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Medical Dermatology

Molluscum Contagiosum

Small, pearly, painless bumps — often on a child — are one of the most common viral skin infections seen in paediatric practice. Molluscum contagiosum is harmless and usually clears on its own, though it can be persistent and spread in the meantime.

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At a glance

What it is
A common, benign viral skin infection producing small dome-shaped 'pearly' bumps.
Who it affects
Especially children, but also adults. More extensive in those with eczema or a weakened immune system.
How it spreads
Skin-to-skin contact, shared towels, and scratching that seeds nearby skin.
Natural course
Usually clears by itself in healthy children, though this can take months to a couple of years.
Treatment
Often watchful waiting; active treatment when spots are numerous, spreading or bothersome.
Understanding the condition

What is molluscum contagiosum?

Molluscum contagiosum is a skin infection caused by a poxvirus. It produces small, firm, dome-shaped bumps that are typically pearly or flesh-coloured, often with a tiny central dimple. They are usually painless, and a child may have anywhere from a few to several dozen.

It is harmless, and in most healthy children it eventually resolves on its own as the immune system recognises and clears the virus. The catch is timing: this can take many months, sometimes up to two years, and the spots can spread during that period.

A hopeful sign that looks alarming When a molluscum spot becomes red, swollen or crusted, it often means the immune system is starting to clear the virus — sometimes called the "beginning of the end". Although it can look like an infection, it frequently signals that the spots are on their way out.
How it behaves

Spread and who it affects

Understanding how it passes on helps limit it while it runs its course.

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How it spreads

  • Direct skin-to-skin contact
  • Shared towels, sponges and baths
  • Scratching, which seeds nearby skin
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Who gets it

  • Most commonly young children
  • Passes easily between siblings and playmates
  • Also occurs in adults
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More extensive in

  • Children with eczema
  • People who are immunosuppressed
  • These may need a considered treatment plan
Treatment

Does molluscum need treating?

The first question is often whether to treat at all. Because it usually clears by itself in healthy children, watchful waiting is a reasonable and common choice — particularly when the spots are few and not causing trouble, and given that some treatments can be uncomfortable for a young child.

Treatment is considered when:

  • The spots are numerous or spreading widely
  • They are inflamed, or in an awkward or visible site
  • They are causing distress or embarrassment
  • They occur in an adult, or someone who is immunosuppressed

Options include cryotherapy (freezing individual spots), certain topical treatments, and occasionally curettage (gently removing the spots). The choice depends on the number of lesions, their site, and the age of the child.

A note on treating children Some treatments sting or can mark the skin, so in a young child the discomfort of treatment is weighed against the fact that the spots would eventually clear anyway. This balance is part of the discussion at consultation, rather than a one-size-fits-all answer.
Everyday care

Limiting spread

Simple measures reduce the chance of spots multiplying or passing to others.

Helpful

  • Discourage scratching and picking, which spreads the virus
  • Keep affected skin covered where practical
  • Use separate towels and avoid sharing sponges
  • Treat any co-existing eczema, which makes spread easier
  • Keep fingernails short in children

Unhelpful

  • Squeezing or picking at the bumps
  • Sharing towels, sponges or baths while active
  • Vigorous scrubbing of affected skin
  • Excluding children from normal activities unnecessarily
  • Attempting to remove spots at home with sharp objects
Seeking help

When to see a dermatologist

Consider an assessment if:

  • The spots are numerous or spreading widely
  • They are inflamed, or you are not sure they are molluscum
  • They are in a sensitive site such as around the eyes
  • Your child is distressed by them
  • They occur in an adult or someone with a weakened immune system

Molluscum is one of several conditions we see in paediatric dermatology, where treatment is always weighed against the fact that the spots usually clear on their own.

Dr Chen Qiping, Consultant Dermatologist, Chen Dermatology Singapore

Dr Chen Qiping

Consultant Dermatologist · MBBS, MRCP (UK), M.Sc, FAMS (Dermatology)

Dr Chen practises paediatric as well as adult dermatology, including molluscum contagiosum, alongside surgical, laser and cosmetic dermatology. Consultations are available in English and Mandarin.

Full profile →
Common questions

Molluscum contagiosum — frequently asked questions

Is molluscum contagiosum serious?
No. Molluscum contagiosum is a common, harmless viral skin infection, particularly in children. It causes small, painless, pearly bumps and, although it can be persistent and spread, it is not dangerous. In most healthy children it eventually clears on its own as the immune system recognises and clears the virus, though this can take many months to a couple of years.
How does it spread?
It spreads by direct skin-to-skin contact, and by sharing items such as towels or bath sponges. It also spreads on the same person by scratching, which transfers the virus to nearby skin — sometimes producing a line of new bumps. In children it commonly passes between siblings and playmates. Because scratching spreads it, discouraging picking is one of the more useful everyday measures.
Does molluscum need to be treated?
Not always. Because it usually clears by itself in healthy children, watchful waiting is a reasonable and common approach, especially when the bumps are few and not bothersome. Treatment is considered when the spots are numerous, spreading, inflamed, in an awkward or visible site, or causing distress, and in adults or immunosuppressed individuals where the picture can differ. The decision depends on the individual situation rather than a fixed rule.
Why has one of the bumps become red and swollen?
A molluscum spot that becomes red, swollen or tender is often a sign that the immune system is starting to react to and clear the virus — sometimes called the 'beginning of the end' (the BOTE sign). While it can look like infection and is occasionally mistaken for one, this inflammation frequently precedes the spots resolving. It is worth having it looked at if you are unsure, but it is often a good sign rather than a bad one.
Can adults get molluscum contagiosum?
Yes. Although most common in children, it does occur in adults. In adults it can sometimes be spread through close skin contact, and it can be more extensive or persistent in people who are immunosuppressed. The appearance in adults is worth confirming, as a few other skin lesions can resemble it. Treatment options are the same in principle, tailored to the number and site of the lesions.
When should I see a dermatologist about molluscum?
Consider assessment if the spots are numerous or spreading widely, if they are inflamed or you are unsure whether they are molluscum at all, if they are in a sensitive site such as around the eyes, if your child is distressed by them, or if they are occurring in an adult or someone with a weakened immune system. A dermatologist can confirm the diagnosis and discuss whether treatment or watchful waiting is more appropriate.

References

  1. DermNet. Molluscum contagiosum. dermnetnz.org
  2. Society for Pediatric Dermatology. Patient Perspectives: Molluscum Contagiosum. pedsderm.net
  3. American Academy of Dermatology. Molluscum contagiosum. aad.org

Page last reviewed: 28 July 2026.

Important — This page is general information about a skin condition and is not medical advice. It cannot take the place of an individual consultation, examination and diagnosis. Treatment options, their suitability and their possible side effects should be discussed with a qualified doctor who has assessed your skin. Individual results vary. If you have concerns about your skin, please arrange a consultation.

Noticed small bumps on your child's skin?

Arrange a consultation with Dr Chen Qiping at our Collyer Quay clinic — two minutes' walk from Raffles Place MRT. Consultations available in English and Mandarin.

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