Molluscum contagiosum is a harmless but contagious skin infection caused by a poxvirus called the molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV). It makes small, smooth, dome-shaped bumps on the skin. These bumps are usually skin-colored or pearly white and have a tiny central dent or pit (this dent is called “umbilication”). The bumps are most common in children, sexually active adults (especially in the genital area), and people with a weakened immune system.
Molluscum contagiosum is a common, contagious viral skin infection that causes small, smooth, dome-shaped bumps (papules) with a tiny central dip (“umbilication”). The bumps are usually 2–5 mm, skin-colored to pink, and may appear in clusters anywhere except the palms and soles. The infection is usually mild and self-limited: most people clear in 6–12 months, though a minority take longer (up to a few years). It spreads by skin-to-skin contact, touching contaminated objects (like towels), and self-spread by scratching. CDC+1
The culprit is the molluscum contagiosum virus, a poxvirus that lives in the top layer of skin. It forms little “pearls” of virus-filled material. If that material touches nearby skin (scratching, shaving) or another person’s skin, new bumps can start. People with eczema (atopic dermatitis) or weakened immunity can get more widespread or stubborn bumps. DermNet®MSD Manuals
The virus stays in the top layers of the skin and does not travel through the blood or infect internal organs. Most people get better without any treatment in 6–18 months. The bumps can itch, can spread by touch, and can get red or inflamed when the body’s immune system finally recognizes and clears them. This short, red, irritated phase is often a good sign of healing.
Cause: a skin-only poxvirus (MCV).
How it spreads: skin contact and shared items (like towels, razors), and shaving/scratching that moves the virus to nearby skin.
What it looks like: tiny, smooth pearly bumps with a small dimple in the center.
How long it lasts: often months, but then it goes away on its own.
When to be careful: if bumps are on the eyelid or genitals, or if you have many, large, or stubborn bumps—especially with a weakened immune system.
Types of molluscum contagiosum
You will hear “types” used in different ways. To keep it clear, here are the common ways doctors classify it:
A) By virus subtype (laboratory classification)
There are four known viral subtypes: MCV-1, MCV-2, MCV-3, and MCV-4.
MCV-1 is the most common worldwide, especially in children.
MCV-2 is more common in adults, especially in sexually transmitted cases.
MCV-3 and MCV-4 are uncommon and mainly reported in special studies.
(You do not need a lab test to know the subtype for routine care; treatment decisions do not usually depend on this.)
B) By who gets it (host-based clinical pattern)
Classic childhood type: scattered bumps on the trunk, arms, or legs. Kids often have eczema, which makes bumps spread more.
Sexually transmitted adult type: bumps on the lower abdomen, pubic area, inner thighs, or genitals due to intimate skin contact.
Immunocompromised type: numerous, larger, or stubborn lesions that last longer and may appear in unusual places (e.g., face) because the immune system is weak.
Household/close-contact clusters: several family members or teammates get it because of shared items and close contact.
C) By how it looks (morphology and location)
Classic pearly papules: tiny, smooth, dome-shaped bumps with a central pit.
Giant molluscum: larger than 1 cm; seen more in people with weak immunity.
Inflamed resolving lesions (the “BOTE sign”): red, crusted, tender bumps when the immune system is clearing them—often a good sign.
Molluscum dermatitis: an eczema-like rash around the bumps (itchy, red, scaly).
Eyelid/ocular involvement: bumps on the eyelid margin may irritate the eye and cause conjunctivitis.
Genital/perigenital lesions: common in sexually active adults; managed like other sexually transmissible skin conditions.
Causes
Molluscum contagiosum has one true cause—the MCV virus. The items below are ways people catch it or make it spread, also called risk factors or transmission routes:
Direct skin-to-skin contact: touching someone’s bumps moves the virus to your skin.
Sexual/intimate contact: common in adults; close skin contact spreads it.
Sharing towels or clothing: the virus can sit on fabrics briefly and pass to new skin.
Sharing razors: razors nick the skin and carry virus from one area to another.
Shared sports equipment/mats: especially wrestling, where skin rubs on mats.
Swimming pools/hot tubs/locker rooms: close contact and shared surfaces raise spread.
