If you or your child has started noticing small, smooth bumps on the skin, especially ones with a subtle dimple in the center, it could be more than just an irritation or rash. These growths may be signs of molluscum contagiosum, a common but contagious viral infection. While often considered mild, molluscum can spread quickly and linger for months without treatment. Understanding your options for molluscum contagiosum treatment is essential to keeping your skin healthy and avoiding unnecessary complications.
At the Dermatology & Cutaneous Surgery Institute (DCSI), we offer comprehensive dermatologic care for both children and adults across Palm Beach County. Our board-certified team is experienced in treating viral skin conditions like molluscum using advanced techniques tailored to each patient’s unique skin needs and lifestyle.
What Is Molluscum Contagiosum?
Molluscum contagiosum is a skin infection caused by a poxvirus that lives on the surface layer of the skin. The virus spreads through direct contact with infected skin or contaminated objects like towels, gym equipment, or toys.
Lesions from molluscum appear as small, dome-shaped papules that are typically flesh-colored or pearly, often with a noticeable central indentation.1 These skin virus bumps can occur anywhere on the body, but are most common on the arms, torso, and thighs.
In many cases, molluscum is harmless and self-limiting, but it can take up to a year or more to clear on its own. During that time, the virus remains contagious and may spread further if left untreated.
For children, especially those with eczema or sensitive skin, the bumps may grow in number or become inflamed. Adults can also contract molluscum, particularly through shaving or close physical contact.2
When symptoms worsen or linger, pursuing professional molluscum contagiosum treatment can help limit transmission and ease discomfort.
Identifying Molluscum Bumps
The bumps caused by molluscum are generally small, usually between two and five millimeters, and tend to be smooth, firm, and slightly shiny. Many parents first notice these molluscum bumps on their child’s trunk, arms, or face, especially during bath time or dressing. These skin-colored bumps on children can resemble warts or acne, which is why professional diagnosis is important to avoid confusion or mistreatment.
At DCSI, we routinely perform visual skin evaluations to confirm molluscum and rule out other conditions. In some cases, a small scraping or biopsy may be needed for confirmation, but diagnosis is often made clinically based on appearance and distribution.
How Molluscum Spreads in a Community
Because of its highly contagious nature, molluscum is often seen in environments where skin contact is frequent or shared surfaces are common, like schools, daycare centers, gyms, and households with multiple children. The virus can also be spread by scratching, which causes autoinoculation, leading to more bumps elsewhere on the same person’s skin.3
In warm, humid climates like South Florida, where outdoor activity is year-round and water-based recreation is common, cases tend to rise. That’s why our dermatology offices are located in Palm Beach County, where we’re equipped to provide fast, localized treatment that meets the unique needs of our community. Whether you're coming from Boca Raton, Wellington, or Delray Beach, access to expert dermatologic care for viral skin infections is never far away.
How to Treat Molluscum
Some cases of molluscum resolve without treatment over several months, particularly in healthy children. However, if lesions are spreading, inflamed, or cosmetically distressing, medical intervention is usually recommended. You may be wondering how to treat molluscum in a way that is safe and effective.
At DCSI, we offer a range of molluscum contagiosum treatment options, including cryotherapy, curettage (gentle removal), and topical therapies such as cantharidin, a blistering agent applied in the office. For adults or immunocompromised patients, we may consider immune-stimulating creams or antiviral approaches, depending on the case.4
Treatment selection depends on the patient's age, number of lesions, skin sensitivity, and whether there is a history of eczema or other skin conditions. Our providers focus on comfort and effectiveness, especially when working with pediatric patients or those with low pain tolerance. In many cases, one or two short in-office sessions are all it takes to remove or reduce the bumps significantly.
We also evaluate patients for other conditions that can co-occur or mimic molluscum, such as warts, folliculitis, or eczema flare-ups. If another issue is contributing to the spread, our skin condition specialists will incorporate those factors into your treatment plan.
Preventing the Spread of Molluscum
While treatment can resolve active lesions, preventing the spread of molluscum is a crucial part of managing the condition. We advise patients to avoid sharing personal items, keep lesions covered during sports or swimming, and wash their hands frequently. Children should avoid scratching or picking at bumps, which can lead to additional lesions or secondary bacterial infections.
Parents can help by teaching good hygiene habits and ensuring that any suspicious bumps are evaluated early. If you're unsure about what you're seeing, a quick consultation with one of our providers can help clarify next steps. Our dermatology team serves families throughout Palm Beach County, offering trusted care and guidance to help prevent minor skin issues like molluscum from becoming more complicated over time.
Why Choose DCSI for Molluscum Contagiosum Treatment?
At Dermatology & Cutaneous Surgery Institute, we understand that skin conditions affect more than appearance. They impact comfort, confidence, and daily life. Our goal is to provide expert molluscum contagiosum treatment in a supportive and efficient clinical setting. Whether your child has a mild case or you're managing a recurrent outbreak, we offer:
- Personalized care based on age and medical history
- Convenient appointments across multiple Palm Beach County locations
- In-office procedures with minimal downtime
- Support for long-term skin health and infection prevention
Our team believes in treating more than symptoms. We educate and empower patients to understand their skin and take steps toward lasting wellness. As part of our medical dermatology services, molluscum care is one of many conditions we address with professionalism and compassion.
Start Your Recovery Today
If you or your child is showing signs of molluscum contagiosum, there’s no need to wait and hope it clears on its own. Timely treatment can prevent complications and help you feel more comfortable in your skin.
Contact DCSI today to schedule an appointment and speak with one of our board-certified providers. Our team is here to help with advanced dermatologic care, delivered right here in South Florida.
To stay updated on skin care, dermatology trends, and patient resources, visit our news and education center, where we regularly publish new articles tailored to your needs.
Sources
- Mayo Clinic Staff. Molluscum contagiosum – Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/molluscum-contagiosum/symptoms-causes/syc-20375226. Accessed June 2025.
- Cleveland Clinic. Molluscum contagiosum. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12175-molluscum-contagiosum. Accessed June 2025.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Molluscum contagiosum: About. CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/molluscum-contagiosum/about/index.html. Accessed June 2025.
- Bolognia JL, Schaffer JV, Cerroni L. Molluscum contagiosum. In: Dermatology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441898/. Accessed June 2025.