Molluscum contagiosum is a viral infection of the skin that primarily affects children. Molluscum shows up as painless firm bumps on the skin that normally disappear within a year without treatment. These bumps are not life threatening but may cause discomfort in your child until they disappear.
Causes and Prevention
Molluscum contagiosum bumps are a result from an infection of the molluscum virus, a member of the poxvirus family. It spreads easily in kids through direct contact with the virus and contact with contaminated objects, such as toys, clothes or towels. To prevent the spread of this virus, you should keep your child's hands clean, avoid touching or rubbing the bumps, avoid sharing personal items and cover the bumps if your child may come into contact with another child or adult.
Symptoms
Molluscum are round, raised, flesh-colored bumps on the skin. They are small, have a small indentation or dot at the top, may become inflamed and can easily be removed or spread by scratching. Molluscum may appear in lines where the child has scratched. The bumps are about two to five millimeters wide. In kids, the bumps usually appear on the face, neck, hands, arms and armpit but may appear anywhere on the body except the palms and soles.
Complications
The bumps may become inflamed and red, a condition known as molluscum dermatitis. According to MayoClinic.com, this is thought to be a response to the infection by the immune system. The bumps may become itchy and infected if scratched. Bumps on the eyelids may develop into conjunctivitis.
Treatment
The bumps from molluscum contagiosum usually disappear within six to twelve months without scarring. In children whose immune system is not fully developed, it may take longer to disappear. Your doctor may prescribe an over-the-counter one-percent hydrocortisone cream if your child develops dermatitis or eczema around the bumps. This should help reduce the itch and infection that may develop from molluscum.
Considerations
If you think your child may have molluscum, you should consult with your dermatologist or family doctor.
