Overview
Molluscum contagiosum (sometimes called molluscum contagium) is a benign viral infection of the skin. It most commonly affects children, but also occurs in adolescents and adults.
Cause
Molluscum contagiosum is caused by a poxvirus. It is spread by person-to-person contact and through casual contact with contaminated objects, such as shared towels and sports equipment. In adults, the infection is often transmitted sexually. Scratching the lesions can spread the virus to surrounding skin.
Physician-developed and -monitored.
Original Date of Publication: 10 Sep 2000
Reviewed by: Stanley J. Swierzewski, III, M.D.
Last Reviewed: 04 Dec 2007
Molluscum Contagiosum, Overview, Cause reprinted with permission from dermatologychannel.net
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