One of the most delightful things about having children is their propensity to develop wonderful skin conditions. Of these, molluscum contagiosum, or “water warts”, is one of the more challenging and frustrating conditions parents have to deal with.
What Is Molluscum Contagiosum?
Molluscum Contagiosum: Image Courtesy Of JAMA Dermatology
Molluscum contagiosum, or “water warts”, as it is sometimes called, is caused by a virus from the pox family. The most common feature of this viral infection is the small round nodule that appears on the skin- usually 1-2 mm in diameter. There is usually a central dimple, called an umbilication. Inside the wart is a seed made of a waxy shiny material.
Natural History Of Molluscum Contagiosum:
Molluscum contagiosum is extremely contagious (the clue is in the name!). Your child can pick it up via direct contact with a friend’s warts. He can also become infected via “fomites”- the viral particles that cling to solid surfaces for several hours after an infected person has come into contact with them.
KIds often become infected by sharing towels and body boards in the swimming pool, leading to the nickname “water warts”, although the virus is not actually spread via water at all.
Left to itself, molluscum is self- limiting in the majority of cases; it will resolve without treatment within approximately 9-18 months. For this reason, many doctors recommend no treatment, and adopt a “watch and wait” policy.
When to Treat Molluscum:
Although molluscum is regarded as generally benign, some children may experience complications such as:
- Eczema around the site of the molluscum. (Click here for further information about treating Childhood Eczema)
- Rapid spread of warts due to excessive scratching and reseeding
- Bacterial infection due to scratching
- Irritation and chafing, especially if molluscum occur in the groin or armpit area
Children with complications may require active intervention to prevent further spreading, and reduce discomfort.
How to Treat Molluscum:
We’ve already discussed the “do nothing” approach. If your child has no discomfort, and there are relatively few spots, this may be your best approach.
However, if your child is experiencing complications, your doctor may discuss certain interventions:
Topical Creams and Paints:
- Wart paints such as Salicylic Acid have been found to be very helpful on plantar warts, or verrucas. However, molluscum are less thickened, so this treatment may be painful and may blister normal skin nearby.
- Imiquimod, or “Aldara”, is an immune modifier which supposedly encourages the immune system to “wake up” and fight the molluscum, clearing it up faster. However, several studies have shown no improvement following this treatment, so it is no longer recommended for treatment of molluscum.
- Cantharidine: a paint derived from a beetle, and dating back to ancient Chinese medical traditions. This paint causes a blister to form on top of the molluscum, which should peel off after 3-4 days, taking the molluscum with it. In the majority of cases it is relatively painless and causes little to no scarring. Occasionally, it may be painful, and there is a small chance of bacterial contamination of the blisters.
Invasive Treatments:
- Curettage: removing the roof of the wart to remove the contagious “seed” from the centre. This is usually done after applying local anaesthetic cream, but may still cause some discomfort. If there are multiple warts to treat, a young child may become very distressed. There is a small risk of scarring.
- Cryotherapy: using liquid nitrogen to freeze the warts off. Again, this is best done after applying local anaesthetic creams to the area. It may also cause scarring.
Home Remedies:
So we have “do nothing” and we have various quite invasive, or painful, options. Is there a middle of the road approach? Although rarely recommended by medical professionals, there is growing evidence that several other, more innocuous, therapies may be beneficial:
- Tea Tree Oil: dabbing a drop of tea tree oil on each of the molluscum once or twice a day may help prevent them spreading, and may actually reduce the number of molluscum. It appears to work by causing the immune system to “wake up” and get started on removing the molluscum. It is a good idea to try this before going for a more invasive option. At the very least, your doctor may have to treat less warts!
- Wheat Grass Spray : this is a similar idea to Tea Tree Oil, but it is a little harder to come by. Unless you already have some at home, in which case, have a go!
- Tape Stripping: this rather bizarre treatment may work for you. Apply duct tape or Elastoplast onto the molluscum, with the adhesive part in contact with the warts. Keep it on for a couple of days and then take it off. I must admit though- I haven’t had any personal experience with this one!
My favourite of the above home remedies is the tea tree oil. It is readily available and easy to apply. And it really works! Among all the parents I have recommended it to, the majority find that the warts either disappear or reduce greatly. This is fantastic for your child and your doctor, as any further wart removal will be quicker and less traumatic for all concerned!
What molluscum therapies have you tried? Which worked for you? Have you any advice or stories you would like to share? Leave your comments below.
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38 Comments
I was just wondering if I should cover the water wart with a band aid or elastoplas after applying the tea tree oil?
Hi Elisa,
There’s no need to cover the wart with a band aid. Sometimes, covering the warts with band aids can make them wet and lead to further infection.
However, if your child is swimming, try to cover the warts with an occlusive dressing whilst he is in the pool.
I’m definitely going to try the Tea Tree Oil, so thank you for that! My 2.5 year old has had these things since about May of last year right on the back of her knee. She’s now developed a eczema-like patch just below them (in the crevice). Should I avoid that area with the Tea Tree (there are a couple in that area) and just put eczema lotion there? Or is it safe to do both? Thanks in advance, these things are driving us both nuts!
Hi Gwen,
Apply the tea tree oil, and then put the eczema creams on top so your child doesn’t scratch and spread the lesions further.
Can we apply tea tree oil directly to the lesions in a child or we need to dilute it with some base like coconut or olive oil?
Hi Suhita,
You can apply it directly, unless your child experiences stinging or itching, in which case you may need to dilute it.
Hi, my 7yo daughter has had moloscum for months now and they are spreading and horribly sore and itchy, they are on the inside of her legs and nearly the whole back of her legs. We’ve tried tea tree, and taping? I’m at a loss at how to deal with them and my poor girl is so uncomfortable – we’ve got a dr appt this week do you think they will treat her with something more and of so what should I be asking for? Thanks in advance.
Hi Erin,
So sorry to hear you’re having such a hard time. Yes, the dermatologist can offer more treatments including deroofing the molluscums and removing the seeds, or applying paints to get rid of the molluscum.
All the best!
How long after cryotherapy has started should we expect all the bumps to be gone? More bumps keep showing up between treatments.
Hi Lena,
It may be worth treating the bumps immediately they appear with something like tea tree oil or something similar, as they are very contagious if your child is scratching them. That may be why you are seeing more bumps appearing even after cryotherapy.
Warm regards,
Dr Natalie
my little girl of 7 has moloscum for over 2 years mostly around her eyes and some on her face…Because of the proximity to the eyes the doctor says it not safe to apply anything that could damage her eyes ..Have tried almost everything .tea tree oil.lemon myrtle.oil.garlic paste .Taping with duct tape and stuff that i got online..Am at my wits end as nothing seems to make any difference…..please advise.
Dear Denis,
If it has been persistent for two years, you should see a dermatologist to make sure the diagnosis is correct, and it isn’t something else.
If it is truly molluscum, you could try wheat germ oil which has been shown to be generally very effective and safe.
I hope your daughter is better soon,
Dr Natalie
well thanks for you advice Dr natalie. Have taken my little one to a Dermatologist and she prescribed a product called MOLLUDAB a solution containing potassium hydroxide and to be applied sparingly twice daily to the affected areas.since i started applying some days ago the molluscum have gotten hard and crusty but having said that the same happened with other products after application.so its simply a case of keep on applying to a max of 14 days as stated on the box and if not working once again consult my Dermatologist Natalie..
Hello
I have two questions- is wheat germ oil or tea tree oil more effective at treating MC, in your opinion? Also, my seven year old has been recently diagnosed with MC and I’m worried that she will pass it on to my 8month old… is he too young to use these oils (through topical application) should any warts appear on his body?
Thanks in advance!
Hi Mel,
Some people believe wheat germ oil to be more effective, although both have been shown to work.
It is possible for your 8 month old to be infected by your older child- try to avoid direct contact with the molluscum, and avoid bed sharing and bathing together. If your 8 month old does develop molluscum, try a small amount of either wheat germ or tea tree oil directly on the wart, but observe for signs of skin irritation.
All the best,
Dr Natalie
I am 45 and went to the docotor when they were few and small on the top of my hand.. She didn’t diagnose as mulluscim and told me they would go away (or possible age spots!) 3 months later, they grew tremendously and I went back to the doctor. She still wasn’t concerned but diagnose as muslluscum. She told me tree tee oil may work, but they won’t go away for month.
I am very embarissed since they are in plain view and I would do anything to get rid of them. Does anyone know where I can buy canthardin? I read a study that 95% of subjects showed no signs of the disease after application. However, the US banned it. I am desperate and want to try something that works!
Hi Jo,
I’m so sorry to hear about your embarrassing situation. Rest assured, the molluscum will eventually go away- and the tea tree oil should help if applied regularly.
You are correct, cantharidin is safe and effective (see this article for further details: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/30097988/#fft).
However, cantharidin is usually applied by a doctor- usually a dermatologist. Here in Singapore, it is still licenced. If you are unable to access it where you live, I would suggest continuing with either tea tree or wheatgerm oil.
All the best,
Dr Natalie
Hi Doc,
How about coconut oil, do you recommend it?
Kind Regards,
Sam
Hi Sam,
It’s not usually known to be effective in treatment of molluscum.
Warm regards,
Dr Natalie
Hello,
My 4 year old son has molluscums, I tried the tea tree oil idea and then an old wives tale of using clear nail varnish so the molluscum cant ‘breathe’! This seems to be working they have become a little inflamed and red, but I think one has become infected as he has picked at it. The pharmacist wouldn’t give me an antibiotic cream as it hasn’t burst or opened yet! He is on an oral antibiotic at the moment for something else, do you think this is enough? Is it a good sign that it is infected like some websites say?? So frustrated with them!
Thank you,
Charlene
Hi Charlene,
If your child is on oral antibiotics, it should be enough and you shouldn’t need a topical cream as well. Although it wouldn’t hurt to use an antiseptic such as iodine or Chlorhexidine, or savlon cream.
Inflammation is not bad, as it “wakes” the immune system up to fight the molluscum. However, infection is not good and should be treated.
All the best,
Dr Natalie
Thank you very much for such a quick reply! Really appreciated. The one that was a little infected actually leaked a bit of pus last night, but today it looks a lot better.
Thank you again
My 13 year old has been dealing with molluscum on her knee for at least 2 years. We’ve been to 2 different dermatologists who “removed” them. They are back and now there are more in another area of her knee. She recently started to shave her legs so I suspect that is making things worse. I know she doesn’t like them and shouldn’t shave them but she won’t want to stop shaving. I made another appt. with the dermatologist but am not sure if I should try another method. We did try tea tree oil and it didn’t work. She hated doing that. I know she won’t want to go to school wearing tape either. Any suggestions?
Hi Bonnie,
You could try wheat germ oil, or ask the dermatologist about cantharidin or “beetle juice”, as it is sometimes called.
Two years is a long time. It would be good just to check that it is molluscum and not another type of watt.
All the best.
My Daughter had them for almost 3 years we tried wheat germ oil and a multiple of other stuff from chemists and doctors.none worked and i can safely say that i spent over 1k on treatments..ultimately i encouraged her to just pick at them and once they got infected her immune system kicked in and cleared the lot up and now she is molloscum free.
My 2 year old has these. And one has gone into a big boil. He’s due to go doctors on Monday is there anything I can do to help him with the pain from the infected one.
Hi Naomi,
I’m so sorry to hear that. Try simple pain relieving medicine such as paracetamol or ibuprofen syrup for children.
If the infection appears to be spreading, with redness moving along the skin from the boil, seek urgent medical attention at your nearest emergency unit, as your son could be developing cellulitis.
Otherwise, your doctor should be able to treat the infected boil tomorrow.
All the best,
Dr Natalie
Can I use freeze away wart remover on my son’s molluscum?
Hi Jami,
It isn’t recommended. Freezing warts or verrucas is fine as they are thicker and denser. Molluscum are generally smaller and thinner. There is a risk of permanent scarring with freezing.
Warm regards,
Dr Natalie
MY son has molluscum virus on his face , can i apply tea tree oil on his face directly or i have to dillite it with coconut oil
Hi Jaya,
For any molluscum on the face it would be better to see a dermatologist to assess which would be the best treatment to minimise any risk of scarring.
All the best,
Dr Natalie
Hi Dr Epton
My 4 and a half year old daughter has been diagnosed with molluscum and it’s all on her face, especially under her nose and spreading rapidly. Is it safe to use these oils or duct tape or nail varnish on her face?
Thanks very much.
Sarah
Hi Sarah,
For any molluscum on the face it would be better to see a dermatologist to assess which would be the best treatment to minimise any risk of scarring.
All the best,
Dr Natalie
My five-year-old daughter has them on her face and was advised by our dermatologist to use Aldara. 7 months after we started treatment, there’s a few still left but they’re almost gone. No scarring fortunately. We will never know for sure whether/ to what extent the Aldara helped, but I do feel that it controlled the spread to some degree. Good luck, it’s a long game …
Hi Dr Natalie, thanks so much for seeing my son two weeks ago and for the advice to use tea tree – I can already see a big difference and the warts are shrinking!
I feel like you could advise people to use pure tea tree oil though – luckily I already had a bottle of Australian oil that was 100% tea tree so used that for the first week. Then, I bought a bottle from The Body Shop which was only 15% tea tree oil (didn’t think to check the label!) and the rest alcohol. When I used that, his skin got very red and dry, and I assume the effect isn’t as strong? Most people would probably do as I did and go to Body Shop…
We got a bad reaction to that alcohol oil, so maybe it might be worth mentioning to people?
Hi Dr Natalie,
Thank God he made you, really. I felt helpless and desperate until i came across your page. I have a 3 year old and a 6 year old who both developed these unsightly skin tags around the same time and both on the left side of their armpits. And given the current situation in the world, a doctors visit is too risky.
I will try the home remedies suggested and will let u all know how that worked out.
May God keep you and your family safe.
Lots of love from the UK.
Hi I am currently trying pure tea oil on my 7 year old daughter’s MC. Feel like more are coming up, older ones have grown. She’s has the a few months, the doctor said not to treat. How do you know when they are starting to go? She is so conscious about them it’s horrible. I’m scared of them spreading to her face. Please advise thanks
Hi Kathryn,
I would keep going with the tea tree oil for a few weeks. If you really feel it’s not working, try to get your hands on some wheat germ oil instead. Your doctor has said not to treat because he is going on the teaching that it is benign and self-limiting, but of course there are others factors to consider, such as rapid spread, potential for secondary infection, personal feelings of self-consciousness.
Regular painting should work. Good luck!
Warm regards,
Dr Natalie