Published: August 2025 | Last Updated: August 31, 2026 | Medical Sources Checked: August 31, 2026
You notice a few tiny bumps on your child's arm.
They are smooth.
They look shiny.
Each one has a tiny dip in the middle.
Then new bumps appear nearby.
This pattern may be molluscum contagiosum in children.
The name sounds worrying.
The condition usually is not.
Molluscum is a common viral skin infection.
It is especially common in young children.
Most healthy children get better without treatment.
The hard part is that the bumps can stay for months.
They can also spread if a child scratches or picks them.
This guide explains what molluscum bumps look like, how they spread, how long they last, eczema around molluscum, treatment choices, school, swimming, sports, prevention, and when your child should see a healthcare professional.
For more children's skin information, visit our Childhood Skin Problems Guide or the main Child Health and Safety Guide.
Quick Answer
Molluscum contagiosum is a viral skin infection in children caused by a poxvirus.
It causes small, smooth, firm bumps.
Many have a tiny central dimple.
The bumps may be skin colored, white, pink, brown, or darker than nearby skin.
They are usually painless.
Some itch.
Most healthy children do not need treatment.
The bumps often disappear on their own over months.
New bumps may appear while older ones are clearing.
Children with molluscum usually can attend school and daycare.
They can usually swim too.
Visible bumps should be covered when practical, especially for swimming and close contact activities.
Do not squeeze, cut, scrape, or pop the bumps at home.
Important Medical Note
I am not a dermatologist or A doctor, and this content does not replace professional medical advice. What I share comes from real life experience, extensive research, and consultation with healthcare providers. Always consult qualified medical professionals for diagnosis and treatment of any health condition.
What Is Molluscum Contagiosum?
Molluscum contagiosum is an infection of the outer skin.
It is caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus.
This virus belongs to the poxvirus family.
It produces small raised skin bumps.
Doctors often call these bumps papules.
Parents do not need to remember that word.
The important clue is how they look.
They are usually smooth and dome-shaped.
Many have a small dent in the center.
This dimpled skin bump is one of the best clues for molluscum.
Is Molluscum Dangerous?
For most healthy children, no.
Molluscum is usually harmless.
It does not normally make a child sick.
It usually stays in the skin.
The main problems are:
- Itching
- Scratching
- Spread to other skin
- Spread to other people
- Eczema around the bumps
- Occasional bacterial infection
- Embarrassment about visible bumps
Children with weakened immune systems can have more bumps, larger bumps, or harder-to-treat infections.
What Does Molluscum Contagiosum Look Like?
Look for small pearly skin bumps.
Typical bumps are:
- Round
- Firm
- Smooth
- Shiny
- Dome shaped
- Usually small
- Often grouped together
Most have a tiny hole or depression in the middle.
The medical word for this is umbilication.
You may see only a few bumps.
Another child may have dozens.
Molluscum Identification Guide
| What You Notice | Typical Molluscum Clue |
|---|---|
| Surface | Smooth and shiny |
| Shape | Round and dome-shaped |
| Center | Small central dip or dot |
| Size | Often a few millimetres wide |
| Pain | Usually painless |
| Itching | Possible, especially with eczema |
| Pattern | Single bumps or clusters |
| Duration | Often many months |
This table can help you recognize the pattern.
It cannot confirm the diagnosis.
Where Does Molluscum Appear on Children?
Molluscum contagiosum bumps can appear almost anywhere.
Common areas include:
- Arms
- Legs
- Chest
- Stomach
- Back
- Neck
- Armpits
- Behind the knees
- Inside the elbows
- Face
Bumps often cluster in skin folds.
This happens because skin rubs together.
Scratching can also move the virus into nearby skin.
What Does Molluscum Look Like on Brown and Black Skin?
Molluscum is not always pink.
On brown and black skin, bumps may look:
- Skin colored
- Brown
- Dark brown
- Gray
- Purple
- Lighter than nearby skin
The smooth dome shape and center dip may be more useful than colour.
Inflammation around the bumps may also look brown, purple, or darker instead of bright red.
Why Did My Child Get Molluscum?
