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Molluscum Dermatitis

Written by Megan Kinder, with information referenced for convenience to our growing DermatitisInformation.com reader base of 2,500+ people per month with permission from Covenant Care Pediatrics, P.C. [email protected]

Molluscum Dermatitis, referred to in the medical industry as Molluscum contagiosum, is a kind of wart that is relatively common in children. Instead of causing one to a few large, rough, unattractive warts, molluscum appears as clusters of tiny, shiny warts. They are benign and usually go away on their own without any treatment. The disease has increased dramatically over the past few decades.

 What are the symptoms of Molluscum Dermatitis?

• Small, shiny, round, smooth papules.   There may be a dimple in the middle.
• Some may have a white, cheesy substance in the middle. The white substance is contagious.
• They usually appear in clusters and spread. They are most common on the face, armpits and sides, neck and thighs.
• Some lesions may turn red, which usually means it will go away in several weeks.
• They usually go away in 6-24 months, with an average duration of 6-9 months.

What causes Molluscum Dermatitis?

Molluscum is caused by a virus. Whereas regular warts are caused by a human papillomavirus, molluscum is caused by a poxvirus. The infection can spread from person to person, and can spread on a person’s body. The incubation period is usually about 2 weeks.

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