Molluscum contagiosum in children: a calm guide for parents
What molluscum is, how it spreads, how long it lasts, when treatment is needed and what to do at home.
AuthorDr. Aygun MustafayevaAesthetic dermatologist, dermatovenereologist and trichologist
If you have noticed shiny, pearl-like bumps with a slight dip in the middle on your child’s skin, ranging from a pinhead to a pea, it is most likely molluscum contagiosum. My main message to parents: although it is contagious, it is usually not a dangerous illness and can be kept under control.
What it is and how it spreads
Molluscum is caused by a virus from the pox family. It spreads through skin contact, shared towels, bath items and toys. When a child scratches the bumps, the virus moves to other areas of their own skin. Children with atopic dermatitis may have more spots.
Does it go away on its own
Yes, it often does, but not quickly. In a study of children in the UK, the spots took 13 months on average to clear, and in some children they lasted more than a year and a half. New bumps appearing during this time is normal.
Is treatment needed
A systematic review comparing treatments did not prove that any method is clearly better than letting it clear naturally. So waiting is a reasonable choice. If the spots itch, become inflamed, spread quickly or bother the child, we choose a method together that suits their age and takes pain and the risk of marks into account.
What to do at home
- Do not squeeze, pop or open the bumps with a needle
- Keep the child’s nails short and reduce scratching
- Use a personal towel and bath sponge
- If there is eczema, protect the skin with a moisturiser
When to see a doctor
- The bumps are on the eyelid or around the eye
- The surrounding skin is red, swollen or painful
- The spots are increasing very quickly
- The child has weakened immunity
Scientific sources
The information in this article is based on the peer-reviewed papers, systematic reviews and clinical guidance below.
- Chen, X., Anstey, A. V., & Bugert, J. J. (2013). Molluscum contagiosum virus infection. The Lancet Infectious Diseases, 13(10), 877-888. [PMID: 23972567] | [DOI: 10.1016/S1473-3099(13)70109-9]
- Olsen, J. R., Gallacher, J., Finlay, A. Y., et al. (2015). Time to resolution and effect on quality of life of molluscum contagiosum in children in the UK: a prospective community cohort study. The Lancet Infectious Diseases, 15(2), 190-195. [PMID: 25541478] | [DOI: 10.1016/S1473-3099(14)71053-9]
- van der Wouden, J. C., van der Sande, R., Kruithof, E. J., et al. (2017). Interventions for cutaneous molluscum contagiosum. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2017(5), CD004767. [PMID: 28513067] | [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD004767.pub4]
