While it doesn’t cause any serious health effects and often goes away on its own, molluscum contagiosum can still be upsetting for parents when it affects their children. This guide explains more about the infection, including how it presents and what treatments a dermatologist may suggest.

Signs & Symptoms

Molluscum contagiosum is most often seen in kids aged one through ten. It’s characterized by bumps or lesions that can appear on their own or in clusters. Lesions are usually white or pink in color, small, and have a shiny appearance. They are found just about everywhere on the body, except for the palms and the soles of the feet. Lesions are usually painless. 

Causes of Molluscum Contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum is a type of virus that causes an infection in the skin. It can be passed along via skin to skin contact, such as when two children are playing together. It can also cling to items, such as clothing or sports equipment, and be passed along that way.

Treatment

Bumps usually go away on their own after about two months, but they can be present for as long as four years. For kids with compromised immune systems, treatment may be required to remove the bumps. This is usually the case when another skin condition is also present or when the bumps appear on the child’s face. 

A dermatologist can use cryotherapy, which freezes the lesions using liquid nitrogen. Laser therapy is another option, which damages the tissue, which then heals on its own. There are also topical creams and ointments that can be applied to the skin to slowly dissolve the bumps. 

No matter how mild the symptoms are, all skin problems involving your kids should be addressed by a dermatologist. Located in Lincoln and Columbus, NE, Heibel Dermatology, LLC provides comprehensive dermatological care for a wide range of issues. Certified by the American Board of Dermatology and offering more than two decades of experience, Dr. Mark D. Heibel can diagnose and treat rashes, infections, and other concerns. He also offers both medical and surgical services to local patients. Schedule an appointment today by calling (402) 488-6969. You can also learn more about their full listing of services online.