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Removing molluscum contagiosum in a child
molluscum contagiosum · molluscum in a child · molluscum removal · small bumps on a child's skin · molluscum curettage
Molluscum contagiosum is small smooth bumps on the skin caused by a virus. Often they go away by themselves, but sometimes the doctor removes them.
When there are many bumps, they grow, become inflamed, bother your child or spread to other children.
⏱ Duration: the procedure usually takes 10 to 30 minutes; without treatment the bumps themselves go away over months
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Decision. Whether to remove or wait is for you to decide with the doctor. Sometimes watching is chosen.
- Numbing. Often a numbing cream is applied under a film 30 to 60 minutes before - ask the clinic.
- Talk. Calmly tell your child what will happen. Bring a favorite toy.
- Skin. Do not squeeze the bumps at home - this spreads the virus.
What to bring
- Your child's ID and referral
- A favorite toy or tablet
- A change of clothes
How it goes
- The doctor examines the skin and chooses a method
- The skin is treated with antiseptic
- The bumps are removed with a small curette (spoon), cold or a special solution
- If there is slight bleeding, it is pressed with gauze
- The spots are treated with antiseptic
- The doctor explains home care
What you'll feel
- With numbing cream it is usually unpleasant but bearable
- Your child may cry from fear more than from pain - stay close
Afterwards
- Treat the spots as your doctor said
- Do not let your child scratch or rub the spots
- Give your child a separate towel, washcloth and clothes
- New bumps may appear - show them to the doctor
Contact a doctor straight away if
- Redness, swelling or pus around the spots, or fever - see a doctor
- Bumps near the eye or on the eyelid - see a doctor, do not touch them yourself
Common questions
Can my child go to the pool and to nursery?
Nursery is usually fine. For the pool, ask your doctor; it is better to cover the bumps.
Will molluscum go away by itself?
Most often yes, but it can take months. You decide about removal with the doctor.