The virus spreads when infected skin or contaminated objects touch another person's skin.
Children are good at sharing.
Unfortunately, viruses can benefit from that.
Molluscum may spread through:
- Skin to skin contact
- Towels
- Clothing
- Bedding
- Toys
- Sports equipment
- Swimming equipment
This is called skin to skin transmission when it passes directly between people.
How Long After Exposure Do Bumps Appear?
The bumps do not always appear right away.
They may show up several weeks after exposure.
This can make it impossible to know exactly where your child caught the virus.
Do not blame another family, school, pool, or child without good reason.
How Does Molluscum Spread Around My Child's Body?
A child can spread the virus to their own skin.
This is called autoinoculation.
It can happen when a child:
- Scratches a bump
- Picks a bump
- Touches one bump and then another area
- Shaves over infected skin
This is why new bumps may seem to form in lines or clusters.
Should I Pop Molluscum Bumps?
No.
Do not pop them.
Do not squeeze them.
Do not stick a needle into them.
Do not try to pull out the white center.
The material inside contains a virus.
Squeezing can spread it.
It can also cause:
- Bleeding
- Pain
- Bacterial infection
- Scarring
- Dark marks
Can I Scrape Molluscum Off at Home?
No.
A dermatologist may use a medical procedure called curettage in selected patients.
That is different from scraping bumps at home.
Home removal can injure your child's skin.
It may also spread the infection.
Why Are the Bumps Suddenly Red and Swollen?
This can surprise parents.
Molluscum bumps sometimes become red and inflamed when the immune system starts clearing them.
This can be a sign that a bump is beginning to go away.
But inflammation and bacterial infection can look similar.
Ask for medical advice if the area is:
- Very painful
- Hot
- Rapidly swelling
- Producing pus
- Surrounded by spreading redness
What Is Molluscum Dermatitis?
Some children develop eczema around molluscum.
This is sometimes called molluscum dermatitis.
The skin may become:
- Dry
- Rough
- Itchy
- Inflamed
Itching matters because scratching can spread the virus.
Use fragrance-free moisturizer on dry skin.
Ask your child's healthcare professional how to manage stronger eczema symptoms.
Why Is Molluscum Common in Children With Eczema?
Eczema weakens the normal skin barrier.
It also causes itching.
Children scratch.
This creates tiny openings in the skin.
That makes spreading molluscum easier.
A child with eczema may also develop more bumps.
Good eczema care can reduce scratching.
For broader guidance, read our Childhood Skin Problems Guide.
Molluscum Versus Warts
Molluscum versus warts is a common parent question.
They are different infections.
Molluscum comes from a poxvirus.
Common warts come from HPV.
| Molluscum | Common Wart |
|---|---|
| Usually smooth | Usually rough |
| Often shiny | Often dull |
| Often has a center dip | Usually no center dip |
| May appear in clusters | May be single or grouped |
If the growth feels rough rather than smooth, see our Childhood Warts Guide.
Molluscum Versus Chickenpox
Chickenpox usually develops much faster.
It can cause fever and many itchy spots.
Spots change into fluid-filled blisters and crusts.
Molluscum bumps are usually firmer.
They can remain for months.
The child normally feels well.
Molluscum Versus Folliculitis
Folliculitis affects hair follicles.
The bumps may look inflamed or contain pus.
Molluscum bumps are usually smooth and have a center dip.
Folliculitis can be painful or tender.
Molluscum Versus Ringworm
Ringworm usually forms a scaly patch.
It may have a raised circular border.
Molluscum creates individual raised bumps.
Read our Childhood Ringworm Guide if the problem looks round and scaly.
Molluscum Versus Impetigo
Impetigo usually causes sores, blisters, or honey colored crusts.
It is a bacterial infection.
Molluscum is viral.
If your child's skin is wet or crusted, read our Childhood Impetigo Guide.
Molluscum Versus Other Childhood Skin Bumps
Children can develop many types of bumps.
These include:
- Heat rash
- Keratosis pilaris
- Hives
- Warts
- Insect bites
- Folliculitis
Use our Childhood Skin Bumps Guide if the pattern is not clear.
How Is Molluscum Diagnosed?
