Our Molluscum contagiosum Main Article provides a comprehensive look at the who, what, when and how of Molluscum contagiosum

Definition of Molluscum contagiosum

Sex-Drive Killers Slideshow

Molluscum contagiosum: A contagious disease of the skin marked by the occurrence of rounded soft tumors of the skin caused by the growth of a virus (one that belongs to the virus family called the Poxviridae).

The disease is characterized by the appearance of a few to numerous small, pearly, umbilicated downgrowths called molluscum bodies or condyloma subcutaneum.

Molluscum contagiosum is mainly seen in children. In teenagers and adults it is often transmitted sexually and so may be considered a sexually transmitted disease (STD). It is a benign disorder that usually clears up by itself.

The Latin "molluscus" means soft.

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• Over-The-Counter Products -
• Skin Biopsy - Read about the skin biopsy procedure and what to expect if your doctor orders this procedure for a lesion.
• Rash - Learn about rash causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. Common skin rashes include poison ivy, hives, shingles, eczema, contact dermatitis, ringworm, psoriasis and impetigo.

Read more Molluscum Contagiosum related articles »

Latest Medical News

• Can Symptoms Predict Ovarian Cancer?
• Blood Test May Predict Rheumatoid Arthritis
• 'Ghostly' Drug May Help Fight RA
• Arthritis Doesn't Slow Typing