Can parents catch molluscum?
Can parents catch molluscum?
A: Molluscum contagiosum is a highly contagious virus in the pox family that’s really common. But a lot of parents don’t talk about it. (Think about it, who really wants those bragging rights?) It’s all around us in the environment, so almost everyone gets exposed to it at some point.
Is molluscum contagious in children?
Key points about molluscum contagiosum in children It is not harmful, does not have any other symptoms, and is only mildly contagious. It is very common in children and adolescents. In most cases, the bumps will heal without treatment over a period of 6 to 12 months.
Can kids spread molluscum contagiosum to adults?
Though most common in children, molluscum contagiosum can affect adults as well — particularly those with weakened immune systems. In adults with an otherwise normal immune system, molluscum contagiosum involving the genitals is considered a sexually transmitted infection.
What happens when your child gets molluscum contagiousum?
It’s coming. Molluscum is a highly contagious (thus: contagiosum), incredibly common, and essentially harmless viral skin infection. It results in round, firm, white-filled bumps. They might be small. They might be a smattering on your kid’s shoulder or chest. They might redden or blacken quickly.
How can molluscum be spread from person to person?
Molluscum can also be spread from skin-to-skin contact involving the molluscum spots. It can take weeks or even months for the spots to appear after your child has come into contact with the molluscum virus. Good personal hygiene is important to help prevent molluscum spreading. If your child has molluscum: Give your child showers instead of baths.
How long does it take for molluscum rash to go away?
The bumps can spread from one part of the body to another or from person to person. For most kids, the rash goes away on its own in 6–12 months, but can take longer. Molluscum contagiosum (mol-US-kum kon-tay-jee-OH-sum), or molluscum for short, usually goes away on its own without medical treatment. What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Molluscum?
What’s the best way to treat molluscum contagiosum?
Limit your colloidal oatmeal bath to 10 to 15 minutes. Longer could dry out your skin, which could irritate molluscum contagiosum. You could also mix the colloidal oatmeal in a bowl or glass and dip a washcloth in it, applying the washcloth to areas of irritated skin.
How to avoid spreading molluscum contagiosum to other areas?
If the bumps itch, ask your dermatologist if you can apply hydrocortisone cream or ointment to reduce the itch. How to avoid spreading molluscum to other areas of the body Try to avoid scratching and picking at the bumps. Scratching and picking can spread the virus to other parts of your body. If your skin breaks open, you can infect your skin.
What are the symptoms of molluscum contagiosum skin infection?
Overview. Molluscum contagiosum is a common skin infection that results in raised, round, flesh-colored bumps on the skin. These bumps can become red and inflamed. Molluscum contagiosum (mo-LUS-kum kun-tay-jee-OH-sum) is a relatively common viral infection of the skin that results in round, firm, painless bumps ranging in size from a pinhead
How old do you have to be to get molluscum contagiosum?
About Molluscum Contagiosum. Infection is most common among kids between 1 and 12 years old, but also affects: athletes who have close skin-to-skin contact, such as wrestlers, or athletes who share equipment, such as gymnasts people whose immune systems have been weakened by conditions such as HIV , cancer treatment,…
Do you wash your hands after touching molluscum?
Keep the bumps clean and wash your hands after touching the molluscum. Washing your hands helps to remove the virus from your skin so that you don’t spread the virus to other areas.