Molluscum Contagiosum
A Guide for Parents & Carers
Key features of Molluscum Contagiosum
- Molluscum contagiosum is a skin virus
- Incubation period of 2-8 weeks, sometimes longer
- Small raised smooth bumps usually with a central dimple
- Bumps start pin sized and grow to 1-4 mm over several weeks
- Bumps may be inflamed and/or surrounded by eczema
- Not generally itchy or painful
- Any itchiness may be from associated eczema
Molluscum in Children
- Usually found on the torso, thighs, and face
- Scratching the bumps and spreading the infection is a real problem
Typical Molluscum lesions, not the central umbilication
Molluscum in Adults
- Usually found around the genitals if caught as an STD
- Parents & carers often get molluscum on the face and scalp
How is Molluscum spread?
- Direct skin to skin contact
- Hands and fingernails
- From towels, face cloths, hair brushes, soap bars, clothes, toys, baths, pools
How to Stop the Spread - Pre cautions
- Keep Molluscum lesions covered with clothing or Bandaids/Elastoplast
- Don't share towels, toys, cloths, etc
- Avoid skin to skin contact with infected areas
- Wash hands frequently
- Bleach can kill molluscum
- Alcohol wipes has little effect on molluscum
Treatment Options
Do nothing - a real option
Medical procedures:
- Cryotherapy - freezing the molluscum bumps
- Surgical scrapping - with a curette, scalpel or glass slide
- Laser - pulsed dye laser
Mollenol for molluscum
Mollenol, Mollenol Sensitive and Mollenol Patches offer a range of control options for molluscum contagiosum.
The information contained in this Guide is for general use only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice.