Molluscum Contagiosum in Children: A Parent's Guide

What Is Molluscum Contagiosum?

Molluscum contagiosum is a viral skin infection caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV), a type of poxvirus. It creates small, round, flesh-colored bumps on the skin. The bumps usually have a tiny dimple or pit in the center — this is the most recognizable feature.

This infection is very common in children. It affects between 1% and 10% of children worldwide, with the highest rates in kids aged 2–5 years. It is especially common in warm, humid climates and spreads easily in schools, swimming pools, and daycare settings.

What Do the Bumps Look Like?

• Size: 2–5 mm (about the size of a small pea)
• Color: Flesh-colored, pink, or slightly pearly white
• Shape: Firm, round, with a characteristic dimple or pit in the center
• Feel: Usually not itchy or painful (unless scratched or infected)
• Location: Can appear anywhere — neck, armpits, inside of the elbows, groin, or torso are most common. Not usually on palms or soles.
• Number: Can be a few bumps or dozens

In children with eczema (atopic dermatitis), bumps may be more widespread and surrounded by redness. If your child scratches the bumps, they can spread to new areas of the skin or become infected with bacteria.

How Does It Spread?

Molluscum spreads through:

• Direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person
• Sharing towels, clothing, or sports equipment
• Touching contaminated surfaces (pool equipment, bath toys)
• Scratching bumps and touching other parts of the body (self-spread)

To slow the spread, keep bumps covered with clothing or a bandage, do not share towels, and remind your child not to pick or scratch the bumps.

Will It Go Away on Its Own?

Yes. Molluscum is self-limiting, meaning the body's immune system eventually clears it — but it can take time. Most cases resolve within 6–12 months without treatment. Some cases last 18 months or longer. The bumps do not leave scars when they go away on their own.

Treatment Options by Age

Treatment is optional. Many families choose to wait and watch. Others prefer to treat to reduce spread or for cosmetic reasons. Here is what is available:

Young Children (Under 4 Years) — Watch and Wait

For toddlers and young children, the best approach is usually observation. The infection will clear on its own, and most treatments can cause discomfort in this age group. Focus on preventing spread by keeping bumps covered and trimming fingernails short.

School-Age Children (4–12 Years)

• Imiquimod cream (Aldara): Applied to bumps 3 times a week for several weeks. Boosts the immune response to fight the virus. May cause redness at the site.
• Salicylic acid: An over-the-counter option applied daily. Works slowly but is available without a prescription.
• Cantharidin: A liquid applied by a doctor in the office that causes a blister to form under each bump, removing it. It is not painful during application, but the blister can be sore for a day or two.

Older Children and Teens (12+)

• Cryotherapy (freezing): Liquid nitrogen is applied to freeze and destroy each bump. Usually needs 2–4 treatments, 2–4 weeks apart.
• Curettage: A doctor scrapes bumps off with a small tool. Fast but can be uncomfortable.
• Cimetidine (oral): An oral medicine taken for 8–12 weeks that may boost the immune response. Sometimes used for children who cannot tolerate local treatments.

When to See a Dermatologist

• The bumps are spreading rapidly or becoming very numerous
• Bumps are on or near the eyelids
• Your child has eczema and molluscum is making it worse
• Signs of bacterial infection: increasing redness, warmth, swelling, or pus
• Bumps have not cleared after 12–18 months
• You are unsure of the diagnosis

Frequently Asked Questions

Should my child stay home from school?

Generally no. Most schools do not require exclusion for molluscum. Keep bumps covered with clothing or a bandage during school and sports. Encourage your child not to touch or scratch the bumps, and avoid sharing towels or sports equipment.

Can my child go swimming?

Yes, but cover the bumps with a waterproof bandage before entering the pool, and do not share towels or kickboards. Swimming pools do not need to be avoided entirely, but taking precautions helps reduce spread to others.

Will the bumps leave scars?

When molluscum resolves naturally, it does not leave scars. However, scratching and picking bumps can cause scarring and also spreads the virus to new spots. If your child tends to scratch, keeping the bumps covered and nails trimmed short helps a lot.

What is the dimple in the center of the bump?

The small pit or dimple in the center is called an umbilication. It forms because the virus causes the skin cells inside the bump to build up around a central plug of material. This feature is what makes molluscum easy to identify — most other childhood skin bumps do not have it.

Trusted Resources

• American Academy of Dermatology — Molluscum Contagiosum
• Mayo Clinic — Molluscum Contagiosum
• CDC — Molluscum Contagiosum

Always consult a board-certified dermatologist or your child's pediatrician for personal medical advice about your child's skin condition.