Molluscum contagiosum is a common viral skin infection. It most often affects infants and young children but adults may also be infected.
It presents as clusters of small round bumps (papules) especially in warm moist places such as the armpit, groin, or behind the knees. They range in size from 1 to 6 mm and may be white, pink, or brown. They often have a waxy, pinkish look with a small central pit (umbilicated). As they resolve, they may become inflamed, crusted, or scabby. There may be few or hundreds of spots on one individual.
Molluscum contagiosum is a harmless virus but it may persist for months or occasionally for a couple of years. It may rarely leave tiny pit-like scars.
It induces dermatitis in the affected areas, which are dry, pink, and itchy. An itchy rash may sometimes appear on distant sites and represents an immunological reaction or ‘id’ to the virus.