You can get molluscum contagiosum from skin-to-skin contact with an infected person, or by coming into contact with an object that an infected person had used on their bare skin. Since the virus can survive on surfaces after an infected person has come in contact with it, it can be easy to pass the virus through clothing, towels, and contaminated toys. Sports equipment, such as gloves, wrestling mats, and football helmets that have touched bare infected skin can also transfer the virus.
Common Causes in Teens and Adults
While children are often at high risk of contraction, due to close play with other children, the most common causes of transmission in teens and adults are contact sports and sexual contact. It is also possible to spread the virus to other parts of your body when you touch, scratch, or accidentally shave an infected bump. When this occurs, the nearby skin can become infected.
Even though treatment is not always necessary, if you have symptoms, you can contact a healthcare provider to confirm the diagnosis and prevent the spread of the virus.