

• Contaminated towels, razors, gym equipment, or clothing

• Scratching or shaving over lesions, leading to autoinoculation

Is It Dangerous?

No—molluscum is benign. But it can spread rapidly and persist if untreated. Scratching can lead to secondary bacterial infections or scarring.

Treatment Options at SkinWise Clinic

Not all cases need treatment—but if the lesions are widespread, persistent, or cosmetically bothersome, we offer safe, effective solutions:

✳️ Cryotherapy

Freezing off the bumps with liquid nitrogen.

✳️ Curettage

Gently scraping out the core under local anaesthesia—quick and definitive.

✳️ Topical Treatments

Prescribed antiviral or immunomodulatory creams (e.g., imiquimod, tretinoin).

✳️ Radiofrequency Ablation or Electrocautery

For rapid removal with minimal downtime.

We also counsel you on hygiene, prevention, and skin barrier care to stop the cycle of reinfection.

When to See a Dermatologist:

• If the bumps are spreading

• If you’re unsure whether it’s molluscum

• If itching, redness, or infection develops

• If your child has eczema—it can worsen the spread

• If you have a weakened immune system