Scratching/picking bumps (autoinoculation): your own nails carry the virus to nearby skin.
Shaving/waxing over lesions: spreads virus along the hair-bearing area.
Small skin injuries or cuts: any break in the skin makes entry easier.
Atopic dermatitis (eczema): the skin barrier is weak, so bumps spread more.
Weakened immune system (e.g., HIV, chemo, transplant meds): harder to clear virus.
Topical steroids on the area: can thin skin immunity and help the virus persist.
Crowded living or daycare: close contact means more chance to pass it on.
Warm, humid climate and sweating: moisture and friction help virus move on skin.
Poor hand hygiene: virus stays on hands and then touches new skin sites.
New tattoos/piercings/skin procedures: micro-injuries make entry points.
Contact sports (wrestling, rugby): constant friction spreads it.
Children sharing toys: frequent hand-to-face contact moves virus easily.
Diabetes or frequent skin infections: overall host defenses can be lower.
Immune-modulating biologic drugs: some medicines dial down immunity, so bumps persist.
Common symptoms and signs
Small, round bumps (papules): the core feature—firm, smooth, and dome-shaped.
Pearly/skin-colored look: often shiny or translucent, sometimes with a tiny white core.
Central dimple (umbilication): a pin-point dent in the middle—very typical.
Size: usually 1–5 mm, but some can be bigger (“giant” lesions).
Usually painless: most people feel no pain.
Itching (pruritus): common, and scratching spreads bumps.
Redness/inflammation during clearing (BOTE sign): can look worse briefly but means immune attack and healing.
Eczema around bumps (molluscum dermatitis): red, scaly, itchy halo around lesions.
Linear spread from scratching (Koebner effect): bumps line up along scratch marks.
Typical locations: trunk, armpits, folds, thighs, buttocks; in adults, often genitals.
Eyelid lesions: may cause eye irritation or conjunctivitis (pink eye).
Genital/perigenital lesions in adults: suggest sexual transmission.
Secondary bacterial infection: pus, crust, tenderness, or yellow drainage.
Bleeding when picked or shaved: because the surface is delicate.
Small pitted scars or color change after healing: temporary marks can remain.
Diagnostic tests
Good news: in most people, doctors diagnose molluscum simply by looking at the bumps. The classic look (small, smooth, pearly, with a central pit) is usually enough. Tests are used when the picture is unclear, the bumps are unusual, there’s eye or genital involvement, there are many or very large lesions, or the person is immunocompromised. Below are useful tests grouped into categories. (We also explain when a whole category isn’t needed.)
A) Physical exam tests
Careful visual inspection under good light
The doctor looks closely at shape, color, and the central pit. The classic look often makes the diagnosis on the spot.Dermoscopy (hand-held skin scope)
A small scope shows tiny structures. In molluscum, the scope often shows a central opening and white lobules (little round areas) with fine blood vessels around them. This supports the diagnosis without cutting the skin.Gentle palpation/pressure
Light pressure may express a soft, white, cheesy core (the viral material). Feeling a firm, dome-shaped bump with a central plug is typical.Full-skin survey/mapping
The doctor checks all skin folds, opposite sides, and areas people forget (behind knees, underarms, buttocks), because new spots often hide there.Check for eczema or scratch lines
Finding red, scaly skin around bumps or linear tracks of new lesions explains why it is spreading and guides itch control advice.Check nearby lymph nodes if infected
If lesions look super-infected (pus, warmth), the doctor may feel local lymph nodes to assess inflammation.
B) Manual/bedside tests
Curettage smear (touch prep)
Gently scraping the central core and placing it on a slide lets a lab quickly look for typical viral bodies. This is a fast confirmatory test when the look is not classic.Comedone extractor expression
Pressing with a comedone tool expresses the central plug. Seeing this material helps confirm molluscum and can be therapeutic (it removes virus).Adhesive tape sampling
Pressing clear tape on the lesion, then sticking it to a slide, can collect cells for microscope confirmation if needed.Bacterial swab/culture (if pus)
If the lesion is oozing or crusted, a swab can check for bacteria. This helps pick the right antibiotic if a secondary infection is present.
