Illustration copyright 2002, Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. http://www.nucleusinc.com

Molluscum contagiosum is a viral infection of the skin that causes small pearly or flesh-colored bumps. The bumps may be either clear or red and inflamed and are often indented.

The bumps are most often found on the trunk, face, eyelids, or genital area in temperate climates and on extremities in the tropics. In children, bumps usually appear on the trunk, face, and arms. In sexually active adolescents and young adults, the bumps are usually located in the genital area.