Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of molluscum contagiosum include bumps on the skin that:

• Are raised, round and flesh colored
• Are small — typically under about 1/4 inch (smaller than 6 millimeters) in diameter
• Characteristically have a small indentation (umbilication) or dot at the top near the center
• Can become red and inflamed
• May be itchy
• Can be easily removed by scratching or rubbing, which can spread the virus to adjacent skin
• Usually appear on the face, neck, armpits, arms and tops of the hands in children
• May be seen on the genitals, lower abdomen and inner upper thighs in adults if the infection was sexually transmitted

When to see a doctor

If you suspect you or your child has molluscum contagiosum, consult your primary care doctor.