A doctor or dermatologist can often diagnose molluscum by looking at the bumps.
The smooth shape and center dip are strong clues.
Testing is not usually needed.
A clinician may examine a small skin sample when the diagnosis is unclear.
Does Molluscum Need Treatment?
Often, no.
This is one of the most useful facts for parents.
A healthy child's immune system usually clears the virus.
Waiting is often reasonable if:
- The diagnosis is clear
- The bumps do not hurt
- The child is not very itchy
- There is no bacterial infection
- The bumps are not causing major distress
This approach is sometimes called watchful waiting.
How Long Does Molluscum Contagiosum Last?
Molluscum takes patience.
Many children clear within about 6 to 18 months.
Some clear sooner.
Some take longer.
In a smaller number of cases, bumps can continue for years.
New bumps may appear while old bumps disappear.
This does not automatically mean something is wrong.
Is Molluscum Contagious Until Every Bump Is Gone?
Yes.
The virus can spread while active bumps remain.
This is the molluscum contagious period.
That does not mean a child needs to stay isolated for months.
Normal life can usually continue with sensible precautions.
Can My Child Go to School With Molluscum?
Yes, in most cases.
Children with molluscum usually do not need to stay home from school or daycare.
This is important because the infection can last for months.
Keeping a healthy child out of school for that long would not be practical or necessary.
Cover exposed bumps with clothing or a clean bandage when practical.
Tell school staff if they need to help with bandages or skin care.
Follow any local school policy.
Can My Child Go to Daycare?
Usually, yes.
Molluscum alone is not normally a reason to exclude a healthy child from daycare.
Good handwashing matters.
Do not share towels.
Cover visible bumps when practical.
Can Children Swim With Molluscum?
Yes, usually.
Swimming with molluscum is generally allowed.
CDC guidance says children do not normally need to stay out of pools simply because they have molluscum.
The virus appears more likely to spread through shared objects than through pool water itself.
Before swimming:
- Cover visible bumps with watertight bandages
- Do not share towels
- Do not share kickboards
- Do not share pool toys or equipment that touches the skin
Do not swim with open sores.
Broken skin can become infected by germs in the water.
Can My Child Play Sports?
Usually.
Close contact sports need extra care.
Wrestling is a good example.
Cover lesions securely when permitted.
Do not share towels or personal equipment.
Clean sports gear.
Follow the rules of your child's team or sports organization.
How Can I Stop Molluscum Spreading at Home?
The goal is not to isolate your child.
The goal is to reduce direct contact with the bumps.
Do not share towels
Give each child their own towel.
Avoid sharing baths when possible
Bathing children separately can reduce direct skin contact and sharing of bath items.
Wash hands
Wash hands after applying moisturizer, medicine, or a bandage.
Cover exposed bumps
Clothing can cover many areas.
A bandage can help with exposed bumps.
Keep nails short
This lowers skin damage from scratching.
Moisturize dry skin
Dry skin itches.
Itching leads to scratching.
Scratching can spread molluscum.
Should I Disinfect the Whole House?
No.
You do not need to turn your home into a hospital.
Focus on items that regularly touch the child's skin.
Wash towels and clothing normally.
Clean shared sports or swimming equipment.
Good handwashing is more useful than constant aggressive cleaning.
Should Siblings Stay Away From My Child?
No.
Normal family life can continue.
Avoid direct contact with uncovered bumps.
Do not share towels.
Avoid picking at each other's skin.
Cover exposed lesions when practical.
Can I Shave Over Molluscum?
No.
Shaving can cut bumps open.
It can carry virus along the skin.
This can create many new bumps.
Avoid shaving or hair removal over affected skin.
When Should Molluscum Be Treated?
Treatment is not required for every child.
A dermatologist may discuss treatment when:
- The bumps are very itchy
- The child has severe eczema
- There are many bumps
- The bumps are spreading quickly
- They are causing emotional distress
- They interfere with sports
- The bumps are near the eyes
- The genital area is involved
- The child has a weakened immune system
Current Treatment Options for Molluscum
Molluscum treatment for children has changed over time.
Parents now have more options to discuss with a dermatologist.
