Molluscum Contagiosum

This common, unsightly skin infection usually develops in the trunk, face and around the eyes. The lesions resemble warts or pimples, but are usually flesh-colored or white, and they range in size from about one-tenth of an inch to almost half an inch in diameter, although an occasional lesion is as large as one inch across. The lesions may be widely distributed or clustered.

As its name implies, molloscum contagiosum is contagious. A child might pick up the infection at a swimming pool or other public bathing area or simply through close contact with an infected playmate. There is no hard and fast information about the incubation period of molloscum contagiosum, but estimates range from two weeks to six months. This infection is not particularly dangerous or painful.

WHAT CAUSES MOLLUSCUM CONTAGIOSUM?
The lesions are a result of an infection by a pox virus, which spreads not only from person to person, but also from one part of the body to another. For this reason, care must be taken that the lesions are not picked or squeezed, which can release the virus and allow it to spread. Becaus the incubation period remains unclear, it is usually difficult to determine exactly when or how a child was exposed to the infection.

WHEN SHOULD I SUSPECT THAT MY CHILD HAS MOLLUSCUM CONTAGIOSUM?
Molluscum are flesh-colored or pearly-white, round, dome-shaped bumps that have a dimple in the middle. That dimple, and the white material inside the bump, is what differentiates molluscum from other skin lesions such as warts. Molluscum usually do not cause pain or itching. Although the common sites are the trunk and face, they can sometimes be found on the pelvis, lower abdomen and inner thighs. If molluscum lesions develop around the eyes, the child may suffer chronic conjunctivitis (inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the membrane that lines the eye) or inflammation of the eyelids.

Children with eczema or dermatitis may develop clusters of molluscum contagiosum lesions in the same area as the other skin problem, which may cause confusion. In fact, children with eczema are more prone to molluscum, and they may develop widespread lesions, especially if they have been mistakenly treated with topical steroids, which tend to make molluscum spread.

HOW LONG DO MOLLUSCUM CONTAGIOSUM LAST?
A single molluscum lesion may last about two months, and the entire outbreak may subside spontaneously between several months and a year. Sometimes, the infection will spread to a different part of the body and subside in the original area of infection. In some cases, molluscum contagiosum may stay in a limited area of the body for a long time, if not treated.

IS MEDICAL ATTENTION NECESSARY?
Yes, but only to rule out other skin problems that require different treatment. Molluscum contagiosum itself is generally harmless. Medical attention may also be warranted if a molluscum lesion gets sore and inflamed, which indicates a possible infection.

WHAT TREATMENTS ARE AVAILABLE?
Treatment is not absolutely necessary, since the infection usually subsides spontaneously within a year. If the lesions are quite noticeable and persistent, however, the doctor may recommend removing them by freezing with liquid nitrogen. Alternatively, the doctor may apply a substance that causes blister formation, which also destroys the lesions.

PREVENTING MOLLUSCUM CONTAGIOSUM
There are no surefire ways of preventing molluscum contagiosum, since the responsible virus spreads quite easily. The following precautions may, however, be of some help.

• Avoid letting your child have direct skin contact with anyone who has a rash.

• Don't let your child share towels and other personal items with others.

• If another member of the family has molluscum contagiosum, avoid sharing towels and clean the bathtub thoroughly with disinfectant after the infected person has bathed.

GETTING HELP
Call your doctor if your child:

• Has any unexplained rash or growth on the skin

• Has molluscum lesions around the eyes

Excerpt from THE DISNEY ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BABY & CHILD CARE, © 1995 DSH Communications, Inc. This material is based on current medical research and, to the best of the editors' knowledge and understanding, is accurate and valid. However the reader should not use information contained in this material to alter a medically prescribed regimen or as a form of self-treatment, without seeking the advice of a licensed physician.