Your child has developed small, round bumps on their skin — perhaps on their tummy, in the armpit, or on their face. Could it be molluscum contagiosum? Molluscum contagiosum (water warts) is one of the most common skin conditions in children, and at any given time roughly one in ten children has it.

The good news is that molluscum contagiosum is completely harmless and goes away on its own. It can take time, though, and many parents wonder whether their child needs treatment, whether they can still go to daycare, and what to do about the itching.

Here is everything you need to know about molluscum contagiosum in children, based on CDC and pediatric guidelines.

What is molluscum contagiosum?

Molluscum contagiosum is a contagious but harmless skin infection caused by the Molluscum contagiosum virus, which belongs to the poxvirus family. The virus infects the outer layers of the skin and creates small, distinctive bumps.

According to the CDC, molluscum contagiosum is especially common in children, and the condition occurs most often in the 2–7 age group. It is rare for infants under one year to be affected.

Molluscum contagiosum is a self-limiting infection, meaning the body's own immune system eventually defeats the virus. After the infection resolves, the body develops immunity, and the vast majority of children do not get molluscum contagiosum again.

The name "molluscum contagiosum" simply means "contagious soft bumps" in Latin — a reference to the soft, rounded shape of each individual lesion.

Symptoms and characteristics

Molluscum contagiosum is easy to recognise once you know what to look for. According to the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the bumps have the following characteristics:

What molluscum contagiosum looks like:

Small, round bumps — usually 2–5 mm in diameter
Pink to skin-coloured, with a smooth surface
A characteristic small dimple (central umbilication) in the middle
Contain a whitish, waxy core
Often appear in clusters or rows

Where on the body do they appear?

In children, molluscum contagiosum can appear anywhere on the body, but it is most common on:

The torso (abdomen and chest)
The inside of the arms
The armpits
The face
The legs

Molluscum contagiosum does not occur on the palms of the hands or the soles of the feet.

Other symptoms:

Most children have no other complaints besides the bumps themselves
Some experience itching, especially as the bumps are starting to resolve
Around 10% develop an eczema-like rash around the bumps (molluscum dermatitis)
Children typically have 10–20 bumps, though some may develop far more

Children with atopic eczema (atopic dermatitis) are at greater risk of getting molluscum contagiosum, may develop more extensive lesions, and may take longer to clear. The eczema may also worsen around the molluscum bumps.

When do they appear?

The incubation period — from exposure to the virus until the bumps appear — is usually 2–8 weeks, but can in some cases take up to six months.

Transmission and spread

Molluscum contagiosum spreads through direct skin contact. According to the CDC, the risk of transmission in ordinary social settings is relatively low, but the virus can be passed on in several ways:

How molluscum contagiosum spreads:

Skin-to-skin contact — the most common route of transmission in children
Indirect contact — via towels, clothing, and shared objects
Self-inoculation — a child can spread the bumps to new skin areas by scratching or picking

About self-inoculation:

The most common scenario is that a child spreads the virus to themselves. When a child scratches one bump and then touches another area of skin, the virus can be transferred. This is why the number of bumps may gradually increase over time.

Risk factors for transmission:

Children who swim frequently — studies show twice the incidence in regular swimmers
Children with atopic eczema or a compromised skin barrier
Children with a weakened immune system
Close skin contact during play

According to pediatric dermatologists, molluscum contagiosum is less contagious than many people assume. Common warts are actually more contagious than molluscum. Ordinary everyday contact with other children rarely leads to transmission.

Treatment — what do pediatric guidelines recommend?

Primary recommendation: Wait and watch

The clear recommendation from the CDC and the AAP is to let molluscum contagiosum resolve on its own. Treatment is generally not necessary, and the bumps will disappear on their own in the vast majority of cases.

Why waiting is recommended:

Molluscum contagiosum is harmless and self-limiting
Treatment can be painful, especially for young children
There is a risk of scarring with active treatment
New bumps may appear even after the old ones are removed
No treatment has been shown to be clearly superior to watchful waiting

How long does molluscum contagiosum last?