Which option is best depends on:
- Age
- Number of bumps
- Location
- Eczema
- Pain tolerance
- Medical history
- Which treatments are available in your country
Cantharidin Treatment
Cantharidin treatment creates a controlled blister under a molluscum bump.
The bump then separates from the skin as it heals.
In the United States, prescription cantharidin treatment is approved for adults and children aged 2 years and older.
A trained healthcare professional applies it.
Do not buy concentrated cantharidin online and try to use it yourself.
Incorrect use can cause serious burns and scars.
Berdazimer Gel
A newer option in the United States is berdazimer gel.
It is a prescription topical treatment.
United States prescribing information includes adults and children aged 1 year and older.
It is applied to molluscum lesions according to the prescription instructions.
The medicine can cause local skin reactions such as burning, redness, itching, irritation, or swelling.
Availability and approval differ outside the United States.
Ask your child's doctor whether this option is available and appropriate where you live.
Official United States prescribing information is available at:
https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=76b17622-bdb9-41ea-b962-c2acc0df71f7
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy freezes a bump with liquid nitrogen.
It can work.
It can also hurt.
Several visits may be needed.
Because of the pain, it is not always the best choice for young children or children with many bumps.
Temporary skin colour changes can also happen.
Curettage
Curettage means removing bumps with a medical instrument.
It can be effective.
It can also be uncomfortable or frightening for young children.
It should be done by a trained healthcare professional.
Never copy the procedure at home.
Should Children Use Imiquimod?
Current United States CDC and dermatology guidance does not recommend imiquimod for routine treatment of molluscum in children.
Studies have not shown enough benefit in children.
It can also irritate the skin.
Do not use someone's leftover prescription.
What About Salicylic Acid?
Salicylic acid is often associated with wart treatment.
Some dermatologists may use it for selected molluscum cases.
Do not start it on a child's molluscum without professional advice.
It can irritate healthy skin.
Are Natural Remedies Safe?
Be careful with internet remedies.
Do not burn your child's skin trying to remove a harmless virus faster.
I do not recommend using harsh home treatments such as:
- Undiluted essential oils
- Apple cider vinegar
- Strong acids
- Garlic paste
- Bleach
- Home freezing kits meant for other conditions
These can cause irritation, burns, scars, and dark marks.
Simple skin care is safer while you wait.
What Can I Do for Itching?
Start with gentle care.
- Use fragrance-free moisturizer
- Use cool baths
- Use a cool damp cloth
- Keep nails short
- Use soft clothing
If eczema around molluscum is very itchy, ask your child's healthcare professional about treatment for the surrounding eczema.
Can Hydrocortisone Be Used Around Molluscum?
Sometimes a healthcare professional may recommend a mild steroid for eczema or inflammation around molluscum.
The goal is to calm the itchy surrounding skin.
Do not apply steroid medicine simply to try to destroy molluscum bumps.
Use it only as advised for your child's skin condition.
What If Molluscum Becomes Infected?
Scratched skin can become infected with bacteria.
Watch for:
- Increasing pain
- Heat
- Spreading redness or dark inflammation
- Pus
- Red streaks
- Fever
Contact a healthcare professional if you see these signs.
Antibiotics treat bacterial infection.
They do not treat the molluscum virus itself.
Molluscum Near the Eye
A bump near the eyelid deserves medical review.
Molluscum near the eye can sometimes irritate the eye surface.
Do not put ordinary skin medicine close to the eye without professional guidance.
Molluscum in the Genital Area
Do not treat genital area bumps in a child at home.
Have a qualified pediatric healthcare professional examine them.
Several skin conditions can look similar in this area.
Correct diagnosis matters.
Molluscum in a Child With a Weak Immune System
A child with a weakened immune system may develop:
- More bumps
- Larger bumps
- Longer lasting infection
- Unusual locations
These children should receive medical advice rather than relying only on home care.
Does Molluscum Leave Scars?
Most bumps heal without a permanent scar when left alone.
Scarring is more likely after:
- Picking
- Squeezing
- Secondary infection
- Aggressive removal
Temporary darker or lighter marks may remain after a bump disappears.
