General Info

• Molluscum lesions are caused by a virus.
• It is spread from person to person by touching the Molluscum. It is also easily spread through bath or pool water, bath toys and towels.
• It is not life threatening.
• The spots can last for weeks to years.
• Treatment is not always needed. Careful hygiene can help reduce the spread of the infection. Treatment is designed to irritate the molluscum causing it to become red and inflammed. The treatment may also irritate the surrounding skin.
• Molluscum contagiosum often causes a flare up of eczema, before and during treatment. 

Children with molluscum should do the following:

• Have a shower instead of a bath. The molluscum virus can live and spread in the bath water to other parts of the body.
• Wash and dry any bath toys every day after use. Bath toys can spread the virus.
• Be careful drying your child dry after their shower. The virus can be spread on the towel - try to dry areas with the spots last.
• Do not share baths with other children.
• Do not go into swimming pools until the molluscum has gone away.
• Do not share towels, face washers (flannels) or clothing.
• Wash your hands after touching the molluscum lumps/lesions.
• Children with molluscum can go to school and play with other children, because clothing usually covers the affected areas.