Molluscum contagiosum on the skin of children: what they are and how to treat them 2026

Molluscum contagiosum is caused by a virus that is a member of the Poxvirus family. The infection can be acquired in many different ways. It is a common infection in children and occurs when a child comes into direct contact with a skin lesion or an object that has the virus on it. In most cases, the infection is seen on the face, neck, armpits, arms and hands. However, it can occur anywhere on the body, with the exception of the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.

The virus can spread through contact with contaminated objects, such as towels, clothing or toys. It is also spread through sexual contact. The first lesions on the genitals can be mistaken for herpes or warts. But unlike herpes, these lesions are painless. People with weakened immune systems may develop a rapidly worsening case of molluscum contagiosum.

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As pediatrician Amalia Arce explains in her blog: "although in reality the lesions usually disappear on their own, sometimes it can take years, and the children themselves self-inoculate them and in the end they can be full of lesions. They are small pimples, pearly in appearance and often with a central depression as if it were a navel. When you have seen them once you usually recognize them without difficulties. The children are asymptomatic and the problem is essentially aesthetic. When they disappear they do not leave scars. They can be extract with substances as is done with warts, although the most common is with a sharp spoon, performing what is known as curettage.

What is it?

"Moluscum," dermatologist Dr. Virginia Sánchez tells us, "is a common skin infection, especially found in children, although it can also occur in adults, especially in immunocompromised people. This infection is of viral origin caused by the virus of the Poxviruv family. In children it usually appears on the face, trunk and extremities. The lesions are pink in color and with a small hole in the center, and one or hundreds of them may appear. It is a contagious infection. and since children touch each other, it is common for them to transmit it from one to another. They frequently disappear spontaneously, however the lesions can be treated with the application of topical products or curettage.

How molluscum contagiosum is treated

The classic curettage is to approach the issue at home with a lot of patience. After bathing, when the pimples on the skin are soft, apply an anesthetic cream to apply directly to the skin. The best known is "EMLA, a cream that must be used carefully and on small surfaces because its excessive absorption can cause side effects," says Dr. Amalia Arce.

We leave a few minutes for the cream to take effect and little by little we must puncture the granite and try to tear it off.

The usual treatment is based on the elimination of the lesions through curettage with the prior application of a topical anesthetic, or the application of topical irritating substances.

It is important to try to prevent the spread of the lesions, preventing the patient from sharing clothes and towels, and trying to avoid intimate contact with the infected patient.

Dermatologist Dr. Virginia Sánchez explains to us that "in the case of the majority of adults they are infected through sexual transmission. In this case the lesions are usually located on the genitals, abdomen or thighs. We must avoid manipulating the infected areas so that it does not spread, as well as avoiding sharing personal objects and sexual relations. As in the case of children, the lesions usually disappear on their own and they are only usually treated if they are very numerous or if it is very annoying. This treatment must be carried out by a dermatologist".

Can't go to school?

Dr. Amalia Arce responds: "it is a disease that is contagious for a long time, from 4-7 weeks of incubation, through the 2-4 weeks of the acute phase. However, it is a virus that can even be eliminated for 18 months, so exclusion is not very justified once the acute symptoms have been overcome. As it is a disease that is transmitted through saliva, hygiene rules based on the transmission mechanism must be taken to the extreme."

Appearance and shape

Molluscum contagiosum have a fairly characteristic appearance, however, they can also appear in linear lesions with Köebner's Phenomenon, which consists of the appearance of lesions typical of a certain dermatosis in areas of pressure or trauma on previously healthy skin.