Molluscum contagiosum

[Guest Posts]

My 9 year old granddaughter has been diagnosed with this and its been spreading for a few months now. Her doctor said that it would go away on its own and hasn't prescribed anything to ease this.

Apparently, a few more children in her class have the same condition.

She has been to a few play dates at inflatable play areas, do you think this is how this condition could be caught and spread?

Could you recommend any topical creams, soaps etc that might help?

Thank you (Sandra)

[Dr Penelope Pratsou]

Dear Sandra,

Many thanks for posting. Molluscum is a very common skin rash, especially in children, and is due to a pox virus.

Normally this spreads from direct skin contact with other affected children, and therefore spread is unlikely to be down to the specific area the children are socialising in.

As your granddaughter's doctor has said, most cases in children clear up without any intervention after 6-18 months, which is why no treatment is normally required. In older children, or in cases where the spots are persistent and causing symptoms, certain topical preparations containing potassium hydroxide, available over the counter, can be tried. These work by causing mild skin irritation to alert the immune system to the spots, allowing it to detect the virus and eliminate it.

I would therefore consider whether it is worth your granddaughter having any treatment if she has only had the spots for a short time or is not experiencing any symptoms, as the cream can irritate the skin.

[Sandrame]

Thank you very much for your response, it is greatly appreciated.

The spots now seem to be drying up and disappearing. They started and have lasted for approximately 7/8 months.

Kindest regards
Sandra