C) Laboratory and pathological tests
Cytology of expressed material (e.g., Giemsa/Pap stain)
Under the microscope, clinicians often see large, oval “molluscum bodies” (also called Henderson–Patterson bodies). Seeing these is highly supportive.Skin biopsy with routine H&E stain
Rarely needed, but important if lesions are atypical, giant, or not improving. The biopsy shows cup-shaped epidermal growth packed with molluscum bodies—a textbook pattern.PCR test for MCV DNA
A molecular test that detects viral genetic material. It’s usually not necessary in routine care, but can confirm uncertain cases or be used in research.HIV test (in adults with extensive/stubborn disease)
If an adult has numerous, large, or very persistent lesions, testing for HIV or other causes of immune weakness may be recommended to guide care.Other STI screening (when genital lesions are present)
Tests for syphilis (serology) and chlamydia/gonorrhea (NAAT) may be done in adults, since genital molluscum often coexists with other STIs.Blood glucose or HbA1c
If someone has recurrent skin infections or slow healing, a diabetes check can help find a hidden risk factor.
D) Imaging tests
Slit-lamp eye exam (for eyelid/eye irritation)
An eye specialist uses a bright light and microscope to look for bumps on the eyelid edge and inflammation on the eye surface. This helps prevent eye complications.Digital dermoscopic or clinical photography
Clear photos over time help track number, size, and redness. This is useful when using watchful waiting or gentle treatments.In-vivo reflectance confocal microscopy (specialized)
A non-invasive skin microscope used in some centers. It can show characteristic structures and help avoid a biopsy in tricky cases.Teledermatology image review
High-quality close-up photos sent to a dermatologist can confirm classic features when in-person access is limited.
Non-pharmacological treatments
These options do not rely on prescription chemicals you apply at home. Many are behavioral, skin-care, or office-based physical treatments. I explain what it is, purpose, and how it works in simple terms.
Watchful waiting (no active treatment)
Purpose: Let the body clear the virus naturally.
How it works: Your immune system recognizes and gradually removes the infected skin cells. Most cases clear within months to a couple of years without scarring. CDC
Lesion coverage (bandage or clothing)
Purpose: Reduce spread to others and other body sites; lower risk of bacterial infection.
How it works: A simple bandage or clothing physically blocks contact and scratching. Helpful for school, daycare, and sports. CDC+1
Don’t pick, scratch, or shave over bumps
Purpose: Prevent “auto-spread,” irritation, and infection.
How it works: Less trauma means fewer new seeded lesions and less inflammation. CDC
Hand hygiene
Purpose: Limit transmission after touching lesions.
How it works: Soap and water or sanitizer removes virus from the hands. CDC
Avoid sharing personal items (towels, razors, sports pads, swim gear)
Purpose: Stop fomite spread.
How it works: The virus can ride on objects; separate personal items. CDC
Smart swimming-pool habits
Purpose: Lower spread in pools and locker rooms.
How it works: Cover bumps with watertight bandages or a bathing suit; don’t share towels or goggles. Children do not need to be excluded from swimming if lesions are covered. CDCAmerican Academy of Dermatology
Gentle emollients on surrounding skin
Purpose: Calm eczema (“molluscum dermatitis”) that often flares around bumps, reducing itch/scratch.
How it works: Moisturizing supports the skin barrier and reduces irritation that can spread lesions. DermNet®
Trigger control for eczema
Purpose: If you have atopic skin, keeping eczema quiet reduces picking and spread.
How it works: Good routine care (moisturizers, appropriate anti-inflammatories prescribed by a clinician) limits itch-scratch cycles. DermNet®
Education and reassurance
Purpose: Reduce anxiety and overtreatment.
How it works: Understanding that MC is benign and self-limited helps families choose watchful waiting or gentle options when appropriate. CDC
Office-based curettage (spoon-shaped instrument)
Purpose: Fast removal of individual bumps.
How it works: A clinician physically scoops out the core. Works immediately, but can sting and may need numbing; small risk of marks. (Listed here as a physical, non-drug method.) NCBI
Cryotherapy (freezing with liquid nitrogen)
Purpose: Destroy lesions quickly.
