Molluscum Contagiosum: Causes, Spread, and What Actually Works

When you see small, round, pearly bumps on your child’s arm or your own groin, it might be molluscum contagiosum, a harmless but contagious viral skin infection caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus. Also known as water warts, it’s not dangerous—but it’s annoying, lasts months, and spreads fast if you don’t know how to stop it.

This infection is common in kids under 10, but adults get it too—especially those with weakened immune systems or who share towels, gym equipment, or skin-to-skin contact during sports or sex. The bumps are usually painless, but they can itch or get red if scratched. They’re filled with a thick, white substance that’s full of virus particles. Rubbing, scratching, or sharing towels can spread the virus to other parts of your body or to someone else. That’s why it shows up in clusters on the face, armpits, neck, or inner thighs. It’s not a sign of poor hygiene—it’s just how the virus works.

Most cases go away on their own in 6 to 12 months, but some last years. That’s why people look for treatments. Doctors might freeze the bumps with liquid nitrogen, scrape them off, or prescribe topical creams like imiquimod or cantharidin. But many of these treatments hurt, irritate the skin, or don’t work much better than waiting it out. Some home remedies like tea tree oil or duct tape have small studies backing them, but results are mixed. The real key? Don’t scratch. Keep the area clean. Avoid sharing towels or swimsuits. Cover the bumps when around others. And if you’re an adult with lots of bumps, it’s worth checking for underlying issues like eczema or HIV—because molluscum can be a sign your immune system is struggling.

What you’ll find below are real, practical guides on how to manage this infection, what treatments have actual evidence, how to prevent spreading it to your kids or partner, and what to do when it won’t go away. No fluff. No hype. Just what works based on patient experiences and medical data.