Dermatology · Molluscum
Clear molluscum, gently and safely
Molluscum contagiosum is a common, highly contagious viral skin infection that causes small, raised bumps — most often in children. It usually clears on its own, but that can take 6–18 months. Professional removal stops the spread sooner, eases discomfort and protects the skin from scarring.
What it is
A common childhood skin virus
Molluscum contagiosum is caused by a poxvirus that infects the top layer of the skin. It shows up as small, firm, flesh-coloured or white bumps — often with a tiny dimple in the centre — that are usually painless but can itch or become inflamed.
The bumps can appear anywhere, but commonly on the face, neck, arms, hands, torso and groin. The virus stays in the skin and doesn't circulate through the body — but it does spread easily through contact, which is why it's so common among children and within families.
Harmless, but worth treating early — to stop it spreading and protect the skin.
How it spreads
Contagious until every bump clears
Molluscum stays contagious the whole time the bumps are present. Knowing how it travels helps you limit its spread while treatment does its work.
Close personal contact
Skin-to-skin contact with someone who has molluscum — including during sport or play — passes the virus on easily.
Shared objects
Towels, clothing, bath sponges and gym equipment can carry the virus from one person to the next.
Scratching & shaving
Picking, scratching or shaving over the bumps spreads them to new areas of your own skin (autoinoculation).
Weakened immunity
Eczema or a lowered immune system can lead to more widespread or longer-lasting infection.
Why treat it
Reasons not to just wait it out
Molluscum usually resolves on its own eventually — but many families choose treatment earlier, and for good reason.
Prevent further spread
Clearing the bumps reduces the viral load and limits spread to other areas of the body, siblings and classmates.
Ease irritation & discomfort
Itchy or inflamed bumps are settled, and the temptation to scratch — which spreads them — is reduced.
Avoid scarring & infection
Professional removal lowers the risk of scarring and of bacterial infection from broken, scratched skin.
Confirm the diagnosis
An expert check makes sure it really is molluscum, and not another skin condition that needs different care.
Treatment options
Matched to age, skin and lesions
The right approach depends on age, skin type, how many lesions there are and immune status — chosen after a consultation, sometimes with a little topical anaesthetic for comfort.
Cryotherapy (liquid nitrogen)
Freezes and destroys virus-infected tissue quickly — effective for limited or clustered bumps. Mild redness or blistering may occur briefly.
Curettage
A sterile instrument gently lifts the bumps away for immediate removal, usually with local anaesthetic. Carries a small risk of scarring or pigment change.
Topical treatments
Cantharidin (often used in children), salicylic-acid preparations, or FDA-approved berdazimer gel — all under medical supervision to avoid irritation.
Laser therapy
A targeted option for stubborn or widespread lesions where other methods aren't suitable — precise and tissue-sparing.
What to expect
A calm, straightforward visit
Molluscum is quick to assess and treat, with clear aftercare so healing is smooth — especially for younger patients.
Consultation
A careful look to confirm it's molluscum, check how widespread it is, and choose the gentlest effective option for the age and skin.
Treatment
In-clinic removal or a prescribed topical plan — with topical anaesthetic where helpful to keep children comfortable.
Healing
Mild redness or sensitivity settles quickly. We give clear aftercare to protect the skin and limit spread while it heals.
Review
New bumps can appear as the virus clears — we review and treat any stragglers so the skin fully settles.
Your specialist
Prof. Dr. Milos Pavlovic
Our Professor of Dermatology treats molluscum with evidence-based techniques chosen around your child's age, skin type and the number of lesions — clearing bumps quickly and safely, minimising discomfort and protecting long-term skin health.
Good to know
Molluscum, answered
Clearer skin, sooner
Book a molluscum consultation
Bumps you'd like cleared — for comfort, to stop the spread, or to protect your child's skin? Book online or message us and we'll choose the gentlest effective plan.