Course	Timeframe
Most children	6–9 months
Longer course	Up to 2–3 years
With atopic eczema	May take longer
With weakened immune system	May take longer and become more widespread

Home care and symptom relief

Even though active treatment is generally not recommended, there is plenty you can do at home:

For itching:

Over-the-counter 1% hydrocortisone cream can be applied to relieve itching
Fragrance-free moisturiser keeps skin soft and helps with itching
Keep your child's nails cut short to reduce scratching and self-inoculation

Prevent spreading:

Teach your child not to scratch or pick at the bumps
Use a separate towel for your child
Wash hands after touching the bumps

If inflammation occurs:

Redness and swelling around the bumps can be a sign that the body is in the process of expelling them — this is actually a positive sign
If bacterial infection develops in the area, antiseptic cream can be used

Medical treatment

If molluscum contagiosum is causing significant distress, treatment options are available. These should always be discussed with a doctor:

Treatment	Description	Drawbacks
Curettage	Bumps are scraped away with a sharp instrument after numbing cream is applied	Painful, risk of scarring, multiple sessions needed
Cryotherapy	Liquid nitrogen is applied to the bumps	Multiple treatments at 3–4 week intervals, may cause scarring
Potassium hydroxide	A caustic solution painted onto the bumps	Can irritate and damage surrounding skin
Salicylic acid	Solution applied topically	Variable effectiveness

Pediatric dermatologists are particularly cautious about caustic treatments for young children, as the evidence for effectiveness is limited and new bumps often appear after the old ones are removed. For children, allowing the condition to resolve naturally is usually the better approach.

Molluscum contagiosum and daycare

One of the most common questions parents ask is whether their child can still attend daycare with molluscum contagiosum.

The answer is yes. Children with molluscum contagiosum can and should attend daycare and school as normal.

The CDC lists molluscum contagiosum among conditions that do not require exclusion from childcare settings. It is in the same category as warts and other conditions where a child can take part in all normal activities.

General guidelines for daycare:

Your child does not need to stay home
No special infection-control measures are required
Bumps should ideally be covered with a bandage if they are on easily exposed areas and the child scratches a lot
You may inform the daycare, but they cannot prevent your child from attending

Swimming and water activities

Studies show that children who swim frequently have twice the rate of molluscum contagiosum. However, there is no official recommendation to keep children out of the water.

Practical tips for swimming:

Your child can participate in swimming lessons
Avoid sharing towels with other children
Dry your child thoroughly afterwards
Some parents choose to cover visible bumps with waterproof bandages

When should you see a doctor?

Molluscum contagiosum does not usually require medical treatment, but you should contact your doctor if:

You are uncertain about the diagnosis — although molluscum has a characteristic appearance, other skin changes should be evaluated by a doctor
The bumps are inflamed — redness, warmth, and pus may indicate a bacterial infection
Your child has a very large number of bumps — this may indicate a weakened immune system
Your child is very distressed — significant itching, pain, or reduced wellbeing
The bumps are near the eye area — this can in rare cases require specialist treatment
Your child has atopic eczema that is significantly worsening
Your child has a reduced general condition

A doctor can usually make the diagnosis simply by looking at the bumps. Blood tests or other investigations are not normally necessary.

Take photos of the bumps over time to track changes. This gives you useful documentation to share with your doctor if needed.

Can you prevent molluscum contagiosum?

It is difficult to prevent molluscum contagiosum entirely, but a few simple measures can reduce the risk of transmission and spread:

Preventive measures:

Good hand hygiene — wash hands regularly, especially after touching the bumps
Separate towels — your child should use their own towel and washcloth
Avoid sharing — do not share clothing, towels, or swim gear with other children
Skin care — keep skin well moisturised, especially in children prone to eczema
Short nails — reduces scratching and self-inoculation
Don't pick — teach your child to leave the bumps alone

Can your child infect the rest of the family?

