Papules of molluscum contagiosum are somewhat firm and flesh-colored to pink. They have a central core, composed of hundreds of infectious particles from which spread may occur.

Inflammation is evident in several molluscum papules. This inflammation often leads to resolution of the papules.

Molluscum papules in a child in the periorbital region. Lesions can be spread by picking and scratching. Treatment is difficult; lesions will resolve with development of cellular immunity.