Molluscum is caused by a virus. It is contagious and causes small red bumps on the skin.

It is important to avoid scratching, rubbing, and picking the bumps to prevent the spread to other areas of the body. Over time, the bumps will clear, but treatment is available to speed up this process.

In the office, liquid nitrogen can be sprayed on the affected area to kill the skin cells. The application of liquid nitrogen may sting for a second, but the skin will eventually scab and flake off. Likewise, cantharidin (beetle juice) is a liquid applied to the affected areas and later washed off. It causes the skin cells to blister. The application of cantharidin is painless, but the blisters can be painful.