It is most common in children but it can affect any age group.
Cause
Molluscum Contagiosum is caused by a virus of the poxvirus family. The bumps usually last for a few months but sometimes up to two years, before spontaneously disappearing.
How do you get molloscum contagiosum?
This skin condition is passed on by skin to skin or close contact, shared towels, clothes, shaving equipment, from swimming pools and by scratching the affected area etc.
This skin condition can be sexually transmitted and will appear in the genital and anal area.
Diagnosis
You need to check out this skin condition with your family doctor or dermatologist.
Treatment
There is no cure but the growths can be removed by cryotherapy (freezing), or by scraping them off under a local anaesthetic.
If any of the growths become infected use an antiseptic to treat the local area and be careful not to pass the virus on.
Remember Molluscum contagiosum will go by themselves and are not dangerous though they are a bit unsightly.
Sexually Transmitted Molloscum
Avoid infecting others by practicing safe sex. Use a condom or abstain until they have been treated or cleared up by themselves. See your doctor or a health worker for advice on this viral skin disease that is an STD (sexually transmitted disease) too.