Molluscum in Children (Molluscum Contagiosum)
Molluscum contagiosum is a very common viral skin infection that particularly affects children. It causes small clusters of raised bumps on the skin known as mollusca.
The condition is harmless but can persist for several months or even years before resolving naturally.
Molluscum is contagious and spreads easily, especially among children in close contact environments.
At The London Skin and Hair Clinic, Consultant Dermatologists provide specialist paediatric dermatology care, assessing molluscum in children and advising on appropriate management. Families seeking a paediatric dermatologist in London can access expert support and reassurance.
Molluscum contagiosum is spread from person to person by direct contact
The condition is more common in children who also have atopic eczema or a poor immune system
Symptoms are small flesh coloured bumps that appear on the skin particularly around body folds
The Dermatologist may recommend no treatment, or deroof using a sterile needle, or prescribe a topical cream
What causes molluscum in children?
Molluscum contagiosum is caused by a virus and spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact.
It can also spread indirectly through:
- Shared towels or clothing
- Contact with contaminated surfaces
- Damp environments such as swimming pools
Children under the age of 10 are most commonly affected.
The condition may be more widespread or persistent in:
- Children with atopic eczema
- Children with a weakened immune system
What are the symptoms of molluscum in children?
Molluscum typically presents as small, firm, flesh-coloured bumps on the skin.
Common features include:
- Dome-shaped papules with a central dimple
- Clusters of spots, often in warm or moist areas such as the neck, armpits or groin
- Lesions that may spread through scratching (particularly in children with eczema)
Sometimes the spots may become:
- Red or inflamed
- Crusted or scabbed
This often indicates that the immune system is beginning to clear the virus.
Images of Molluscum (Molluscum Contagiosum)
These images are kindly provided by DermNetNZ.org for non-commercial use, for the purpose of education and information. The images have not been modified and DermNetNZ do not endorse The London Skin and Hair Clinic. You can find a copy of the license at http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/nz/.
How is molluscum in children diagnosed?
A Dermatologist will usually diagnose molluscum through clinical examination of the skin.
A dermatoscope may be used to examine the lesions more closely.
In rare cases, a skin scraping may be taken to confirm the diagnosis.
How is molluscum in children treated and managed?
In many cases, molluscum does not require treatment and will resolve on its own over time.
For this reason, a Dermatologist may recommend a watch-and-wait approach, particularly in younger children.
If treatment is needed due to:
- A large number of lesions
- Cosmetic concerns
- Associated eczema or irritation
Options may include:
- Careful removal (de-roofing) of lesions to encourage faster resolution
- Topical treatments such as hydrogen peroxide or potassium hydroxide preparations
- Cryotherapy (freezing) is sometimes used but is not commonly recommended in children due to discomfort.
Management focuses on reducing spread, improving skin comfort and supporting natural resolution, with specialist advice helping to guide the most appropriate approach for each child.