How it works: A brief freeze damages infected cells; often needs repeat sessions. Can sting and rarely marks skin. NCBI
Electrodessication (heat)
Purpose: Physically destroy lesions.
How it works: Controlled heat dries and destroys the bump; used selectively. NCBI
Pulsed-dye laser (PDL)
Purpose: Option when lesions are numerous or resistant, including in special cases.
How it works: Laser energy targets tiny blood vessels feeding lesions; series can clear stubborn cases with minimal scarring in reports. PubMedPMC
CO₂ laser (selected, resistant cases)
Purpose: Ablate isolated, recalcitrant lesions.
How it works: Vaporizes superficial tissue very precisely; typically reserved for special cases. NCBI
Comedone extractor / expression (in trained hands)
Purpose: Small-area debulking.
How it works: Gentle pressure expresses the central core; must be done sterile to avoid spread and scarring. NCBI
Protective clothing for contact sports
Purpose: Reduce skin-to-skin spread in wrestling, rugby, martial arts.
How it works: Cover lesions with clothing plus bandages during play. CDC
Household surface hygiene
Purpose: Lower fomite transmission.
How it works: Routine cleaning of frequently touched items (toys, mats) and laundry of towels. CDC
Avoid cosmetic procedures over lesions (waxing, dermaplaning)
Purpose: Prevent seeding lines of new bumps.
How it works: Minimizes micro-trauma and autoinoculation. CDC
School/daycare attendance with coverage
Purpose: Keep life normal while preventing spread.
How it works: Children generally shouldn’t be excluded; cover lesions and follow hygiene. CDC
Sexual health precautions for genital lesions
Purpose: Reduce partner transmission; check for other STIs in adults.
How it works: Avoid skin-to-skin sexual contact until clear; consider STI screening per genital-MC guidance. PubMediusti.org
Drug treatments
Some are FDA-approved, others are off-label with varying evidence. Always follow local guidance and your clinician’s advice.
Cantharidin 0.7% (brand: Ycanth) — Office-applied blistering agent
Class: Vesicant (blister-inducing) from blister beetle extract; in a controlled, standardized solution.
Dose/Time: Applied by a trained clinician onto each lesion; every ~3 weeks as needed; typically washed off at 24 hours (earlier if severe reaction). Not for home application.
Purpose: Rapid lesion destruction through controlled blistering.
Mechanism: Causes separation in the outer skin layer so the lesion lifts off as it heals.
Side effects: Local blistering, pain, redness, discoloration, potential scarring if too aggressive; avoid eyes/mucosa. U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationFDA Access DataHealth & Human Services
Berdazimer topical gel 10.3% (brand: Zelsuvmi) — FDA-approved at-home therapy (mix-and-apply)
Class: Nitric oxide–releasing topical.
Dose/Time: Mix components and apply a thin layer once daily to each lesion for up to 12 weeks; avoid swimming/washing for 1 hour after; keep away from eyes.
Purpose: Improve clearance while allowing at-home treatment.
Mechanism: Releases nitric oxide at the skin surface; antiviral/immune effects are thought to disrupt viral survival.
Side effects: Application-site pain/burning, redness, itch, peeling; rare allergic contact dermatitis. FDA Access DataContemporary Pediatrics
Potassium hydroxide (KOH) 5–10% solution — Off-label keratolytic
Class: Alkali keratolytic.
Dose/Time: Tiny drop to each lesion once or twice daily for several weeks (stop if too irritating).
Purpose: At-home “spot” destruction of the bump.
Mechanism: Softens/dissolves the keratin plug so the immune system can clear it.
Side effects: Stinging/burning, redness, crusting; can over-irritate normal skin.
Evidence: Randomized trials show better clearance than placebo in children, though irritation is common. PubMed+1
Tretinoin 0.025–0.05% (topical retinoid) — Off-label
Class: Retinoid (vitamin A derivative).
Dose/Time: Very small amount to lesions once nightly or every other night.
Purpose: Gentle, gradual lesion irritation to trigger resolution.
Mechanism: Speeds skin turnover and helps unplug the central “core.”
Side effects: Local irritation, dryness, redness; photosensitivity. (Common dermatology practice; evidence moderate.)
