skin disorders
Molluscum Contagiosum
Symptoms of Molluscum Contagiosum
Molluscum contagiosum can infect any part of the skin except the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. The bumps are usually less than 1/4 inch (about 0.2 to 0.5 centimeters) in diameter, shaped like a dome, and have a tiny dimple in the center. In children, the bumps occur most commonly on the face, trunk, arms, and legs. In adults, the bumps occur most commonly on the penis, vulva, or in the pubic area. The bumps usually are not itchy or painful and may be discovered only coincidentally during a physical examination. However, the bumps can become very inflamed (resembling a boil) and itchy as the body fights off the virus. This inflammation may indicate that the bumps will soon disappear. This image shows scattered bumps of molluscum on the trunk of a toddler. Image courtesy of James G.H. Dinulos, MD. The photo shows bumps of molluscum contagiosum. © Springer Science+Business Media In this child with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, the bumps of molluscum contagiosum cover a wide area and involve the face. © Springer Science+Business Media 