Molluscum contagiosum

Overview

Molluscum contagiosum (water warts) is a harmless but very contagious viral infection of the skin. Whitish lesions with a small dimple in the centre often appear around the eyes. They usually disappear on their own, but can also be removed by a doctor.

Symptoms

Main symptoms

• Pinhead to pea-sized flesh-coloured or white warts
• Smooth and shiny surface with a small dimple in the centre
• Often around the eyes

Other symptoms

• A whitish waxy material emerges if the wart is pressed
• Can occasionally be itchy

Causes and treatment

Causes

• Infection with a pox virus (molluscum contagiosum virus)
• Spread by direct bodily contact (smear infection)

Further treatment by your doctor / in hospital

Molluscum contagiosum usually clears up on its own after a few months or years. However, the spots can be unsightly.

Possible tests

• The typical appearance of the spots suffices for a diagnosis

Possible therapies

• Curettage (the warts are scraped off with a sharp spoon-shaped tool)
• Cryotherapy (freezing of the warts)
• Laser therapy
• Special vitamin A lotions

What can I do myself?

• Wash your hands thoroughly after contact with warts
• Don’t play with, scratch or pull off the warts
• Use a separate hand or bath towel
• Children with water warts should not share a bath with other children / their siblings

When to see a doctor?

• If the water warts don’t disappear on their own (months to years)
• For cosmetic reasons (e.g. many warts in the face)
• If water warts reoccur

Synonyms

mollusca contagiosa, water warts