Molluscum Contagiosum in Children
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
Molluscum contagiosum is a skin infection. It is caused by a pox virus. Molluscum contagiosum is most common in children 1 to 10 years of age. It is more common among children who have trouble fighting infections. This includes children with a weak immune system.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Contact your child's healthcare provider if:
- Your child has a fever.
- Your child's bumps become swollen, red, painful, or drain pus.
- You have questions or concerns about your child's condition or care.
Medicines:
Your child may need the following:
- Medicine may be given to treat the skin infection and prevent it from spreading. Medicine may be given as a pill, cream, or gel.
- Give your child's medicine as directed. Contact your child's healthcare provider if you think the medicine is not working as expected. Tell the provider if your child is allergic to any medicine. Keep a current list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs your child takes. Include the amounts, and when, how, and why they are taken. Bring the list or the medicines in their containers to follow-up visits. Carry your child's medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Prevent the spread of molluscum contagiosum:
- Wash your hands and your child's hands often. Always wash your hands and your child's hands after touching the infected area. Have your child wash his or her hands after he or she uses the bathroom. If no water is available, your child can use germ-killing hand lotion or gel. Alcohol-based hand lotion or gel works best.
- Do not let your child share personal items with others. Do not let your child share items that have come in contact with bumps or sores. Examples are toys, clothing, bedding, towels, and washcloths. Ask your child's healthcare provider how to clean or wash these items.
- Do not let your child have close contact with others. Do not let your child take a bath with another child or adult. Do not let your child play contact sports, such as wrestling or football. Have your child sleep in his or her own bed until the bumps are gone. It is okay for your child to go to school or daycare if the bumps are covered.
- Keep your child's bumps covered. Cover your child's bumps with a bandage as directed. Have your child wear clothing that covers the bandages. Cover your child's bumps with a watertight bandage before he or she swims in a pool. Your child can sleep with the bumps uncovered.
- Do not let your child scratch or pick the bumps. This may spread the bumps to other parts of your child's body. It may also increase the risk of spreading the bumps to others.
Treatment options
The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
Follow up with your child's doctor as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your child's visits.
For more information:
- American Academy of Dermatology
P.O. Box 4014
Schaumburg , IL 60168
Phone: 1- 847 - 330-0230
Phone: 1- 866 - 503-7546
Web Address: http://www.aad.org/index.html
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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