Adapalene 0.1% or 0.3% gel — Off-label retinoid
Class: Retinoid.
Dose/Time: Thin film on lesions nightly; titrate to tolerance.
Purpose/Mechanism/Side effects: Similar to tretinoin; often slightly gentler.
Salicylic acid 10–20% (spot application) — Off-label keratolytic
Class: Keratolytic/beta-hydroxy acid.
Dose/Time: Tiny dab to lesions once daily; avoid surrounding skin.
Purpose: Dissolve surface keratin to help the bump shed.
Side effects: Burning/irritation; caution on sensitive areas. (Used more for warts; still used occasionally in MC.) NCBI
Topical trichloroacetic acid (TCA) 30–60% — Clinic-applied caustic
Class: Chemical cauterant.
Dose/Time: Very small amount to the lesion by clinician; may repeat at intervals.
Purpose: Controlled chemical destruction.
Side effects: Stinging, crusts, risk of pigment change. NCBI
Topical cidofovir (compounded) — Off-label antiviral (special situations)
Class: Antiviral (DNA polymerase inhibitor).
Dose/Time: Compounded concentrations vary; used under specialist oversight, often for immunocompromised patients with refractory MC.
Purpose: Direct antiviral effect on poxvirus-infected cells.
Side effects: Local irritation; systemic cidofovir can harm kidneys—topical is preferred when used. NCBI
Oral cimetidine — Off-label immune modulator (controversial benefit)
Class: H2-receptor blocker with possible immune effects.
Dose/Time: Pediatric dosing varies by weight; used for widespread/facial MC when procedures are not acceptable.
Purpose: Theorized to boost cell-mediated immunity to clear lesions painlessly.
Side effects: Headache, diarrhea, rare drug interactions.
Evidence: Mixed; early reports suggested benefit, but later analyses show inconsistent or no clear superiority vs. no treatment. PubMedNCBI
Imiquimod 5% cream — Immune response modifier — generally not recommended for MC
Class: Toll-like receptor agonist.
Dose/Time: Historically used 3x/week, but…
Evidence & Purpose: Multiple high-quality reviews show no better than placebo and more irritation, so most guidelines avoid it for MC.
Side effects: Redness, burning, erosions. Cochrane LibraryCochrane
Choosing among drugs: For children and adults wanting active therapy, clinician-applied cantharidin (Ycanth) or at-home berdazimer (Zelsuvmi) are the most evidence-based, FDA-approved options in 2023–2024. KOH and retinoids are common off-label choices when carefully supervised. U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationFDA Access Data
Dietary / molecular and other supportive supplements
(These do not cure MC; they support skin barrier and general immunity. Use within safe daily limits and avoid if you’re pregnant, nursing, on blood thinners, or have chronic disease unless your clinician okays it.)
Vitamin D (e.g., 1000–2000 IU/day for adults; age-appropriate pediatric dosing)
Supports innate immunity and skin defense. Mechanism: modulates antimicrobial peptides and T-cell responses.Vitamin C (250–500 mg/day)
Antioxidant; supports collagen and wound healing around inflamed lesions. Mechanism: cofactor for collagen enzymes; immune support.Zinc (10–20 mg elemental/day; short courses unless deficient)
Helps innate and adaptive immunity; deficiency impairs skin healing.Omega-3 fatty acids (fish-oil providing ~1 g EPA+DHA/day)
Anti-inflammatory; may calm itchy dermatitis around MC.Probiotics (lactobacillus/bifidobacterium blends)
Gut–skin axis support; may reduce eczema flares that worsen spread (evidence for eczema, not MC specifically).Niacinamide (vitamin B3) 250–500 mg/day oral or 2–5% topical
Supports skin-barrier lipids; anti-inflammatory.Selenium (50–100 mcg/day)
Antioxidant enzyme cofactor; immune support. Don’t exceed safe upper limit.Vitamin A (as beta-carotene from food; supplement only if deficient)
Epithelial health; avoid high-dose retinol in pregnancy.Vitamin E (as mixed tocopherols 100–200 IU/day)
Antioxidant; supports skin repair.Quercetin (250–500 mg/day)
Flavonoid with anti-inflammatory properties; may reduce itch-scratch cycles indirectly.L-lysine (500–1000 mg/day)
Viral-modulating data are stronger for herpes, not MC; if used, consider short-term and discuss with clinician.Curcumin (turmeric) 500–1000 mg/day with food
Anti-inflammatory; may calm dermatitis.Biotin (only if deficient)
General skin health; unnecessary if diet is adequate.Collagen peptides (5–10 g/day)
Amino acids to support dermal repair after procedures.Hydration (target pale-yellow urine)
Water supports normal skin turnover and healing.
