Molluscum contagiosum isn’t dangerous, but it’s annoying - especially when you or your child has clusters of small, pearly bumps on the face, arms, or genitals. These aren’t acne. They aren’t warts. They’re caused by a virus that spreads easily, lingers for months, and makes parents worry, teens self-conscious, and adults nervous about intimacy. The good news? Most cases go away on their own. The bad news? Waiting can take up to four years, and in the meantime, the bumps can multiply, itch, or get infected.
What Molluscum Contagiosum Actually Looks Like
The classic sign of molluscum contagiosum is a small, round bump, usually 2 to 6 millimeters across - about the size of a pencil eraser. They’re often flesh-colored, pink, or slightly white, with a tiny dimple or dot in the center. That dimple is the key. It’s called an umbilication, and it’s what separates molluscum from other skin problems. You’ll find these bumps anywhere except the palms and soles. In kids, they’re common on the face, arms, legs, and torso. In adults, they often show up in the groin, inner thighs, or genitals - usually from sexual contact. Sometimes, they show up in lines or clusters where the skin has been scratched or rubbed. That’s not random; scratching spreads the virus to nearby skin. They don’t hurt. They might itch a little. If they get scratched open, they can become red, swollen, or even infected with bacteria. That’s when they start to look more like pimples or boils, and that’s when people panic. But the virus itself doesn’t cause pain or fever. It’s just skin deep.How It Spreads - And Why It Won’t Go Away Quickly
The molluscum virus is contagious. It spreads through direct skin contact - like hugging, wrestling, or sharing towels. It can also live on surfaces: toys, pool noodles, gym equipment, even bath sponges. Kids get it in daycare or swimming pools. Adults get it through sexual contact. People with eczema are more likely to catch it - studies show they’re 30% more prone to outbreaks. Once the virus gets in, it doesn’t show up right away. There’s a 2- to 6-week incubation period. You can be carrying it and not know. Then, one day, you see a bump. Then another. Then ten. That’s because the virus multiplies in the top layer of skin, forming each bump as a tiny viral factory. The immune system eventually fights it off. In healthy people, that takes 6 to 24 months. Some cases last up to four years. That’s not because the virus is strong - it’s because the body just doesn’t recognize it as a threat right away. Once the immune system wakes up, the bumps start to fade. No scars. No long-term damage. Just a slow, sometimes frustrating, cleanup.What It’s Not - Clearing Up the Confusion
People mistake molluscum for a lot of things. Warts? No. Warts are caused by HPV. They’re rough, hard, and don’t have that central dimple. They grow slower and stick around longer. Herpes? No. Herpes blisters are painful, fluid-filled, and come in groups. They burn. Molluscum doesn’t. Chickenpox? No. Chickenpox gives you hundreds of itchy blisters all over the body, with fever and fatigue. Molluscum is localized and quiet. Impetigo? No. That’s a bacterial infection with honey-colored crusts. It needs antibiotics. Molluscum doesn’t. If you’re not sure, a dermatologist can look at it with a dermatoscope - a tiny magnifying light. In rare cases, they might scrape a bump and look under a microscope. But most of the time, they just look and say, “That’s molluscum.”
Should You Treat It? The Real Debate
This is where things get messy. The American Academy of Dermatology says: for healthy kids and adults, watchful waiting is the best approach. Why? Because most treatments - freezing, scraping, burning, or strong chemicals - hurt more than the bumps do. And they can leave scars, especially on a child’s face. But here’s the catch: not everyone agrees. Some dermatologists, like Dr. Jenny Kim at UCLA, argue that if a child has bumps on their face, they’re at risk of being teased. One study found 45% of school-aged kids with visible molluscum reported being bullied or feeling isolated. In those cases, early treatment makes sense - not to cure the virus, but to protect their mental health. For adults with genital molluscum, the pressure is different. It’s not just about appearance. It’s about sex. People avoid intimacy for months. Some report anxiety, shame, or relationship strain. Treatment here isn’t about the virus - it’s about reclaiming normalcy. The Cochrane Review looked at 27 studies and found that the most effective treatment is cantharidin - a blistering agent applied by a doctor. It works in about 73% of cases after 12 weeks. Cryotherapy (freezing with liquid nitrogen) is common, but it hurts and has a 20-30% chance of scarring. Topical creams like potassium hydroxide (5-10%) are popular online, and many parents swear by them. Amazon reviews for products like MolluDab show 63% of users report full clearance in under two months. But here’s what no one talks about: most people don’t treat it at all. A BabyCenter survey of 452 parents found 78% chose to do nothing. They waited. And it went away.What Actually Works - And What Doesn’t
Let’s cut through the noise. Do try:- Topical potassium hydroxide - available as a prescription or compounded cream. Apply once daily. It works by irritating the skin just enough to trigger the immune system. No burning. No scarring. Takes 4-8 weeks.
