Pock me on the water skin#

However, none of these treatments (though studied) are FDA-approved for molluscum. There’s also some evidence that oral medications and supplements ― like the over-the-counter antacid cimetidine (Tagamet HB) and zinc ― may help the immune system fight the virus. There are topical treatments and destructive treatments (like freezing or scraping them off, which may or may not increase the risk of scarring). Typically, it’s the parent who’s motivated to seek treatment. Molluscum is most common in younger kids (preschool to early elementary), but older kids or teens can also get it and may worry about the perceived social stigma. This reaction happens most often in kids with eczema and a topical treatment to soothe it may be needed. So, while it may look scary, it’s not an infection and doesn’t need antibiotics. I call it the ‘BOTE’ sign ― the ‘beginning of the end’. Believe it or not, it’s actually a very good sign. It’s just all of the immune cells since the body’s fighting it. As the body tries to get rid of them, they can look like a pimple or an abscess (but they’re not). That said, there are several reasons (besides not knowing what the heck they are) why you might seek out help: Usually, kids aren’t bothered by it ― but most of the treatments are bothersome. Q: Is any treatment needed?Ī: My favorite treatment for molluscum is nothing. There’s really no need to make your kid wear long sleeves, or not bathe your small kids with their siblings. I don’t think there’s any purpose in avoiding exposure since everyone’s going to get exposed at some point. It can last for years, so it would be ridiculous to keep a child out of school when it’s totally harmless. It’s kind of like how chickenpox used to be before we have the vaccine. They can interact with children normally. Children who have molluscum contagiosum shouldn’t have their activities limited. Q: Can kids who have molluscum contagiosum still go to school?Ī: Yes. If your child has been exposed to molluscum contagiosum, it will take two to seven weeks to know if they’ll develop the molluscum. Once the body’s immune system kicks in and there’s crusting or a little scabby spot, that particular molluscum isn’t contagious anymore. That’s the core of viral particles, or the contagious part of the molluscum. And sometimes if you look up close, they’re what you call umbilicated (meaning they look like they have a little belly button in the middle). If you look at the bumps, they’re usually pink, domed-shaped. Q: How long is it contagious?Ī: It’s contagious as long as the child still has the molluscum. At some point, your immune system catches on that it’s there and gets rid of the bumps. It evades your immune system’s recognition since it’s only in your skin’s top layer, or epidermis. What happens is the molluscum virus just hangs out in your skin. They can’t infect the eyes or the lungs, even in people who have an abnormal immune system. They are skin-limited (that means they can’t spread to other parts of the body). Q: Are the bumps anything other than kind of gross looking?Ī: They’re not too scary. So it’s easily picked up from gym mats, towels and swimming pool surfaces. Or they get one and it’s so tiny that they don’t even realize. Others (lucky genetics and immune systems!) are exposed and don’t get bumps. The result? In some people, it’s those pink bumps ― the molluscum. If there’s any little open area of skin, it invades and infects it. Q: How do you catch it?Ī: Molluscum spreads from person-to-person, a little like the wart virus. (Fun fact: If you tested everyone, nearly 80 percent of the population would have antibodies against it). It’s all around us in the environment, so almost everyone gets exposed to it at some point. (Think about it, who really wants those bragging rights?) But a lot of parents don’t talk about it. Q: What is molluscum contagiosum and is it contagious?Ī: Molluscum contagiosum is a highly contagious virus in the pox family that’s really common.

Pock me on the water skin#

Bayart fields questions about this common skin rash. (Sorry, squeamish moms and dads!) Here, Dr. Molluscum contagiosum is pretty much a childhood rite of passage. But pediatric dermatologist Cheryl Bayart, MD, says it’s not necessary.

PolicyĪ parent’s first reaction? It’s likely panic. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center.