Transmission, symptoms and screening for molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum is a viral skin infection (small growths) that can be sexually transmitted.

This skin infection can be transmitted during:

• Direct skin-to-skin contact
• The use of contaminated wet towels, tanning beds or sports equipment
• Sexual contacts

By scratching the lesions, it is possible to self-contaminate or spread the infection from one part of the body to another.

• Small, firm, smooth-surfaced, flesh-coloured or pearly-white growths or bumps appearing on various parts of the body (hands, buttocks, face, stomach, thighs or genitals.)
• They usually occur 1 to 3 months after exposure. They can last from 6 months to 2 years. When they disappear, the virus has been eliminated.