What it is
Molluscum contagiosum is a skin infection caused by a virus. It typically shows up as small, smooth, firm bumps that may look pearly or flesh-colored, sometimes with a small dimple in the center. Many parents first notice them and wonder whether they are warts. They are related in the sense that both are viral skin growths, but they are different conditions.
The bumps can appear on the trunk, arms, legs, face, or in skin folds. They often spread through skin-to-skin contact, shared towels, or shared items such as bath toys. Scratching or picking can spread them to nearby skin, which is one reason families often hear advice to keep the area covered and hands clean.
Because many skin conditions can look alike, it is not possible to tell from a photo or description what a bump is. A bump that is changing, bleeding, itching, irregular in shape or color, or not healing should be checked by a dermatologist for skin cancer, and should not be self-treated. A licensed clinician, such as a pediatrician or dermatologist, can look at the skin and tell you what is going on.
How it’s traditionally been approached
One long-standing approach is watchful waiting. Because molluscum often goes away without treatment, many clinicians and families choose to monitor it. The timeline varies from child to child, and bumps can sometimes linger or return.
Another approach is in-office care, which a clinician may discuss when bumps are bothersome, spreading, or in sensitive areas. Examples include cryotherapy (freezing) and cantharidin, a blistering agent applied by a clinician in the office. Other methods exist as well. Results vary, and bumps can come back.
Some families also ask about home products. Over-the-counter wart products are generally not intended for molluscum, and they should not be used on the face or genital area. Cutting, burning, or digging out bumps at home is not advised, since it can cause irritation, scarring, or spread. Children with eczema or a weakened immune system should be seen by a clinician before any treatment is tried. Regulatory status of specific prescription products, including cantharidin formulations, can change, so ask your provider about the current FDA status.
How the right provider may help
The right provider may help by first confirming what the bumps are. A visit usually begins with questions about when the bumps appeared, whether they itch or bother your child, and whether your child has eczema or other health conditions. The clinician then examines the skin.
From there, a provider may talk with you about the range of options, including waiting and watching. It can help to ask questions such as: Are you sure this is molluscum? What are the pros and cons of waiting versus treating? What would in-office care feel like for my child? What is the current FDA status of any product you suggest? What could happen if the bumps return?
You can also ask practical questions about daily life, such as school, swimming, sports, bathing, and sharing towels. A provider can explain how to lower the chance of spreading bumps to siblings or other areas of the body. They can also tell you which changes should prompt a return visit. Only a licensed clinician decides what is appropriate after an evaluation.
The whole-person view
Body, mind, and stress affect each other. A child with visible bumps may feel self-conscious, worried about teasing, or anxious about doctor visits. Parents may feel worried or embarrassed too. A calm, matter-of-fact tone at home can help a child feel safe, and the presence of molluscum says nothing about how clean or careful a family is.
If worry or stress is weighing on your family, support exists. Somatic Experiences offers body-based support for stress, and Therapists.plus connects people with talk therapy. These are optional complements to medical care, not replacements for it.
Somatic Experiences: nervous system regulation →Therapists.plus: anxiety panic and ocd →
Keep in mind
- This page is educational only and is not medical advice; only a licensed clinician can diagnose a skin condition or decide what is appropriate for your child.
- Any growth that is changing, bleeding, itching, irregular in shape or color, or not healing should be checked by a dermatologist for skin cancer and should not be self-treated.
- Results vary with any approach, and molluscum can return or spread, so check in with your provider if you are unsure.
- For an emergency, call 911; in a crisis, call or text 988.
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Frequently asked questions
What is molluscum contagiosum in children?
Molluscum contagiosum in children is a common viral skin condition that causes small, painless, firm bumps. It is often mild and may clear on its own over time, though the timeline varies. A licensed clinician can confirm what the bumps are.
Is molluscum contagiosum the same as warts?
No, they are different conditions, though both are caused by viruses and can look somewhat similar. Molluscum bumps often have a small central dimple. A clinician can tell them apart by examining the skin.
Does molluscum contagiosum go away on its own?
Often it does, but how long it takes varies from child to child and it can sometimes linger or return. Many clinicians consider watchful waiting a reasonable option. Ask your child's provider what makes sense for your family.
How does molluscum spread among children?
It can spread through skin-to-skin contact and through shared items such as towels or bath toys. Scratching or picking can also spread bumps to other areas of the child's own skin. Handwashing, covering bumps, and not sharing towels are commonly discussed ways to reduce spread.
Can I use over-the-counter wart remover on my child's molluscum?
It is best to ask a clinician first, since wart products are generally not designed for molluscum and should not be used on the face or genital area. Children with eczema or a weakened immune system especially need a provider's guidance. Never cut, burn, or dig out bumps at home.
What in-office options might a doctor discuss for molluscum contagiosum in children?
A clinician may discuss watchful waiting, cryotherapy (freezing), or cantharidin, a blistering agent applied in the office, among other possibilities. None is guaranteed to work, and bumps can return. Ask your provider about the current FDA status of any prescription product.
Educational resource. Warts.ai shares general information and connects people with independent providers. It is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk with a licensed professional about your health.