How contagious is molluscum?

[Anonymous]

My youngest had molluscum. They lasted around 2 years -- they were mostly on her torso, with some on her chin and neck. I wouldn't call them a "nightmare". They were non-itchy bumps that went away on their own. Don't know where she got them from, and I don't know how I would have possibly kept her away from other kids for the duration of the infection. I mean, keep small kids from touching each other for 2 years? That's bonkers.

[Anonymous]

you need to have a dem scoop it out to get rid of it

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My youngest had molluscum. They lasted around 2 years -- they were mostly on her torso, with some on her chin and neck. I wouldn't call them a "nightmare". They were non-itchy bumps that went away on their own. Don't know where she got them from, and I don't know how I would have possibly kept her away from other kids for the duration of the infection. I mean, keep small kids from touching each other for 2 years? That's bonkers.

I assure you that it can be a "nightmare" for those of us who have itching with it.

[Anonymous]

My kids all had it. It’s very contagious but not a big deal. It all went away on its own. Though it took awhile. Usually it would get all angry looking and disappear from one part of the body, but pop up in another. Then one day it was all gone.

[Anonymous]

Google the Tagamet cure. We saw a derm for over a year and this was what finally cleared things up for my kid. Took about 10 days as I recall.

[Anonymous]

Avoid like the plague

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Google the Tagamet cure. We saw a derm for over a year and this was what finally cleared things up for my kid. Took about 10 days as I recall.

Is that oral or topical?

[Anonymous]

My 7yo daughter had it for about a year before the bumps started popping and going away. It didn’t bug her. My 2yo daughter then got it, but hers was much shorter-lived. It also did not bother her. I have two other kids who did not get it (or haven’t yet) despite the pediatrician’s strong insistence that all of them would get it. Interestingly, I’m pregnant and about a month ago developed bumps on my forearms that look just like molluscum, even though my daughters don’t have it anymore (that I can tell).

[Anonymous]

At what age is molluscum no longer a concern?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Depends where the molluscum is. If covered by clothing and kids don't share bedding or towels, I wouldn't worry. If in a more visible place, definitely more important to maintain no touching or immediately wash hands if accidentally touch skin.

This. Much more of a problem in the summer.

[Anonymous]

For those interested, I believe the FDA just approved a new topical medication that can be applied at-home to clear the lesions.