Molluscum contagiosum is caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV), a poxvirus that infects the top layer of the skin. It spreads through direct skin contact, shared items like towels or pool toys, and in adults often through close sexual contact.
Molluscum contagiosum is not cancerous and does not turn into melanoma or other skin cancers. The main risks are spreading to other body areas, infecting close contacts, cosmetic concerns, and occasional irritation, infection, or scarring if bumps are scratched or picked.
Treatment usually involves removing the bumps or destroying the virus in the skin with methods like laser, cryotherapy (freezing), curettage, radio wave or electric cautery, or prescription topical medicines. You should not squeeze or pick the bumps yourself, because this spreads the virus and increases the risk of infection and scarring.