Molluscum contagiosum

What is molluscum contagiosum?

Molluscum contagiosum is a viral skin infection. It is very common in children, particularly between the ages of two and five. The infection causes small, firm, shiny bumps (papules) on the skin. In healthy individuals, the virus usually goes away on its own and is usually more of a nuisance than a serious condition.

Signs and symptoms of molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum looks like raised bumps on the skin. These bumps can appear anywhere on the body but are more commonly seen on the arms, legs and torso. They should not appear on the palms, soles and scalp. There may be only one bump, or they may appear in groups. They appear two to seven weeks after catching the virus.

The bumps are usually 2 to 5 mm across and are dome-shaped with a central dimple. They are usually flesh-coloured, but they can become red and inflamed. They can be itchy and can come off easily if your child scratches them. This could spread the virus to nearby skin, other parts of the body or other people.

Cause of molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum is caused by a pox virus.

Molluscum contagiosum spreads easily

Molluscum contagiosum spreads through direct person-to-person contact. It also spreads indirectly through contact with infected objects. For example, the infection can be spread by touching kickboards at a swimming pool or doorknobs at school. The virus can be spread by infected objects such as toys, clothing or towels.

The virus spreads when an open or burst papule touches skin or an object. Scratching or picking at the bumps can spread the virus to nearby skin.

What a doctor can do to help your child with molluscum contagiosum

Your child's health-care provider will first examine your child's skin. Usually, a diagnosis can be made with this simple examination.

If the infection affects only a small area of your child's body, your child’s health-care provider may leave the bumps or scrape them off to treat the infection. Since the infection goes away on its own and the bumps usually leave no scar, treatment is not always necessary or recommended. Many of the treatments available can be painful or risk leaving a scar.

However, if the infection affects a large area, is bothersome, involves the genital area, or if your child has eczema or a weakened immune system, they may need to see a skin specialist (dermatologist) to discuss treatment. Treatment options include scraping the bumps away (curettage), freezing them (cryotherapy) or applying medication to the bumps.

Preventing the spread of infection

Here are some tips on how your child can prevent spreading the infection to other family members or classmates:

• Wash their hands
• Avoid touching, rubbing, or scratching the bumps
• Do not share personal items with their friends
• Do not use other children's personal items
• Cover the bumps if your child is working or playing closely with other children

When to seek medical assistance

Molluscum contagiosum is not an emergency, but it should be evaluated by your child's health-care provider. If it is not treated, the condition will usually disappear on its own in a few weeks or months, but it can spread to other parts of the body or to other children who come into contact. If you suspect your child has molluscum contagiosum, make an appointment with your child's health-care provider.