Molluscum

Symptoms of Molluscum

• Small bumps with a waxy or pearl-colored, smooth surface
• May have a 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

1. What You Should Know About Molluscum:
   • They are harmless and painless.
   • Wart-removing acids are not helpful.
   • Duct tape treatment will make them go away faster.
   • Here is some care advice that should help.
2. 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.
3. 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 (such as Band-Aid).
   • Keep your child's fingernails cut short and wash your child's hands more often.
4. 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).
5. Return to School:
   • Your child doesn't have to miss any child care or school.
   • There is a mild risk of spread to others.
6. 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

And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the 'Call 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.