Signs and symptoms of molluscum contagiosum include bumps on the skin that:

• Are raised, round and flesh colored
• Are small — typically under about 1/4 inch (smaller than 6 millimeters) in diameter
• Characteristically have a small indentation (umbilication) or dot at the top near the center
• Can become red and inflamed
• May be itchy
• Can be easily removed by scratching or rubbing, which can spread the virus to adjacent skin
• Usually appear on the face, neck, armpits, arms and tops of the hands in children
• May be seen on the genitals, lower abdomen and inner upper thighs in adults if the infection was sexually transmitted

The virus that causes molluscum contagiosum spreads easily through:

• Skin-to-skin contact
• Contact with contaminated objects, such as towels
• Sexual contact with an affected partner
• Scratching or rubbing the bumps, which spreads the virus to nearby skin

It's not clear if the molluscum contagiosum virus can spread in the chlorinated water found in swimming pools. Experts suspect that it's more likely that swimmers transmit the virus through shared use of towels; equipment, such as kickboards; or skin contact.

More widespread molluscum contagiosis infections may occur in people with weakened immune systems.

The bumps and the skin around them may become red and inflamed. This is thought to be an immune response to the infection. If scratched, these bumps can become infected. If lesions appear on the eyelids, pink eye (conjunctivitis) can develop.