Molluscum contagiosum is a benign, poxvirus infection that typically has a central depression. This image displays lesions from a skin infection with a poxvirus, molluscum contagiosum. As displayed in this image, molluscum appear smooth and can be either skin-colored or, if inflamed, pink. This image displays molluscum lesions with a depression in the center. Some of the numerous molluscum lesions on this child’s trunk and arm are the skin-colored bumps with a slight depression that are typical of molluscum, while others are red and scabbed. Molluscum lesions may be numerous and pearl-like in appearance; some spots on the child's chin show the characteristic indentation in the center.
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Molluscum Contagiosum (Pediatric):
A parent's guide to condition and treatment information

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Picture of Molluscum Contagiosum (Pediatric): Molluscum contagiosum is a benign, poxvirus infection that typically has a central depression. Divider line
Molluscum contagiosum is a benign, poxvirus infection that typically has a central depression.
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Overview
Molluscum contagiosum is a common painless and usually harmless viral infection of the skin. Although molluscum contagiosum is painless and usually goes away after several months, some infections can last a few years. It can spread to surrounding skin by scratching or rubbing and can spread to others by skin-to-skin contact or handling contaminated objects such as towels, toys, and clothing. Poor hygiene and warm, moist climates encourage the spread of molluscum contagiosum. Use of public or school swimming pools is a common source of childhood infections. 
Last Modified: 29 Jan 2008

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