What is molluscum contagiosum?
Molluscum contagiosum is a skin condition that causes raised, round, smooth-surfaced bumps on the skin. They look like thick-walled
pimples. The bumps are usually found on just one area of the body.
The bumps:
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have a waxy or skin-coloured surface
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may have a dimple (indent) in the centre
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are firm (there is a white material rather than pus in cores of the bumps)
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are many different sizes, from pinhead to 1/4 inch across
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are occasionally itchy, but not painful
This diagnosis usually requires that the child be examined by a physician.
What is the cause?
Molluscum is caused by a pox virus. It is transmitted by skin-to-skin contact (close contact) with an infected person. Children
2 to 12 years old are most likely to be infected by this virus. Molluscum can spread to other parts of the body if a child
picks at a bump and then scratches elsewhere (this process is called auto-inoculation).
How long does it last?
Most molluscum disappear without treatment in 6 to 18 months. Molluscum can spread rapidly and last longer in children who
also have eczema (sensitive, dry skin). If repeatedly picked at, molluscum can become infected with bacteria and change into
crusty sores (impetigo). Most children develop only 5 to 10 molluscum, but some acquire more. Regardless of the number, they
are a temporary condition.
How is it treated?
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To treat or not to treat?
Because molluscum are harmless, painless, and have a natural tendency to heal and disappear, some physicians recommend not
treating them. The treatment itself may be painful and frightening, especially to younger children. In addition, treatment
may be unsuccessful or need to be repeated. Treatment doesn't leave scars.
Treatment of molluscum will be considered if your child picks at them, the molluscum are in areas of friction (for example,
the armpit), you feel they are a cosmetic problem, or the molluscum appear to be spreading rapidly.
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Removal techniques
There is no successful home treatment for molluscum. The following techniques must be performed in a physician's office. The
molluscum can be destroyed with freezing (cryotherapy) or burning with a mild acid. Another type of treatment involves piercing
the centre of the molluscum with a needle or scalpel and scraping out the core. Newer techniques may become available.
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Preventing the spread of molluscum to other areas of your child's body
Every time your child picks at a molluscum and then scratches another area of skin with the same finger, a new site of molluscum
can form. To prevent this spread of molluscum, discourage your child from picking at the molluscum. Use distractions to stop
younger children from picking. Chewing or sucking on molluscum can lead to similar bumps on the lips or face. If your child
is doing this, cover the molluscum with a Band-Aid. Keep your child's fingernails cut short and wash your child's hands more
frequently.
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Contagiousness
Molluscum is only mildly contagious to other people. (The incubation period is 4 to 8 weeks.) Your child can attend child
care, pre-school, and school without undue concern about spread.
When should you call your child's health care provider?
Call during office hours if:
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a molluscum becomes open and looks infected
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your child continues to pick at the molluscum
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the molluscum are spreading rapidly
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you have other questions or concerns
| Last Reviewed | Reviewed by |
| June 21, 2004 | Andrew James, MBChB, FRACP, FRCPC |
