Symptoms of molluscum contagiosum include groups of bumps and lesions that are usually painless. Once you come in contact with the virus, the symptoms may not be apparent for up to six months even though the infection is in your body. The average incubation period for the infection is between two and seven weeks from the date of contraction.
Symptoms of Molluscum Contagiosum
The primary symptom of the virus are bumps on the skin. You could experience one bump, or up to 20. The bumps will usually have a specific appearance. They are typically:
- Small, shiny, and smooth
- White, pink, or flesh-color
- Firm or dome-like with a dimple or dent in the center
- A swollen appearance
- Filled with a waxy material in the core
- Less than 5 mm, roughly between the size of a pin to the size of a pencil eraser
The bumps can be located anywhere but will never develop on the soles of your feet or the palms of your hand. They most likely occur on your abdomen, face, arms, legs, torso, inner thighs, and genitals. The areas with sores may or may not be itchy. Scratching can remove the bump but will cause it to spread to the skin next to it.