In theory, yes, but the risk through ordinary daily contact is low. Siblings and parents can be infected through shared towels or close skin contact, but this is not as common as many people fear. Basic hygiene is sufficient prevention.

Molluscum contagiosum vs. other skin conditions

It can be helpful to know the difference between molluscum contagiosum and other common childhood skin conditions:

Condition	Characteristics	Difference from molluscum
Warts	Rough surface, irregular	Molluscum are smooth with a central dimple
Chickenpox	Blisters with clear fluid, fever	Molluscum does not cause fever
Baby acne	Red pimples on the face	Only in newborns, no central dimple
Eczema	Dry, red, itchy patches	Molluscum are dome-shaped bumps
Insect bites	Redness, swelling, itching	Disappear quickly, no waxy core

Timeline: How molluscum contagiosum develops

It can be reassuring to know what to expect:

Weeks 0–8: Incubation period Your child has been exposed to the virus, but there are no visible signs yet.

Months 1–3: New bumps appear Small bumps begin to emerge. The number may gradually increase. Your child may scratch and spread the virus to new areas.

Months 3–6: Stable phase The bumps are established. New ones may still appear, but the body is beginning to build immunity.

Months 6–9: The body takes over The immune system activates. The bumps may turn red and swell (rejection reaction). They begin to disappear.

Months 9–12: Most are gone In most children, all bumps have cleared within one year. The skin is usually scar-free as long as the child has not had surgical removal and has not scratched excessively.

Frequently asked questions

Is molluscum contagiosum dangerous for children?

No, molluscum contagiosum is completely harmless. It is a benign viral infection that resolves on its own. The virus only affects the outermost layers of the skin and causes no complications for your child's general health. The only downsides are cosmetic, and the fact that it takes time to clear.

Can my child go to daycare with molluscum contagiosum?

Yes. The CDC recommends that children with molluscum contagiosum can attend daycare and school as normal. There is no reason to keep your child home. The risk of transmission in ordinary social settings is low, and molluscum is a harmless condition that requires no special measures at daycare.

How long does molluscum contagiosum last in children?

In most children, molluscum contagiosum clears on its own within 6–9 months. In some it can take up to 2–3 years, particularly in children with atopic eczema or a weakened immune system. After the infection resolves, the child becomes immune and typically does not get molluscum contagiosum again.

Should I remove the bumps myself?

No, you should never try to squeeze, pick, or scrape away molluscum bumps yourself. This can lead to bacterial infection, scarring, and spread of the virus to new skin areas. If you want active treatment, this should be carried out by a doctor using the right equipment and, if necessary, numbing cream.

Can molluscum contagiosum leave scars?

Bumps that clear on their own generally leave no scars. Active treatment — such as curettage, cryotherapy, or caustic agents — carries some risk of scarring. Scratching and bacterial infection can also lead to scarring. This is why allowing the bumps to resolve naturally is recommended wherever possible.

Checklist: When you discover molluscum contagiosum

Use this as a practical guide:

Confirm the diagnosis — take a photo and show your doctor at the next check-up
Inform the daycare — but your child can attend as usual
Start good hand hygiene — wash hands after touching the bumps
Give your child their own towel — especially important after bathing
Cut nails short — to reduce scratching and self-inoculation
Keep moisturiser on hand — keeps skin soft and reduces itching
Buy hydrocortisone cream — available over the counter, can be used for itching
Be patient — most bumps clear within 6–9 months
Document skin changes — keep photos to track progress

Sources and references

CDC — Molluscum Contagiosum — Official CDC guidelines
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) — Molluscum Contagiosum — Pediatric guidance on symptoms and treatment
CDC — Childcare and Schools: Exclusion Policy — Guidelines for childcare settings
AAP — Molluscum Contagiosum Clinical Report — Evidence-based pediatric dermatology recommendations

Molluscum Contagiosum in Children: Causes, Treatment and Duration