Molluscum Contagiosum
How do I know I’ve got it?
You may notice small lumps on your genital area (or elsewhere on your body). If you look closely the lumps have a small white dimple. Do not pick or scratch the lumps as they may spread.
Other things can cause skin lumps so it is important that you see someone to confirm the diagnosis.
How do you get it?
Through skin to skin contact with another person who has the virus. You can spread the virus from one part of your body to another by scratching or picking at the molluscum.
Where can I get diagnosed and treated?
- Your GP
- GUM clinic
- Dermatology clinic
What is the treatment?
- Molluscum may go away by themselves without any treatment (over a few months)
- There are different treatments available for molluscum such as freezing
- Your doctor will advise what is best for you
Treating sexual partners
It is recommended that you tell your partner you have molluscum so that they can get any lumps they have looked at and treated if necessary.
What if I don’t get treated?
Molluscum will often go away by itself over several months.
How do I avoid getting Molluscum again?
The best way to avoid transmission of sexually transmitted diseases is to abstain from sexual contact, or to be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and is known to be uninfected.Practicing safer sex will reduce your risk of getting a sexually transmitted infection. This means using a condom for oral, vaginal and anal sex.
For more information and support in relation to sexual health issues, please contact or make an appointment with one of our local services