When you see small, round, pearly bumps on your child’s skin—or even your own—it’s often molluscum contagiosum, a harmless but contagious viral skin infection caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus, a member of the poxvirus family. Also known as water warts, it’s not dangerous, but it can be annoying, embarrassing, and spread easily through skin contact or shared towels and toys. This isn’t acne, it’s not an allergy, and it’s not caused by poor hygiene. It’s a virus that loves warm, moist skin and thrives in places like swimming pools, locker rooms, and crowded homes.
It’s most common in kids under 10, but adults get it too—especially those with weakened immune systems or who have close skin contact during sports, sex, or shaving. The bumps usually show up on the face, arms, legs, or groin. They’re tiny, firm, and often have a dimple in the center. They don’t hurt, but they can itch or get red if scratched. And here’s the catch: scratching or picking spreads them to other parts of the body. That’s why many parents panic when they see one bump turn into five, then ten.
Most cases clear up on their own in 6 to 18 months, but that doesn’t mean you should just wait. The longer it hangs around, the more likely it is to spread to others or cause irritation. Some treatments, like cryotherapy or cantharidin, work fast but can be painful or leave marks. Others, like topical creams or natural remedies, are gentler but take longer. And no, tea tree oil or apple cider vinegar aren’t proven cures—they might help a little, but they won’t zap the virus. What you need is clarity: what actually works, what’s safe for kids, and when to skip treatment entirely.
What’s missing from most online advice? Real talk about how this spreads in families, why some kids get it again and again, and what doctors really recommend when the bumps won’t go away. You’ll find posts here that break down the science behind immune response, compare home remedies with clinical options, and show you how to stop the spread without over-treating. Whether you’re a parent, a caregiver, or someone dealing with adult-onset molluscum, this collection gives you straight answers—not hype.
Molluscum contagiosum causes harmless but contagious skin bumps, especially in children. Learn how it spreads, why most cases clear on their own, and which treatments actually work - without scarring or unnecessary procedures.