How Does Molluscum Contagiosum Spread?
The virus commonly spreads through skin-to-skin contact. This includes sexual contact or touching the bumps and then touching the skin. Touching an object that has the virus on it, such as a towel, also can spread the infection. The virus can spread from one part of the body to another. Or it can spread to other people, such as among children at day care or school. The infection is contagious until the bumps are gone. The time from exposure to the virus until the bumps appear usually is 2 to 7 weeks, but it can take up to 6 months.1 To prevent molluscum contagiosum from spreading: • Try not to scratch. • Put a piece of tape or a bandage over the bumps. • Do not share towels or washcloths. • If the bumps are on your face, don’t shave. • If the bumps are in your genital area, avoid sexual contact.
