Molluscum contagiosum is a common, harmless viral skin infection that causes small, round, flesh-colored or pearly bumps with a central dimple. It is caused by a poxvirus and spreads through skin contact. In healthy children, molluscum almost always resolves on its own without treatment within 6–18 months. Treatment is generally not necessary unless the bumps are causing significant discomfort or your child or family members are immunocompromised.
Kids get lots of rashes throughout their childhood but one you may not have heard of before is molluscum contagiosum. Dr. Lily Joseph explains what this rash is, what to expect from it, and how we can make it go away.
What is molluscum contagiosum?
Molluscum contagiosum, or molluscum for short, is a common viral skin infection in children. It causes small, flesh-colored bumps, often with a shiny surface and central indentation. These pesky bumps typically appear in clusters and can be found anywhere on the body. The bumps are harmless and usually don’t have many symptoms, but they may be slightly itchy and prone to irritation from friction. Some kids are bothered by the appearance.
How do molluscum spread?
The infection is caused by a poxvirus called molluscum virus. It is contagious and spreads through skin-to-skin contact. It can also be spread through touching exposed objects like sports equipment or bedding or through warm water in a shared bath or hot tub.
The bumps can spread from one area of your child’s body to another as well. Keeping nails short, hands clean, and discouraging picking can reduce the risk of spread! Bandaging lesions when playing contact sports or swimming in public pools is recommended.
How are molluscum treated?
Molluscum will disappear without treatment within between 6-24 months, however there are treatment options if spots are bothersome! Cryotherapy (freezing the bumps with liquid nitrogen) and Cantharidin (application of a chemical that leads to blistering) are two safe and effective treatment options offered at Spring Valley Pediatrics.
If you think your child has molluscum, make an appointment with their doctor to discuss!
Frequently Asked Questions
What does molluscum contagiosum look like?
Molluscum bumps are small (2–5 mm), round, and flesh-colored, pink, or pearly white. The key feature is a central dimple or pit at the top of the bump. They can appear anywhere on the body — often on the trunk, arms, legs, and face in children. They typically appear in clusters of 10–20 but can be more numerous. They do not hurt or itch in most cases.
Content goes here
Is molluscum contagiosum contagious?
Yes, molluscum is contagious through direct skin-to-skin contact and through sharing towels, clothing, or bath items. Your child should avoid sharing these items with others during an active infection. However, molluscum does not require a child to be excluded from school or sports — the AAP does not recommend exclusion for molluscum, though covering the bumps with clothing is a good practice.
Does molluscum need to be treated?
In healthy children, treatment is usually not recommended because molluscum resolves on its own within 6–18 months without scars. Treatments (freezing, prescription creams, or laser) can be uncomfortable and may leave marks. The main exceptions are: bumps near the eyes (which need ophthalmology evaluation), in children who are immune compromised, or in cases causing significant emotional distress. Talk with your Spring Valley Pediatrics physician about the right approach for your child.
How long does molluscum last?
Molluscum typically resolves completely within 6 to 18 months in healthy children, though it can occasionally take longer. As the immune system fights the virus, individual bumps may turn red and inflamed before going away — this is actually a sign the body is clearing the infection, not a sign of worsening.
Can molluscum spread to other parts of my child’s body?
Yes. Children often spread molluscum to other areas by scratching and then touching other skin. Try to discourage scratching. Covering the bumps with clothing or a bandage when swimming or during contact sports can help prevent spread to others.
When should I call the pediatrician about molluscum?
Call Spring Valley Pediatrics if: bumps appear near your child’s eyes; the bumps look infected (increasing redness, swelling, pus, or spreading redness around the bump); your child is immune compromised; the molluscum is spreading rapidly or causing significant distress; or you are unsure whether the bumps are molluscum or something else.
