Molluscum Contagiosum on My Baby's Skin
Content reviewed against published AAP, CDC, AAD guidelines
Last reviewed:
Baby skin is sensitive and changes frequently. If you are noticing molluscum contagiosum on my baby's skin, here is what you need to know.
The short answer
Molluscum contagiosum is a common, harmless viral skin infection that causes small, firm, dome-shaped bumps with a characteristic dimple (umbilication) in the center. It is caused by a poxvirus and is very common in children aged 1-10 years. The bumps are painless and usually resolve on their own within 6-18 months without treatment, though they can persist for up to 4 years. The virus is contagious through direct skin contact and shared items.
Key takeaways
- Molluscum contagiosum is a common, harmless viral skin infection that causes small, firm, dome-shaped bumps with a characteristic dimple (umbilication) in the center. It is caused by a poxvirus and is very common in children aged 1-10 years. The bumps are painless and usually resolve on their own within 6-18 months without treatment, though they can persist for up to 4 years. The virus is contagious through direct skin contact and shared items.
- Usually normal when: Your child has a few small, painless bumps with central dimples that are not growing rapidly or causing distress.
- Call your doctor if: The bumps become very red, warm, painful, and develop pus — this may indicate a secondary bacterial infection requiring antibiotics.
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
“Eczema is very common in babies and children. About 1 in 10 children will develop eczema, typically starting in the first few months of life.”
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By Age
What to expect by age
0-12 months
Molluscum contagiosum is less common in babies under 12 months but can occur, especially if they have older siblings with the infection. The bumps are typically 2-5 mm in diameter, skin-colored or pearly white, and have a small dent in the center. They can appear anywhere on the body but are common on the trunk, arms, and legs. In infants, the infection is usually acquired through skin-to-skin contact with an infected family member. Treatment is generally not recommended for infants because the bumps are harmless and treatments can be painful. Keep the affected areas clean and avoid picking at bumps.
12-24 months
Toddlers in daycare may contract molluscum from other children. The bumps can spread on your child's own body through scratching (autoinoculation), so keep nails trimmed short. The surrounding skin may become red or irritated, especially if your child has eczema (eczema can worsen around molluscum bumps — a condition called "molluscum dermatitis"). Do not share towels, bath items, or clothing with the affected child. Covering bumps with clothing or bandages can reduce spread. Most pediatricians recommend watchful waiting rather than active treatment.
2-3 years
Molluscum may spread or persist during this age. When bumps are about to resolve naturally, they may become red, swollen, and slightly tender — this is actually a good sign called the "BOTE" (Beginning of the End) reaction, meaning the immune system is fighting the virus. If treatment is desired (for extensive spread or cosmetic concerns), options include topical treatments (cantharidin applied in-office, tretinoin cream), cryotherapy (freezing), or curettage (scraping). These treatments can be uncomfortable and should be weighed against the option of waiting for natural resolution. Consult your dermatologist or pediatrician about the best approach.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Your child has a few small, painless bumps with central dimples that are not growing rapidly or causing distress.
- The bumps have been present for weeks to months and are slowly increasing in number — molluscum often spreads before resolving.
- A bump becomes red and slightly tender before flattening — this is often a sign that it is about to resolve.
- The bumps are spreading rapidly or you have questions about treatment options.
- The skin around the bumps is very red, itchy, or eczematous.
- You want to discuss whether treatment is appropriate for your child or if watchful waiting is preferred.
- The bumps become very red, warm, painful, and develop pus — this may indicate a secondary bacterial infection requiring antibiotics.
- Bumps appear on or very close to your baby's eyes, which could affect vision — see your pediatrician or an ophthalmologist.
- Your child has a widespread eruption of molluscum combined with high fever or seems systemically unwell — this is unusual and warrants medical evaluation.
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Molluscum Contagiosum on My Baby's Skin.
Things to mention
- The bumps are spreading rapidly or you have questions about treatment options.
