Conditions
Molluscum contagiosum: what it is and when to treat it
Molluscum contagiosum is a viral skin infection that causes small, smooth bumps, often with a tiny dimple in the center. It is very common in children, it is not dangerous, and it usually goes away on its own in six months to a year. The doctor can recognize it by video, explain how to keep it from spreading and tell you when removal in person makes sense.
Is it an emergency? Call 911.
Is this an emergency?
This is not an emergency service. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you have:
- Bumps on the eyelid or near the eye, or a red, painful eye
- A bump that is very red, hot and swollen, with pus or fever
- Many bumps appearing quickly in someone with a weakened immune system
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At a glance
Molluscum contagiosum
Common symptoms
- Small, smooth, firm bumps on the skin
- White, pink or skin-colored bumps, sometimes with a dimple in the center
- They may itch or turn red, especially when scratched
- In children they often appear on the chest, back, arms or legs
- Other names
- Water warts
- Treatment
- Usually clears on its own; removal (scraping or freezing) is done in person when indicated
On this page(9)
What is molluscum contagiosum?
Molluscum contagiosum is a skin infection caused by a poxvirus. It forms bumps that the CDC describes as white, pink or skin-colored, from the size of a pinhead to a pencil eraser. Many have a small dimple in the middle.
It is most common in children aged 1 to 10. In adults, many infections spread through sexual contact and appear on the genitals, belly or inner thighs. In people with a weakened immune system it can spread more widely.
How we help by video
You see Dr. Diana Nieves Castro, a Puerto Rico–licensed general practice physician with several years of emergency-department experience, in English or Spanish. Molluscum is recognized by how it looks: the doctor checks it on camera and, if she asks, you can send photos through the secure link.
We evaluate, diagnose and treat. The doctor confirms whether it is molluscum or something similar, such as warts, and tells you whether to wait or treat it. If appropriate, the doctor prescribes and we send your prescription to your pharmacy. Removing the bumps (scraping or freezing) is done in person: if it is needed, we refer you.
We see children of all ages: a parent or legal guardian is on camera for the whole visit and shows photo ID. See our online doctor for kids.
Your doctor
Dr. Diana Nieves Castro, MD
General practice physician
Several years of emergency-department experience.
Founding Executive Director of The Health Initiative.
Your visit in 3 steps
Request a visit online 24/7 — we confirm your time by email or text.
Request your visit.
Book a visit and choose "Doctor visit". You pay by card when you request it.
See the doctor by video.
We send you a secure video link. It works on your phone, tablet or computer.
Get your plan.
The doctor explains what to expect and how to prevent spread and, if appropriate, prescribes or refers you.
What the visit costs
Molluscum contagiosum is handled in a US$79 doctor visit, the same price for every age, with no membership. You pay by card when you request the visit, and you get a full refund if the visit can't take place. The service is run by The Health Initiative, a nonprofit. See prices.
Molluscum contagiosum symptoms
The bumps rarely hurt. Scratching can spread them to other parts of the body or infect them.
- Small, smooth, firm bumps on the skin
- White, pink or skin-colored bumps, sometimes with a dimple in the center
- They may itch or turn red, especially when scratched
- In children they often appear on the chest, back, arms or legs
Treatment: does it need to be removed?
According to the CDC, healthy people usually recover without treatment: the bumps go away in six months to a year, though sometimes longer. That is why waiting and preventing spread is often the best plan.
Removal is considered when the bumps are on the genitals, when there are many or they bother you, or when the person has a weakened immune system. Scraping or freezing is done in person. The AAP notes that the FDA advises against products marketed to treat molluscum: none are FDA-approved, and they can cause bad reactions.
Genital molluscum in adults: the CDC advises seeing a healthcare provider soon, because it usually spreads through sexual contact. The doctor offers STI testing with an order for a lab near you. If the bumps are rough and cauliflower-shaped, see genital warts and HPV.
How to keep it from spreading
Molluscum spreads by skin contact and through items like towels, clothes, toys or pool equipment. The CDC recommends:
- Washing hands often.
- Not scratching or squeezing the bumps.
- Not sharing towels or clothes.
- Covering the bumps with clothing or a bandage.
- Children can go to school and daycare, and can swim if they have no open sores.
When to get in-person care or go to the ER
Molluscum is not an emergency. For your safety, get in-person care or call 911 if you notice:
- Bumps on the eyelid or near the eye, or a red, painful eye
- A bump that is very red, hot and swollen, with pus or fever
- Many bumps appearing quickly in someone with a weakened immune system
How we care for you
We evaluate, diagnose and treat; if needed, we give you a lab order for a lab near you.
We see adults and children of all ages. Patients under 21: a parent with patria potestad (parental authority) or a legal guardian is on camera for the whole visit and shows photo ID.
Real-time video visit. We send you a secure video link. It works on your phone, tablet or computer.
If appropriate, the doctor prescribes and we send your prescription to your pharmacy. We do not prescribe controlled substances.
You must be physically in Puerto Rico during the visit (visitors, tourists and cruise passengers are welcome).
In an emergency, call 911.
Frequently asked questions
How long does molluscum contagiosum last?
Can my child with molluscum go to school or swim?
Is molluscum contagiosum sexually transmitted?
Can the bumps be removed by video?
About this page
Author: The Health Initiative
Medical care provided by Dr. Diana Nieves Castro, MD (PR license 24027)
Disclosure: Founding Executive Director of The Health Initiative
Published: 2026-10-02 · Updated: 2026-10-02
Sources (4)
- About molluscum contagiosum (CDC) (opens in a new tab) (accessed 2026-10-02)
- Molluscum contagiosum (MedlinePlus, NIH) (opens in a new tab) (accessed 2026-10-02)
- 12 Common Summertime Skin Rashes in Children (AAP, HealthyChildren.org) (opens in a new tab) (accessed 2026-10-02)
- Genital warts (MedlinePlus, NIH) (opens in a new tab) (accessed 2026-10-02)