Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a viral infection that affects the skin. It most commonly affects children, although it can occur at any age.
MC is generally a harmless condition that normally gets better in a few months without any specific treatment.
However, it’s common for the condition to spread around the body, so it can take up to 18 months or more for the condition to clear completely.
MC is caused by a virus known as the molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV).
This virus can be spread through:
- Close direct contact – such as touching the skin of an infected person
- Touching contaminated objects – such as towels, flannels, toys and clothes
- Sexual contact – this includes intimate physical contact as well as sexual intercourse