Again: these do not replace proven MC treatments; they are supportive only.
Immune-targeted” medical approaches
You asked for “hard immunity, regenerative, stem-cell drugs.” There are no validated stem-cell or regenerative drugs for MC, and none are recommended. Below are specialist-directed immune-focused options used in select, difficult cases—especially in immunocompromised patients. I’ll explain dose/function/mechanism plainly.
Optimize underlying immune status (cornerstone)
Dose: N/A; this means correcting the cause of low immunity when possible.
Function: Stronger host immunity helps natural clearance.
Mechanism: For example, controlling atopic dermatitis, stopping unnecessary immunosuppressants, or improving nutrition supports T-cell control of poxvirus.
HIV antiretroviral therapy (ART) if applicable
Dose: Per HIV guidelines.
Function: Restores immunity; MC often improves when CD4 counts recover.
Mechanism: Reconstituted T-cell immunity suppresses viral replication. MSD Manuals
Topical cidofovir (compounded)
Dose: Specialist applies/prescribes compounded cream/gel; schedule varies.
Function: Direct antiviral attack on poxvirus in skin.
Mechanism: Inhibits viral DNA polymerase in infected keratinocytes.
Caution: Irritation; intravenous cidofovir can harm kidneys—topical is preferred when used. NCBI
Intralesional interferon-α (rare, case-by-case)
Dose: Tiny injections into lesions at intervals (specialist use).
Function: Immune signaling to help the body recognize the virus.
Mechanism: Boosts antiviral pathways locally. (Used very rarely; evidence limited.)
Pulsed-dye laser as an “immune-sparing” debulking
Dose: Session(s) spaced weeks apart.
Function: Reduces lesion load without systemic drugs; helpful in stubborn MC including select immunocompromised cases.
Mechanism: Vessel-targeted energy helps lesions regress with minimal damage. VIVO
Oral cimetidine (controversial)
Dose: Weight-based; specialist decides.
Function: Proposed T-cell modulation; evidence mixed—may be considered when procedures aren’t tolerated, but often no better than no treatment.
Mechanism: H2-blockade may alter immune signaling. NCBI
Procedures/surgeries
Curettage
What: Small spoon-shaped tool scoops the central core.
Why: Immediate removal of visible lesions; good for a few larger bumps.
Notes: Needs local numbing in kids; small risk of marks. NCBI
Cryotherapy
What: Brief freeze with liquid nitrogen.
Why: Quick destruction; useful for scattered lesions.
Notes: Can sting; may require several visits. NCBI
Electrodessication
What: A tiny probe delivers heat to dry out the lesion.
Why: Alternative when curettage/cryo aren’t suitable.
Notes: Local anesthesia; risk of pigment changes. NCBI
Pulsed-dye laser
What: Laser pulses target vessels in lesions.
Why: For numerous or recalcitrant lesions; cosmetically sensitive areas.
Notes: Generally well-tolerated; case series show high clearance. PubMed
CO₂ laser (select, resistant lesions)
What: Ablative laser precisely vaporizes lesions.
Why: When other methods fail or for isolated stubborn bumps.
Notes: Requires expertise; small risk of scarring/pigment change. NCBI
Ways to prevent spread
Cover lesions with clothing or a bandage during school, daycare, sports, and swimming. CDC
Don’t share towels, razors, goggles, swim caps, or sports pads. CDC
Wash hands after touching lesions or applying treatment. CDC
Avoid picking or shaving over bumps. CDC
Keep eczema well controlled to reduce itch and spread. DermNet®
Use watertight bandages for swimming; change after. CDC
Clean commonly touched household items and sports gear. CDC
Practice safer sex and avoid skin-to-skin contact when genital lesions are present; consider STI screening for adults. PubMed
Educate kids (and teammates) not to touch or scratch bumps. CDC
Resume normal school/daycare with lesions covered—no need to isolate. CDC
When to see a doctor urgently or promptly
Lesions on eyelids or near the eye, causing redness, pain, or vision changes.
