Molluscum Contagiosum: What Parents Need to Know in 2025
Molluscum contagiosum is a common viral skin infection that primarily affects children, though it can occur at any age. Characterized by small, flesh-colored or pearly bumps on the skin, molluscum is generally harmless but can be persistent and contagious.
As a parent, discovering these unusual bumps on your child can be concerning, but understanding what molluscum is, how it spreads, and how to treat it can help you manage this condition effectively.
This guide provides essential information about molluscum contagiosum to help parents navigate this common childhood skin condition.
What Is Molluscum Contagiosum?
Molluscum contagiosum is a viral infection of the skin caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV), a member of the poxvirus family. The infection manifests as small, raised bumps or lesions on the skin that have these distinctive characteristics:
- Small, round bumps that are usually 2-5 mm in diameter
- Flesh-colored, white, or pink appearance
- Smooth, firm, and dome-shaped with a characteristic dimple or depression in the center
- Often painless, though they may occasionally become itchy, red, or inflamed
- Typically appear in clusters but can also appear as single lesions
- Most commonly found on the face, neck, armpit, hands, and genital area
In children, molluscum lesions frequently appear on the torso, face, and limbs. While not harmful to overall health, the condition can persist for months or even years if left untreated. The average duration of untreated molluscum infection is between 6-18 months, though some cases may resolve naturally within a few weeks while others may last for several years.
Kids with eczema tend to have more susceptibility to molluscum due to their skin breakdown. The wart virus spreads with the inflammation of the skin barrier, then the child spreads it with itching the area and then touching another area of the body.
How Do Children Get Molluscum Contagiosum?
Molluscum contagiosum is highly contagious and spreads through several mechanisms:
Direct Contact
The most common way children contract molluscum is through direct skin-to-skin contact with someone who has the infection. This frequently occurs during:
- Play with other children who have visible or undiagnosed lesions
- Sports activities that involve skin contact
- Shared bathing or swimming facilities
Indirect Contact
The virus can also spread through contact with contaminated objects such as:
- Towels, washcloths, and bathing sponges
- Clothing, especially undergarments
- Toys, particularly those used in bathtubs or swimming pools
- Sports equipment
- Bedding
Self-Spread (Autoinoculation)
Children can unknowingly spread the infection to different parts of their own body by:
- Touching or scratching the bumps and then touching other areas of their skin
- Shaving over affected areas
- Using the same towel on different body parts
Swimming Pools and Water Play
Molluscum often spreads in swimming environments because:
- The virus thrives in warm, moist environments
- Chlorine doesn’t fully kill the virus
- Wet skin is more susceptible to infection
- Children tend to share pool toys and have increased skin-to-skin contact
It’s important to note that the infection is most contagious when lesions are visible on the skin. Incubation periods can range from 2 weeks to 6 months, meaning a child may have been exposed long before symptoms appear.
How to Stop the Spread of Molluscum Contagiosum
Preventing the spread of molluscum requires diligence but is possible with these strategies:
At Home
- Avoid sharing personal items like towels, washcloths, clothing, or bathing accessories
- Cover active lesions with waterproof bandages, especially during bathing or swimming
- Change bandages daily and properly dispose of used ones
- Wash hands thoroughly after touching any lesions
- Clean and disinfect toys, especially bath toys, regularly
- Launder clothing, towels, and bedding in hot water and detergent
- Discourage your child from scratching or picking at the bumps
At School and Social Settings
- Inform teachers and caregivers about your child’s condition
- Cover visible lesions with clothing or bandages during school and play dates
- For sports activities, cover lesions and avoid sharing equipment when possible
- Consider temporarily avoiding swimming pools during active outbreaks
Special Considerations
- Children with eczema may be more susceptible to widespread molluscum and might need extra precautions
- Immunocompromised children require particularly vigilant care as they may develop more severe or persistent infections
- Regularly check siblings for early signs of infection
Remember that molluscum is rarely serious enough to warrant keeping a child home from school unless recommended by a healthcare provider. The goal is to manage the condition while allowing your child to maintain normal activities.
Treatment Options for Molluscum
While molluscum will eventually clear without treatment, many parents and healthcare providers opt for intervention to speed recovery and prevent spread. Treatment approaches include:
Wait-and-See Approach
- Since molluscum is benign and often resolves spontaneously, some healthcare providers recommend monitoring without treatment
- This approach is particularly common for very young children or cases with few lesions
- Regular check-ups ensure the infection isn’t worsening or spreading extensively
Physical Removal Methods
- Curettage (scraping): A dermatologist uses a small tool to remove the core of each lesion
- Cryotherapy: Freezing the lesions with liquid nitrogen
- Laser therapy: Using laser technology to destroy the lesions
- These methods may cause slight discomfort and might require multiple sessions
Topical Treatments
- Prescription options:
- Podophyllotoxin cream or solution
- Retinoid creams (like tretinoin)
- Imiquimod cream (activates the immune response)
- Cantharidin (a blistering agent applied in-office)
- Over-the-counter options:
- Tea tree oil (mild antiseptic properties)
- OTC acne treatments- adapolene
- Iodine solutions
- Salicylic acid preparations
- Various molluscum treatment gels and creams
- All treatments are to only affect the wart itself, use a q-tip to spot treat the molluscum and keep the surrounding skin as healthy as possible.
Home Care During Treatment
- Keep the affected areas clean and dry
- Apply moisturizer to surrounding skin to prevent irritation
- Monitor for signs of secondary infection, such as increased pain, warmth, swelling, or discharge
- Continue prevention measures even during treatment
When to See a Doctor
Consult a healthcare provider if:
- Lesions become increasingly red, painful, or appear infected
- The bumps spread rapidly or cover large areas of the body
- Home treatments aren’t effective after several weeks
- Your child has a weakened immune system
- You’re unsure if the skin condition is actually molluscum
Conclusion
Molluscum contagiosum is a common childhood viral infection that, while frustrating, is rarely serious. By understanding how it spreads and taking practical steps to prevent transmission, parents can effectively manage outbreaks.
Whether you choose medical treatment or a wait-and-see approach, remember that patience is key—most cases resolve completely without scarring, though it may take time.
If you’re concerned about your child’s skin condition, consult with a pediatrician or dermatologist who can confirm the diagnosis and recommend the most appropriate treatment approach for your child’s specific situation.
With proper care and preventive measures, you can help your child navigate this common skin condition with minimal discomfort and disruption to daily life.
For more medical info on Molluscum, refer to this website https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/skin-infection/molluscum-contagiosum-pictures-causes-treatment
For more home remedies for common childhood illnesses, check out this post https://justaskjennp.com/natural-remedies-for-children-with-illnesses/
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions.
