Molluscum contagiosum is caused by a virus called the poxvirus. It is most common in children and adolescents, although it can affect adults. The virus usually is spread through skin-to-skin contact with an infected person.

Understanding the Context

Business Insider: Those bumps that look like pimples? They might be molluscum contagiosum, a contagious skin infection Molluscum contagiosum, a common skin infection, causes small, painless bumps that can last months. It’s mostly harmless but can be easily transmitted through shared items, touch, or sexual activity. Those bumps that look like pimples?

Key Insights

They might be molluscum contagiosum, a contagious skin infection Molluscum contagiosum is an infection caused by a poxvirus that causes lesions (growths) that can appear on the body, either alone or in groups. Molluscum contagiosum is very common in the United States. Molluscum contagiosum (mo-LUS-kum kun-tay-jee-OH-sum) is a fairly common skin infection caused by a virus. It causes round, firm, painless bumps ranging in size from a pinhead to a pencil eraser. If the bumps are scratched or injured, the infection can spread to nearby skin.

Final Thoughts

What is molluscum contagiosum? Molluscum contagiosum is a common viral skin infection of childhood that causes localised clusters of umbilicated epidermal papules. Who gets molluscum contagiosum? Molluscum contagiosum mainly affects infants and young children under the age of 10 years. If you have molluscum, your dermatologist may recommend letting this condition clear on its own rather than treating it. When you have a healthy immune system, the body will get rid of the virus that causes molluscum.