Handling Molluscum Contagiosum

This common viral skin infection is often seen between ages three and ten. It is self-limited but may take from two-nine months or longer to resolve, similar to warts in healthy children. The virus is spread by direct contact or shared materials, such as towels.

Lesions are small (1-5 mm in diameter), pearly, dome-shaped papules with white cores. Larger lesions often have a central indentation. Lesions occur singly or in clusters on any skin surface, though rarely on the soles or palms.

No treatment is indicated, but topical tretinoin or salicylic acid has been used. New lesions may arise despite treatments.

Children are not excluded from school for this harmless condition to which most persons have been exposed.

(Chang MW and Orlow SJ. Molluscum contagiosum in children: when- and how- to treat. Consultant 1998;38(6):1593-1599)

COMMENT: While there is risk for persistent molluscum among immunocompromised persons, staff and parents generally need reassurance that other students and they are not at unnecessary risk for a serious, albeit disconcerting, disease.