Molluscum

Print version of this article

Symptoms of Molluscum

• Small bumps with a skin-colored, smooth surface
• Most have a tiny dimple (indent) in center
• Bumps are firm with a core of white material.
• Are many different sizes, from pinhead to ¼ inch (3 to 6 mm) across
• Can occur anywhere on the body, but usually stay in just one area
• Are sometimes itchy, but not painful
• Usually age 2 to 12 years
• Most infected children get 5 to 10 of them

Cause of Molluscum

• They are caused by a poxvirus. This is a different virus than the one that causes warts.
• Friction or picking at them causes them to increase in number.

To Treat or Not to Treat?

• Some doctors advise not treating them if there are only a few. Reason: They are harmless and painless.
• They have a natural tendency to heal and go away on their own.

When Special Treatment is Considered

• Your child picks at them
• They are in areas of friction (for example, the armpit)
• They are spreading quickly or
• You feel they are a cosmetic problem

Prevent Spread to Others

• Avoid baths or hot tubs with other children. Reason: can spread in warm water.
• Also, avoid sharing washcloths or towels.
• Contact sports: can spread to other team members. They should be covered or treated.
• Time it takes to get them: 4 to 8 weeks after close contact.

When to Call for Molluscum

Care Advice for Molluscum

What You Should Know About Molluscum:

• They are harmless and painless.
• Most will go away on their own in 6 to 12 months.
• Duct tape treatment will make them go away faster.
• Wart-removing acids are not helpful.
• Here is some care advice that should help.

Duct Tape - Cover the Molluscum:

• Covering them with duct tape can irritate them. This turns on the body's immune system.
• Cover as many of them as possible. Cover at least 3 of them.
• The covered ones become red and start to die. When this happens, often all of them will go away.
• Try to keep them covered all the time.
• Remove the tape once per day, usually before bathing. Then replace it after bathing.
• Some children don't like the tape on at school. At the very least, tape it every night.

Prevent the Spread to Other Areas of Your Child's Body:

• Discourage your child from picking at them.
• Picking it and scratching a new area with the same finger can spread them. A new one can form in 1 to 2 months.
• Chewing or sucking on them can lead to similar bumps on the face.
• If your child is doing this, cover them. You can use a bandage.
• Keep your child's fingernails cut short and wash your child's hands more often.

What to Expect:

• Without treatment, they go away in 6 to 18 months.
• If covered with duct tape, they may go away in 2 or 3 months.
• If picked at often, they can become infected with bacteria. If this happens, they change into crusty sores (impetigo).

Return to School:

• Your child doesn't have to miss any child care or school.
• There is a mild risk of spread to others.

Call Your Doctor If:

• Your child continues to pick at them
• New ones develop after 2 weeks of treatment
• They are still present after 12 weeks of treatment
• You think your child needs to be seen

Remember! Contact your doctor if you or your child develop any "Contact Your Doctor" symptoms.

Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.