Molluscum Contagiosum: Is It an STI? Symptoms, Causes & Prevention.

By: Jay Dee, MPH

Molluscum Contagiosum: Is It an STI?

Molluscum Contagiosum is a contagious viral skin infection caused by a poxvirus. It spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact, but you can also pick it up from contaminated objects such as towels, clothing, toys, and shared equipment.

Molluscum is especially common in children ages 1 to 10, but adults can get it too.

What Does Molluscum Contagiosum Look Like?

Molluscum causes small, firm, raised bumps that may be skin-colored, pink, white, or red. They are usually painless but can become itchy or irritated.

One telltale feature is a small dip or indentation in the center of the bump.

The bumps can appear almost anywhere on the body but are uncommon on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.

And please don't go full Dr. Pimple Popper on them. Touching, scratching, squeezing, or shaving over the bumps can spread the virus to other areas of your body and increase the risk of infection or scarring.

Is Molluscum Contagiosum an STI?

It can be sexually transmitted, but molluscum contagiosum is not exclusively an STI.

In adults, molluscum can spread through sexual activity because sex involves close skin-to-skin contact. When adults develop molluscum around the genitals, lower abdomen, or inner thighs, sexual contact may be the source.

But sex isn't the only way adults can get it. Someone can also contract molluscum through nonsexual skin-to-skin contact or by touching contaminated objects and surfaces.

So, having molluscum does not automatically mean someone contracted an STI.

Is There a Cure for Molluscum?

There isn't a medication that simply cures the virus overnight. Fortunately, molluscum is usually a self-limited infection, meaning your immune system can clear it on its own.

For many healthy people, the bumps disappear without treatment. This can take 6 months to 2 years, and in some cases even longer.

Treatment is available when needed. A healthcare provider may recommend treatment if the bumps are bothersome, spreading, widespread, or located around the genitals. Treatment options can include prescription medications or procedures such as freezing or removing the lesions.

Who Is More Likely to Get Molluscum?

Anyone can get molluscum, but it is particularly common among young children.

People with weakened immune systems, including some people living with HIV or undergoing cancer treatment, may develop more numerous or persistent lesions. People with eczema or other forms of dermatitis may also be more susceptible.

How Can You Prevent Molluscum Contagiosum?

A few simple habits can help reduce the spread:

• Wash your hands regularly.

• Don't touch, scratch, or squeeze the bumps.

• Don't share towels, clothing, razors, hairbrushes, or other personal items.

• Clean shared gym or sports equipment before use when possible.

• Cover lesions with clothing or a bandage when appropriate.

• Avoid sexual contact when lesions are on or around the genitals until you've been evaluated and treated if treatment is recommended.

  
  

And yes, all bumps are not the same. If you notice unexplained bumps—especially around your genitals—don't assume you know what they are. A healthcare provider can determine whether they're molluscum or something else.

All In All

Molluscum contagiosum is common, contagious, and usually harmless, but it can spread easily through skin-to-skin contact.

It can be sexually transmitted in adults, but molluscum is not automatically an STI. It can also spread through everyday contact and contaminated personal items.

If you have bumps around your genitals or aren't sure what you're looking at, get checked rather than trying to diagnose or remove them yourself. The CDC specifically recommends medical evaluation for genital lesions because they may be caused by molluscum or another condition.

This article is for educational purposes and is not medical advice.

Until Next Time,

The Vagina Liberator

FAQs: Molluscum Contagiosum

Q: Is molluscum contagiosum an STI?It can be sexually transmitted, but it is not exclusively an STI.

A: It can also spread through nonsexual skin-to-skin contact and contaminated objects.

Q: How long does molluscum contagiosum last?

A: It commonly clears within 6 months to 2 years without treatment, although some cases can last longer.

Q: Can adults get molluscum contagiosum?

A: Yes. Adults can contract it through sexual or nonsexual skin-to-skin contact and contaminated objects.

Q: Can molluscum contagiosum go away on its own?

A: Yes. Healthy people usually recover without treatment, although treatment may be recommended for genital lesions or troublesome or widespread bumps.

Q: Can I pop molluscum bumps?

A: No. Squeezing or removing them yourself can spread the virus and increase the risk of infection and scarring.