Temperatures rise and so do cases of molluscum contagiosum, a viral skin infection common in kids. According to Dr. Amreen Sitabkhan of U.S. Dermatology Partners Carrollton, “Fun at the pool, beach, and summer camps often means one thing: molluscum contagiosum. While most parents are worried about sunburns, bumps, bruises, and bug bites, this viral skin infection is highly contagious and tends to run rampant in children during the summer months. Prevention is important, but recognizing the symptoms and seeking appropriate treatment for this common condition is essential for parents.” So, what is molluscum contagiosum? In this blog, Dr. Sitabkhan answers this question and discusses everything parents should know about this contagious skin condition, including treatment options that are safe for kids.
What Is Molluscum Contagiosum?
Molluscum contagiosum is a skin infection caused by a poxvirus. This is the same virus family as things like chickenpox, monkeypox, and smallpox. While molluscum contagiosum is just as contagious as these other viral conditions, the side effects tend to be significantly less severe. This condition develops as small, round bumps (molluscum) on skin. They tend to match natural skin tones. To differentiate from other summertime bumps and bites, parents should look for the telltale dimple in the middle of the bump.
According to Dr. Sitabkhan, “Without treatment, molluscum contagiosum will resolve on its own, and it’s a benign skin condition that isn’t harmful to kids. That’s the good news for parents. The bad news is that the condition can last up to two years if left untreated, and as long as children have symptoms of this condition, they can spread it to others. That’s why I always recommend treating molluscum contagiosum in the earliest stages to reduce spread and minimize the severity of the child’s skin condition.”
Common Symptoms to Look For
Knowing what molluscum contagiosum looks like is the first step to stopping its spread. If you notice the following common molluscum contagiosum symptoms on your child’s skin, especially if they’ve recently been swimming or playing closely with friends, it’s time to talk to a dermatologist:
- Small, dome-shaped bumps with a central dimple or pit.
- Color ranges from flesh-toned to pearly white or pink.
- Some children may experience itching or redness around lesions.
- Bumps can become inflamed or infected, especially if scratched or picked.
- Lesions found predominantly on the torso, arms, legs, face, and occasionally in the genital area.
Why Risk Increases in Summer
Molluscum contagiosum is one of the most contagious summer skin infections. The combination of heat, moisture, and shared spaces makes summer the perfect time of year for this virus to spread. Molluscum contagiosum tends to spike in the warmer months when children:
- Are in close contact with others through games and sports.
- Attend summer camps, where sharing towels, clothing, or bedding is common.
- Participate in swimming activities, which increases risk due to shared pool equipment and locker room surfaces.
- Visit playgrounds and engage in physical contact more frequently.
How a Dermatologist Can Help
A board-certified dermatologist can diagnose molluscum in children with a visual skin examination. In some cases, a skin biopsy may be used to confirm the diagnosis. Dr. Sitabkhan says, “While molluscum may go away without intervention, there are several effective, treatments that are safe for kids. Treating molluscum contagiosum accelerates healing, reduces discomfort, and prevents transmission of this virus to others.” Dermatologists tailor treatment based on the child’s age, number and location of lesions, symptom severity, and parental preference. Dermatologists are more likely to recommend treatment, if:
- The child is scratching or picking at lesions.
- The bumps are spreading or becoming irritated.
- The infection is interfering with daily activities.
- There are outbreaks in close-knit environments like classrooms or summer camps.
Dermatologist-Recommended Treatment Options
While molluscum don’t necessarily cause harm or need treatment, they can spread very quickly, so treatment may be beneficial to prevent sharing them with friends and stopping them from spreading to other areas. Some top dermatologist-recommended molluscum contagiosum treatments for kids include:
1. Cantharidin (“Beetle Juice”)
What it is: Cantharidin is one of the most popular treatments for children, often nicknamed “beetle juice” because it’s formulated from blister beetles. The fun name can also make this treatment more appealing and less scary for kids.
How it works: Cantharidin is an FDA-approved treatment for patients aged 2 years and older. The dermatologist applies it directly to each bump. The application is painless, which is a big advantage for treating young children. Within 24 to 48 hours, a water blister forms on each treated bump. As the blister heals, the bump falls off, usually within 2 weeks. Most children require at least two treatments.
Safety Precautions: Cantharidin is safe and effective when applied by a dermatologist, so it is often the first-line treatment for younger patients.
2. Cryotherapy (Freezing)
What it is: This method uses liquid nitrogen to freeze the bumps. While effective, it can be painful and is generally reserved for older children or adults.
How it works: The dermatologist applies liquid nitrogen to each bump. The extreme cold freezes the bump. Within a week, a scab forms over the molluscum. After about two weeks, the scab and molluscum will fall off.
Safety Precautions: Due to the pain and discomfort involved in the treatment and potential skin sensitivity to liquid nitrogen, this procedure is not recommended for children under seven years of age.
3. Curettage
What it is: A dermatologist uses a small, sharp tool to physically remove the bumps. This option can be effective but may cause discomfort and is usually not recommended for small children.
How it works: The dermatologist numbs the area around the bumps and uses a tool called a curette to carefully remove each molluscum. After treatment, it can take two to four weeks for the site to heal.
Safety Precautions: This procedure is typically safe, but due to the increased discomfort during healing and risk for scarring and infection after treatment, it is not usually recommended unless deemed absolutely necessary.
4. Topical Prescription Creams
What it is: Dermatologists may prescribe creams that perform various functions in breaking down and removing molluscum. These creams are often used when in-office procedures aren’t feasible, or as part of a multi-step approach.
How it works: Imiquimod, an immune response modifier, works by triggering the immune system to attack the virus. Tretinoin, a strong retinoid, breaks down the lesions over time. Potassium hydroxide may be used to destroy infected skin cells and breakdown bumps.
Safety precautions: These treatments can take longer to be effective, and they cause skin irritation, itching, and discoloration for some patients.
Prevention Tips for Parents and Children
Since molluscum contagiosum spreads so easily, especially during the summer, prevention is just as important as molluscum treatment for kids. The following are steps parents can take to minimize the risk for spreading:
- Avoid sharing personal items – teach children not to share towels, clothing, swim goggles, or toys with others, especially during an outbreak.
- Keep shared items clean – make sure gym mats, pool benches, locker room floors, and other shared items and areas are cleaned and disinfected regularly.
- Cover bumps – use clothing or waterproof bandages to cover lesions to reduce the risk for transmission.
- Discourage scratching – even though skin is irritated, scratching can spread the virus to other parts of the body. Keeping nails trimmed and using anti-itch creams like Dermeleve may help.
- Encourage good hygiene habits – teach frequent handwashing, especially after touching the infected area. Make sure that children bathe regularly.
- Moisturize skin – dry, irritated skin may lead to more scratching and further spread of molluscum. Using a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer at least once a day reduces irritation.
Schedule a Visit with a Trusted Dermatologist
If your child develops suspicious bumps or skin irritation this summer, don’t wait. Schedule an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist to determine if it’s molluscum contagiosum and explore safe, effective treatment options. You can get started working with a local U.S. Dermatology Partners practice by taking a few moments to complete our online scheduling request form.
Find a location near me
or