These color changes often fade with time.
Why Are New Bumps Appearing During Treatment?
This is common.
A bump you see today may have started developing weeks ago.
Treatment of visible bumps does not always stop bumps that were already developing.
This is why new lesions can appear even when treatment is working.
Can Molluscum Come Back?
Yes.
Clearing molluscum does not give perfect lifelong immunity.
A child can be exposed again later.
New bumps can also represent spread that happened before the earlier bumps were treated.
How Can I Prevent Molluscum?
You cannot prevent every case.
You can reduce spread.
- Wash hands regularly
- Do not share towels
- Do not share clothing that touches bumps
- Cover exposed lesions
- Use watertight bandages for swimming
- Avoid scratching
- Keep nails short
- Moisturize eczema-prone skin
- Do not shave over bumps
- Clean shared sports equipment
When Should I Call the Doctor?
Contact your child's healthcare professional if:
- You are not sure the bumps are molluscum
- The bumps are very painful
- There is pus
- The skin becomes hot and swollen
- The bumps are near the eyes
- The genital area is involved
- Your child has severe eczema
- There are very many bumps
- The bumps are causing major distress
- The child has a weakened immune system
- The condition is not behaving as expected
When Is It More Urgent?
Get prompt medical advice if your child develops:
- Fever with worsening skin infection
- Rapidly spreading painful redness
- Significant swelling around the eye
- Severe pain
- A child who appears seriously unwell
These symptoms are not typical of uncomplicated molluscum.
My Parent Approach to Molluscum Bumps
Over decades of parenting, I have learned that harmless skin bumps do not always need aggressive treatment.
I first look at the pattern.
Are the bumps smooth?
Is there a tiny dip in the middle?
Does the child feel well?
Are the bumps itchy?
Is eczema making the child scratch?
Are the bumps being picked?
I take a clear photo.
I keep the skin moisturized.
I stop towel sharing.
I remind the child not to pick.
And if the pattern is unclear, the bumps are infected, or they are causing a real problem, I ask a qualified healthcare professional.
That approach comes from real family experience, extensive research, and consultation with healthcare providers.
Helping a Child Who Feels Embarrassed
Molluscum can stay visible for a long time.
That can be harder for the child than the infection itself.
A school-age child may ask why their skin looks different.
They may worry that friends will notice.
Tell your child:
- The bumps are common
- They did nothing wrong
- The bumps will eventually go away
- They are not dirty
- They can still take part in normal life
Do not let siblings tease them.
Try not to talk about the bumps constantly.
Your child is much more than their skin.
Conclusion
Molluscum contagiosum is a common childhood viral skin infection that usually clears without treatment.
Look for smooth, shiny bumps with a small central dimple.
Do not pop or scrape them.
Keep dry or eczema prone skin moisturized.
Cover visible bumps when practical.
Children can usually continue school, daycare, swimming, and everyday activities.
Talk with a healthcare professional if the diagnosis is unclear, the bumps are infected, they are near the eye or genital area, your child has severe eczema, or the infection is causing significant problems.
For your next step, bookmark the Parnthub Child Health and Safety Guide so you can quickly compare molluscum with other common childhood skin conditions.
Related Parnthub Guides
- Child Health and Safety Guide
- Childhood Skin Problems
- Childhood Skin Bumps
- Childhood Rashes Guide
- Childhood Warts
- Childhood Ringworm
- Childhood Impetigo
- Childhood Hives
- Childhood Rash Around Mouth
- Childhood Fever and Rash
Trusted Medical References and Sources
This guide was checked against current pediatric, dermatology, government, and public health information. All five resources below were publicly accessible without a paid subscription or login when checked on August 31, 2026.
-
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: About Molluscum Contagiosum
This CDC resource explains the cause, spread, prevention, school attendance, swimming, covering lesions, and why molluscum usually does not require treatment.
