Molluscum

Molluscum contagiosum are small, firm, flesh-colored or pink round bumps that are very common in childhood. Molluscum are easy to identify because they are “umbilicated” – they have a belly button like dimple in the center of each lesion. They are caused by a virus and will eventually go away on their own, although it may take a year. Each bump contains a firm white core surrounded by a watery substance. This liquid contains thousands of virus particles and is highly contagious. So…if your child has one bump, he may very well infect himself with more by scratching.

 WHAT TO DO:

• Watch and wait if the lesions do not      bother the child and are not a cosmetic problem.
• Moisturize! Dry, open skin or eczema is a perfect breeding ground      for new lesions. Moisturize skin to avoid spreading more bumps.

 WHEN TO CALL:

During office hours if:

• Your child has multiple lesions that are bothersome or spreading
• Lesions are red, inflamed, or look infected
• Lesion are cosmetically bothersome

 Immediately if:

• Molluscum are never a medical emergency. Please call only during office hours with your concerns.

Note: Like warts, treatment often consists of freezing or topical irritants.