Molluscum contagiosum (MC) usually clears up on its own without the need for treatment. It rarely causes any other problems. However, complications can sometimes occur, particularly in people with a weakened immune system.
Reasons why someone may have a weakened immune system include:
- receiving chemotherapy for cancer
- being HIV positive
- taking medicines that suppress the immune system (immunosuppressants), such as azathioprine or steroids
People who have had an organ transplant are usually required to take immunosuppressants to prevent their body rejecting the donated organs.
Immunosuppressants are also used treat severe autoimmune conditions, where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. The digestive condition Crohn’s disease is an example of an autoimmune condition.
The two most common complications that can occur in people with a weakened immune system are:
- having larger lesions than normal – larger than 6mm in diameter
- having many more lesions than normal – in some cases, up to 100 lesions have been reported
- having a larger area of the body covered by the lesions, such as the chest, face and both arms
Due to the increased risk of developing a more severe form of MC, people with a weakened immune system are usually referred to a dermatologist (skin specialist).
Infection
In some cases, the lesions that are caused by MC can become infected with bacteria. This is more likely to happen if you have atopic eczema (skin irritation caused by an allergy) or if you have a weakened immune system.
If your or your child’s lesions become infected, you will need antibiotics to treat the infection.
Scarring
After MC has healed and cleared, small patches of paler skin or tiny indented scars may be left behind. The scars may be more noticeable if the lesions become infected or if you have had some form of treatment for them.
Scarring is more likely to occur in areas of your skin where there is more fatty tissue, such as your thighs.
See the Health A-Z topic about scars for information about how scars can be treated.
Eye problems
In rare cases, if you or your child has MC around the eyes, you may develop a secondary eye infection, such as conjunctivitis or keratitis.
Conjunctivitis affects the thin layer of skin inside your eyelids called the conjunctiva. It causes your eyes to become red, swollen and watery. You may also have a sticky coating on your eyelids and eyelashes.
See the Health A-Z topics about Infectious conjunctivitis for more information.
Keratitis is similar to conjunctivitis but it affects your cornea (the transparent layer of cells that cover the surface of your eyeball). If you have keratitis, your eyes may be painful and sensitive to light, and your vision may be blurred.
If you or your child develops conjunctivitis or keratitis, your GP may refer you to an ophthalmologist for specialist treatment. An ophthalmologist is a specialist in diagnosing and treating eye conditions.