Very widespread or rapidly increasing lesions, especially if you have immune problems.
Painful, hot, or pus-filled skin (possible bacterial infection).
Genital lesions (adults/adolescents) for confirmation, treatment, and STI screening.
Severe eczema around lesions that won’t settle.
Scarring, pigment changes, or lesions that won’t clear despite months of care. CDCPubMed
Diet “do’s and don’ts
Do:
Eat a balanced, colorful diet rich in fruits/vegetables (vitamins A, C, E).
Include lean proteins (fish, poultry, legumes) for skin repair.
Get omega-3s (fatty fish, walnuts, ground flax).
Keep vitamin D adequate (safe sun, fortified foods, or supplements if advised).
Hydrate well (aim for pale-yellow urine).
Don’t (or limit):
6) Excess added sugars that may worsen overall inflammation/itch behaviors.
7) Highly processed foods low in nutrients.
8) Alcohol excess (dries skin, worsens dermatitis).
9) New “immune” mega-doses without medical advice (risk of side effects).
10) Allergen triggers if you personally have eczema triggers (e.g., certain foods) that make you scratch more.
FAQs
Is MC dangerous?
No. It’s annoying but benign and usually goes away on its own. CDCHow long does it last?
Commonly 6–12 months; sometimes up to a few years. CDCIs it contagious?
Yes, via skin contact and contaminated objects; scratching spreads it on your own skin. CDCCan my child go to school or daycare?
Yes—cover the bumps; no exclusion needed. CDCCan we swim?
Yes, if lesions are covered and you avoid sharing towels/goggles. CDCWill it leave scars?
Usually not. Picking, aggressive treatment, or infection can leave marks.Do I have to treat it?
Not always. Watchful waiting is reasonable. Treat if lesions are bothersome, spreading, inflamed, in sensitive areas, or cosmetically distressing. CDCWhat’s the most proven medicine?
Two FDA-approved options exist: cantharidin 0.7% (clinic-applied) and berdazimer 10.3% gel (at home). U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationFDA Access DataIs imiquimod good for MC?
No—good studies show it’s no better than placebo and more irritating. Cochrane LibraryCochraneWhat about natural oils or home acids?
Evidence is limited. KOH and retinoids are sometimes used off-label but can irritate; ask a clinician. PubMedWhy does eczema make it worse?
Itchy skin leads to scratching, which spreads the virus. Moisturize and manage eczema to help. DermNet®Do I need STI tests for genital bumps?
Adults with genital MC should consider STI screening and counseling on safer sex. PubMedCan I pop the bumps?
No—popping spreads virus and invites infection and scarring.What if I’m immunocompromised (HIV, chemo, steroids)?
See a specialist; you may need targeted antiviral or laser options and immune optimization. MSD ManualsWhat new treatments exist?
Ycanth (clinic-applied) and Zelsuvmi (at-home) are the newest, FDA-approved options with defined dosing and safety data. U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationFDA Access Data
Disclaimer: Each person’s journey is unique, treatment plan, life style, food habit, hormonal condition, immune system, chronic disease condition, geological location, weather and previous medical history is also unique. So always seek the best advice from a qualified medical professional or health care provider before trying any treatments to ensure to find out the best plan for you. This guide is for general information and educational purposes only. Regular check-ups and awareness can help to manage and prevent complications associated with these diseases conditions. If you or someone are suffering from this disease condition bookmark this website or share with someone who might find it useful! Boost your knowledge and stay ahead in your health journey. We always try to ensure that the content is regularly updated to reflect the latest medical research and treatment options. Thank you for giving your valuable time to read the article.
The article is written by Team RxHarun and reviewed by the Rx Editorial Board Members
Last Updated: August 13, 2025.