-
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Preventing Molluscum Contagiosum in Schools, Daycares, and Pools
This CDC guide explains school attendance, daycare, swimming, waterproof bandages, pool equipment, towels, and practical steps to reduce spread.
https://www.cdc.gov/molluscum-contagiosum/special-environments/index.html
-
American Academy of Dermatology: Molluscum Contagiosum Diagnosis and Treatment
This dermatologist-developed guide explains observation, cantharidin, cryotherapy, curettage, treatment risks, eczema, and why home removal can cause infection or scarring.
https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/molluscum-contagiosum-treatment
-
American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org: Molluscum Contagiosum in Children
This pediatric resource explains typical dimpled bumps, spread, natural clearance, treatment choices, prevention, and care for children with molluscum.
-
NHS: Molluscum Contagiosum
This public health resource explains symptoms, natural recovery, itching, covering lesions, swimming, when treatment is needed, and when medical assessment is appropriate.
Medical source note: Prescription treatments, age approvals, and availability differ between countries. Always follow your child's healthcare professional and local medicine guidance.
About the Author
Adel Galal is the founder and primary author of Parnthub.
He is a father of four and a grandfather of four with more than 33 years of hands on parenting and grandparenting experience.
His child health content combines real family experience with careful research from pediatric, dermatology, government, and public health sources.
Adel focuses on the questions parents actually ask.
What am I looking at?
Can my child go to school?
Can they swim?
What can I safely do at home?
When should I call a healthcare professional?
His goal is to turn complicated health information into simple steps parents can understand and use.
Adel is not a dermatologist or doctor. Parnthub health information is educational and does not replace diagnosis or treatment from qualified medical professionals.
Learn more about Adel, Parnthub's experience-based approach, and how our content is created on the Parnthub About Us page.
Frequently Asked Questions About Molluscum Contagiosum
What causes molluscum contagiosum in children?
Molluscum contagiosum is caused by a poxvirus. It spreads through skin contact and through items such as towels, clothing, toys, bedding, and sports equipment.
What do molluscum bumps look like?
They are usually small, smooth, firm, dome-shaped bumps. Many are shiny and have a tiny dip or dot in the center. They may be skin colored, white, pink, brown, or darker than surrounding skin.
How long does molluscum last in children?
Many children clear molluscum within about 6 to 18 months. Some take longer. New bumps can appear while older bumps are disappearing.
Does molluscum need treatment?
Not always. Healthy children often clear the infection without treatment. Treatment may be considered when bumps are very bothersome, spreading widely, linked with severe eczema, or affecting sensitive areas.
Is molluscum contagiosum contagious?
Yes. Molluscum can spread while active bumps are present. It spreads through direct contact and shared items, and a child can spread the virus to other parts of their own skin by scratching.
Can a child go to school with molluscum?
Yes, in most cases. CDC guidance says children with molluscum do not need to stay home from school or daycare. Cover exposed bumps when practical and follow any local school policy.
Can a child swim with molluscum?
Usually, yes. Cover visible bumps with watertight bandages and do not share towels, kickboards, toys, or other pool equipment. Children with open sores should wait until the skin closes.
Should I pop molluscum bumps?
No. Squeezing or popping the bumps can spread the virus, cause bacterial infection, and increase the chance of scarring.
Why does my child keep getting new molluscum bumps?
The virus can spread to nearby skin through scratching or touching. New bumps may also have started developing weeks before they became visible.
Why is the skin around molluscum itchy?
Molluscum can trigger dry itchy eczema around the bumps. Moisturizer can help dry skin. Ask a healthcare professional about treatment if the eczema is strong or keeps your child scratching.
What is the difference between molluscum and warts?
Molluscum bumps are usually smooth and often have a small central dip. Common warts are usually rough and do not normally have the same shiny dimpled center.
Is molluscum dangerous?
It is usually harmless in healthy children. Medical review is more important when bumps are near the eye or genital area, become infected, occur in very large numbers, or affect a child with a weakened immune system.
Can molluscum leave scars?
Most untreated bumps clear without permanent scars. Picking, squeezing, secondary infection, or aggressive removal can increase the chance of scars or temporary skin colour changes.
What treatments are available for molluscum?
Options can include watchful waiting, clinician-applied cantharidin, cryotherapy, curettage, and certain prescription topical medicines. The best option depends on age, bump location, eczema, number of lesions, and treatment availability.
