Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum Contagiosum in children manifests as small “bumps” or nodules that appear on the skin. They can be pink and flesh-coloured, or greyish white or yellowish and they have a small dent at the centre. They may appear all over the child’s body, and they can be isolated or appear in groups.

What is...

What is molluscum contagiosum?

Molluscum contagiosum is a type of skin infection often seen in children between 2 and 12 years of age.

It is caused by a similar virus (pox virus) that brings about common skin warts.

The molluscum rash looks like tiny flesh-colored bumps. Infection happens with direct skin-to-skin contact or through sharing towels.

The incubation period, or time from infection to the development of symptoms, is approximately 1-2 months.

Although molluscum occurs as a sexually transmitted disease in adults, this is NOT the case in children.

Symptoms

Symptoms and signs

The rash appears as smooth, round, small, raised bumps, which are usually flesh-colored.

They can also look pale red to grayish white or even yellowish. Each bump has a little dent in the center. These bumps usually do not bother the child; sometimes they are tender or itchy.

The child may break the top of the skin by scratching, which can lead to a secondary infection with bacteria.

The bumps can be found all over the child's body except for the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. They are rarely seen on the face.

The bumps develop wherever initial contact with the virus occurs. Most children have 5-10 bumps; which may appear alone or in clusters. Each spot tends to be separate from the others.

The molluscum rash usually disappears without treatment, sometimes after a few weeks, but may persist for several years. Most of them disappear within 1 year. 

Complications

Complications

The condition is harmless and rarely causes complications.

If the child scratches the molluscum bumps, this could cause them to spread to other parts of the body. Scratching could also cause impetigo, a bacterial infection of the skin.

Children who have problems with their immune systems, such as with cancer or HIV/AIDS, can experience huge eruptions of molluscum, and should therefore consult their physician.

Home treatment

Treatment / What you should do

In most cases, no treatment is necessary and the molluscum will go away on its own.

If the child has a very large number of molluscum bumps, if they spread rapidly, or if they appear to be infected, you should consult a doctor.

Treatment may be recommended. Infected lesions may need to be treated with antibiotics. In some cases, the bumps may need to be removed. This can be done by numbing the skin and cutting off the lesions, or by rubbing it with a substance stimulates the body to fight off the virus. Freezing (cryotherapy) is also an option.

The different treatment methods usually are all effective, but can leave scars and the rash may return.

Prevention

Prevention

It is difficult to prevent your child from getting infected with molluscum contagiosum.

If your child has this rash, you should encourage your child not to pick or scratch the lesions, so that they do not spread to other parts of the body.

Frequent hand washing is important.

Cut the child's fingernails short to prevent the child from piercing the skin while scratching. This can decrease the risk of secondary bacterial infection.

Images

Videos

Video: Video: Girl with Molluscum Contagiosum

Video: Girl with Molluscum Contagiosum

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