- Cantharidin - applied by a dermatologist. It causes a small blister that lifts the bump off. Painful for 24 hours, but effective. Best for kids who can’t sit still for longer procedures.
- Imiquimod cream - an immune booster used for warts. Sometimes used off-label for molluscum. Takes longer (8-12 weeks), but low risk of scarring.
- Cryotherapy on the face - too risky. Scarring is common, especially in children.
- Over-the-counter wart removers - they’re made for HPV, not molluscum. They burn the skin without killing the virus.
- Home remedies like tea tree oil or apple cider vinegar - no solid proof they work. May irritate sensitive skin.
How to Stop It From Spreading
You can’t control the virus. But you can control how it moves.- Don’t scratch or pick. This is the #1 reason it spreads. Keep nails short. Use gloves at night if needed.
- Don’t share towels, clothing, or bath toys. The virus lives on fabric. Wash everything in hot water.
- Cover bumps during swimming. Even though the CDC says kids shouldn’t be kept out of pools, many swim clubs still enforce this. Use waterproof bandages.
- Wash hands often. Simple, but effective. The virus spreads on fingers.
- Use separate soap and washcloths. Especially in households with multiple kids.
When to See a Doctor
You don’t need to rush to a dermatologist for every bump. But call if:- The bumps are growing rapidly or covering large areas.
- They’re bleeding, oozing, or turning red - signs of bacterial infection.
- They’re on the genitals and you’re sexually active.
- Your child is being bullied or showing signs of anxiety.
- You have a weakened immune system.
- It’s been over two years and nothing’s changed.
The Bottom Line
Molluscum contagiosum is a nuisance, not a crisis. It’s not cancer. It’s not HIV. It’s not even a big deal for most people - eventually, it vanishes. But while it’s there, it can make life harder. For kids, it’s social pain. For adults, it’s emotional stress. For parents, it’s guilt and confusion. The best strategy? Don’t panic. Don’t over-treat. Don’t let fear drive you to painful, unnecessary procedures. Wash hands. Cover bumps. Don’t scratch. Wait. And if it’s affecting your quality of life, talk to a dermatologist about safe, gentle options. It will go away. It always does. You just have to give it time - and patience.Is molluscum contagiosum contagious?
Yes. Molluscum contagiosum spreads through direct skin contact, sharing towels or clothing, and sometimes in water like swimming pools. It’s highly contagious among children and through sexual contact in adults. The virus can survive on surfaces for hours, making it easy to pick up in daycare centers, gyms, or households.
How long do molluscum bumps last?
In healthy people, molluscum bumps usually clear up on their own in 6 to 24 months. Some cases last up to 4 years, especially if the person scratches them or has eczema. The immune system eventually recognizes and eliminates the virus. No treatment is needed for most cases, though it can take patience.
Can adults get molluscum contagiosum?
Yes. While it’s most common in children, adults get it too - usually through sexual contact. Bumps often appear on the genitals, inner thighs, or lower abdomen. In adults, it’s considered a sexually transmitted infection and may require testing for other STIs. It’s rare in healthy adults without close skin contact.
Should I treat molluscum in my child?
Not necessarily. Most dermatologists recommend observation for healthy children because treatments can be painful and cause scarring. But if the bumps are on the face, causing social distress, or spreading quickly, gentle treatments like potassium hydroxide cream or cantharidin may be worth considering. Avoid freezing or scraping on the face.
Can molluscum leave scars?
The virus itself doesn’t scar. But aggressive treatments like cryotherapy, scraping, or picking at the bumps can. Scarring is most common when freezing is used on the face or when bumps become infected from scratching. The best way to avoid scars is to let them heal naturally or use gentle topical treatments.
Does molluscum mean my child has a weak immune system?
No. Most children with molluscum are perfectly healthy. It’s a common virus that spreads easily in group settings. However, if a child has many large bumps, they don’t go away after 2 years, or the bumps keep coming back, it could signal an underlying immune issue. In those cases, a doctor may recommend further testing.
Can my child go to school or swim with molluscum?
Yes. The CDC and major health organizations state that children with molluscum should not be excluded from school, daycare, or swimming pools. The risk of spreading in these settings is low if bumps are covered and hygiene is practiced. Many swim clubs still have outdated policies, but medical guidelines support inclusion.