A skin infection caused by the Molluscum Contagiosum Virus. Infections used to be found primarily in children. Now it affects adults, with infection typically occurring through sexual transmission.

The virus is spread primarily through skin-to-skin contact during sexual behaviors. Acquiring the virus through shared clothing and towels has also been recorded, though with less frequency. Spread of the infection has also occasionally been traced to swimming pools and public baths.

Since sexual activity is the predominant way the virus is spread, guarding against skin-to-skin contact with an infected person is the main way to avoid the disease. Know the symptoms of Molluscum Contagiosum, and do not participate in sexual acts with a person if you see signs of infection. Latex condoms can prevent some skin contact, but does not cover the entire genital area, and thus are a relatively ineffective method of preventing infection. Condoms do help protect against many other sexually transmitted infections, though, so they should always be used. Your best bet is mutual monogamy: sex with one uninfected partner.

Symptoms can appear anywhere from one week to six months after infection, but most people see signs of Molluscum Contagiosum infection after two or three months. Lesions will begin as small bumps which develop over several weeks into larger sores. They are typically firm and donut-shaped, and can appear almost anywhere on the body including the buttocks, thighs and external genitalia. The color of the lesions can be flesh-toned, gray, white, yellow, or pink. Itching or tenderness may accompany the bumps.

It is possible to spread the sores to other parts of the body after touching, scratching or shaving the infected areas. If scratched, the bumps can also become infected with other bacteria, causing further complications.

Treatment for the infection, typically involves removal of the lesions. This reduces likelihood of transmission to others and prevents the infection from spreading to other parts of an infected person’s body. Lesions can be removed surgically, with a chemical agent or with cryotherapy. After treatment, it is possible for the bumps to recur, at which point another doctor’s appointment should be made.