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Molluscum bumps can multiply, become inflamed, and spread between siblings, which is frustrating even though the infection is usually harmless.
We look at your child’s age, number of lesions, location, eczema, and how much the bumps are bothering them before deciding whether to treat.
Sometimes watching is reasonable; sometimes in-office or prescription treatment makes more sense.
What Parents Should Know
Molluscum contagiosum is a common viral infection that causes small, smooth, dome-shaped bumps, often with a central dimple. It is especially common in children and is usually harmless.
How does it spread?
The virus spreads through direct skin contact and shared items such as towels or sports equipment. Scratching can spread lesions to nearby skin. Children with eczema may develop more lesions because their skin barrier is already disrupted.
Does molluscum need treatment?
Not always. Many cases resolve spontaneously over months to more than a year. Treatment may be considered when lesions are numerous, inflamed, rapidly spreading, located in sensitive areas, or causing significant itching or social distress.
What treatments are available?
Depending on age and location, options may include observation, cantharidin, curettage, cryotherapy, or other topical treatments. Treatment is individualized because aggressive therapy can cause pain, blistering, or pigment change.
When should my child be evaluated?
See a dermatologist if the diagnosis is uncertain, lesions are very widespread, severely inflamed, infected, near the eyes or genitals, or the child is immunocompromised.
Related reading from Borealis
Explore these articles for more background and questions to discuss at your visit.
Everyday care and prevention
Avoid scratching or squeezing bumps, keep nails short, and do not share towels. Cover lesions when appropriate, especially during activities with skin contact. Ask us about treating associated eczema to reduce scratching. These smooth, dimpled bumps differ from the rough growths of warts (verrucae).
Parent resource: AAD molluscum care tips.