Appearing as small, raised little bumps anywhere on the body singularly or in groups, molluscum contagiosum is a skin infection that primarily affects children under age 10. These little bumps will eventually go away but it could take as long as 4 years to resolve itself.
It spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact, indirect contact with shared items (towels, toys, clothing), or through scratching or picking existing lesions. It is more common in more humid, crowded climates. They aren’t dangerous and don’t pose long-term risks, but scarring can occur if there is excessive scratching.
Molluscum can be treated in a variety of ways and treatment options depend on the location of the molluscum and the number of lesions being treated.
- The most common way we treat molluscum is by using Cantharidin. Cantharidin is derived from the juice of a blister beetle and can cause controlled blisters when applied carefully to molluscum lesions. Cantharidin is painless to apply but the residual blisters can sometimes be tender while healing. This usually takes 1-2 weeks for the blisters to heal.
- Topical medications that stimulate the immune system or irritate the lesions. Using topical prescriptions can sometimes irritate the skin but usually do not cause pain. This can take several weeks to resolve.
- Destructive methods like cryosurgery (freezing) or curettage. Destructive methods such as cryosurgery or curettage, there may be some mild discomfort during the procedure, but it is usually well-tolerated. This method may take more than one treatment.
If you feel like you need help treating molluscum on your child please feel free to give us a call or contact us by selecting the ‘Book Appointment’ button at the top right of your screen. We’ll get back to you by the next business day or quicker and find you an appointment quickly.
