A to Z: Molluscum Contagiosumenparentshttps://kidshealth.org/EN/images/headers/P-khAZDictionary-enHD-AR1.jpgMolluscum contagiosum is a common wart-like viral skin infection that goes away on its own over time.Molluscum Contagiosum, molluscum, contagiosum, viral skin infections, skin infections, warts, looks like warts, skin problems12/05/201209/26/201909/26/2019186c8947-ab24-42fc-8c26-84d25f350548https://kidshealth.org/ws/RadyChildrens/en/parents/az-molluscum.html/<p><a href="https://kidshealth.org/ws/RadyChildrens/en/parents/molluscum-contagiosum.html/">Molluscum contagiosum</a> (mol-US-kum kon-tay-jee-OH-sum) is a common viral <a href="https://kidshealth.org/ws/RadyChildrens/en/parents/skin-hair-nails.html/">skin</a> infection that causes a mild rash.</p>
<h3>More to Know</h3>
<p>The molluscum contagiosum rash doesn't usually cause lasting problems, but is contagious. It can spread to other parts of the body or to other people through skin-to-skin contact (including sexual contact) or contact with an infected person's bath towels or clothes.</p>
<p>The rash looks like one or more small growths or <a href="https://kidshealth.org/ws/RadyChildrens/en/parents/wart.html/">wart</a>-like bumps (called mollusca) that are pink, white, or skin-colored. The bumps are typically soft and smooth and may have an indented center. Although usually painless, the bumps may become itchy, sore, red, and/or swollen. If scratched or picked, they can become infected with bacteria.</p>
<h3>Keep in Mind</h3>
<p>A doctor often can recognize molluscum contagiosum just by looking at the rash. In many cases, doctors recommend letting the rash go away on its own without treatment. This usually takes 6-12 months, but sometimes can be longer.</p>
<p><em>All A to Z dictionary entries are regularly reviewed by KidsHealth medical experts.</em></p>Molluscum ContagiosumMolluscum contagiosum is a common viral skin infection. For most children, the rash isn't a big deal and goes away on its own over time.https://kidshealth.org/ws/RadyChildrens/en/parents/molluscum-contagiosum.html/70f00e02-9c41-4dec-a9e5-cc4bfd10752eWartsMany of us have had a wart somewhere on our bodies at some time. But other than being a nuisance, most warts are harmless.https://kidshealth.org/ws/RadyChildrens/en/parents/wart.html/997764c2-a933-4b68-bce5-42b37b7f0a42kh:age-allAgesOrAgeAgnostickh:clinicalDesignation-dermatologykh:clinicalDesignation-infectiousDiseasekh:genre-dictionarykh:primaryClinicalDesignation-dermatologyMhttps://kidshealth.org/ws/RadyChildrens/en/parents/dictionary/m/2aba21ee-5cd5-4788-a60d-af36b997b6c6