- The skin around the bumps is very red, itchy, or eczematous.
- You want to discuss whether treatment is appropriate for your child or if watchful waiting is preferred.
Observations to share
- The bumps are spreading rapidly or you have questions about treatment options.
- The skin around the bumps is very red, itchy, or eczematous.
- You want to discuss whether treatment is appropriate for your child or if watchful waiting is preferred.
Urgent signs to report immediately
- The bumps become very red, warm, painful, and develop pus — this may indicate a secondary bacterial infection requiring antibiotics.
- Bumps appear on or very close to your baby's eyes, which could affect vision — see your pediatrician or an ophthalmologist.
- Your child has a widespread eruption of molluscum combined with high fever or seems systemically unwell — this is unusual and warrants medical evaluation.
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
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Hives are raised, red, itchy welts that can appear suddenly on your baby's skin. They are most often caused by a viral infection or an allergic reaction to food, medication, or an insect bite. While they can look alarming, hives are usually harmless and resolve on their own, though any breathing difficulty needs immediate emergency care.
My Baby Has Heat Rash
Heat rash (miliaria) is very common in babies and occurs when sweat ducts become blocked, trapping perspiration beneath the skin. It appears as small red or clear bumps, often in skin folds, on the neck, chest, groin, or diaper area. Heat rash is not dangerous and typically resolves on its own within a few days once the baby is cooled down. The best treatment is cooling the skin, dressing your baby in loose clothing, and avoiding overheating.
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease in Babies
Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a very common viral illness in babies and toddlers, especially during summer and fall. It causes small blisters or sores in the mouth and a spotted rash on the hands and feet. While it can make your child uncomfortable for a few days, it is not dangerous and resolves on its own within 7-10 days.
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When to Call the Doctor
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Frequently asked questions
Is molluscum contagiosum on my baby's skin normal?
When should I call the doctor about molluscum contagiosum on my baby's skin?
When is molluscum contagiosum on my baby's skin normal?
What causes molluscum contagiosum on my baby's skin?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about molluscum contagiosum on my baby's skin?
Is molluscum contagiosum on my baby's skin normal at 0-12 months?
Is molluscum contagiosum on my baby's skin normal at 12-24 months?
Should I go to the ER for molluscum contagiosum on my baby's skin?
Does molluscum contagiosum on my baby's skin go away on its own?
References
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of molluscum contagiosum on my baby's skin are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if the bumps become very red, warm, painful, and develop pus — this may indicate a secondary bacterial infection requiring antibiotics.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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Related Skin Concerns
Baby Hives (Urticaria)
Hives are raised, red, itchy welts that can appear suddenly on your baby's skin. They are most often caused by a viral infection or an allergic reaction to food, medication, or an insect bite. While they can look alarming, hives are usually harmless and resolve on their own, though any breathing difficulty needs immediate emergency care.
My Baby Has Heat Rash
Heat rash (miliaria) is very common in babies and occurs when sweat ducts become blocked, trapping perspiration beneath the skin. It appears as small red or clear bumps, often in skin folds, on the neck, chest, groin, or diaper area. Heat rash is not dangerous and typically resolves on its own within a few days once the baby is cooled down. The best treatment is cooling the skin, dressing your baby in loose clothing, and avoiding overheating.
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease in Babies
Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a very common viral illness in babies and toddlers, especially during summer and fall. It causes small blisters or sores in the mouth and a spotted rash on the hands and feet. While it can make your child uncomfortable for a few days, it is not dangerous and resolves on its own within 7-10 days.
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Accessory (supernumerary) nipples are one of the most common minor congenital findings, occurring in about 1 in 18 people. They appear as small, flat, often pigmented bumps along the "milk line" — an embryonic line running from the armpit to the groin on each side. Most people mistake them for moles. Accessory nipples are almost always harmless and require no treatment. In rare cases, they may be associated with kidney abnormalities, so some pediatricians recommend a renal ultrasound if one is found, though this practice varies.
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