The blisters you find on your child can be caused
by a number of different things. If on questioning
your child, he tells you that his friend has them,
then you can be almost certain that it is molluscum
contagiosum which is a common skin virus which spreads
extremely easily. Molluscum
blisters are small red pustules and usually there
are more than one. Molluscum is a virus which is caused
by a pox virus strain; the same virus which causes
chickenpox and shingles.
Animals cannot get molluscum so there is no need to
worry about your children playing with your own pets
or a friend's animal. At first you may think the molluscum
is pimples but young children do not usually get pimples.
The trademark sign of a molluscum infection is the
little indent in each blister.
If you are searching for
a natural and safe Molluscum
Contagiosum treatment formula, try Heal
Molluscum - a proven effective formula
for Molluscum.
Where is Molluscum Contracted from?
Molluscum contagiousum can appear on a child's arms, chest and face. Sometimes, it may occur in the groin area but if your child is shy about this, then it is better to take him to a doctor for reassurance. Unfortunately, molluscum has become as prevalent as the common lice bug in schools today. As young children play and have a close contact through their games, sports and play, there is a greater chance that molluscum can be passed on. Swimming pools are another popular venue where children enjoy lots of non-harmful contact and where molluscum can be contracted. If a child has no history of molluscum or eczema (as the latter may come with the molluscum) then it is most likely that it was contracted at school.
If a child already has molluscum, he must be warned not to scratch it, as this can cause something called self inoculation. When a virus like molluscum is scratched open and another part of the body is then scratched, the virus can pass via the finger nails into other parts of the skin causing more molluscum contagiosum to appear.
Does Molluscum Ever Leave?
Usually, molluscum will clear up within a year though
some harsher cases may last longer. There are treatments
for children over the age of five years. For the most
part, molluscum contagiosum should cause no problems
and it cannot become cancerous. There should be no
itch to it unless accompanied by eczema. It is important
to discourage children from scratching. They should
wash their hands with anti-bacterial soap after touching
or scratching the area where the molluscum is so as
not to spread it. Be aware that molluscum may not
show up for weeks after infection. If it does occur,
have it treated quickly and keep your child's friends'
parents informed to avoid further infection.
Go
to our Mollscum Contagiosum Treatment page
Resources
* www.rch.org.au
* http://dermnetnz.org
