Molluscum Contagiosum in Babies & Toddlers
The short answer
Molluscum contagiosum causes small, firm, dome-shaped bumps with a tiny dimple in the center. It is caused by a common, harmless virus and is very common in young children. While it looks unusual, it is not dangerous and the bumps eventually go away on their own, though it can take several months to over a year.
This is one of the most common questions parents ask. Searching for answers means you care.
By Age
What to expect by age
0-6 months
Molluscum is uncommon in babies under 6 months because they still have some protection from maternal antibodies. If small bumps appear in very young infants, it is worth having your pediatrician confirm the diagnosis, as other conditions can look similar at this age.
6-12 months
Babies in this age range can contract molluscum through skin-to-skin contact, shared towels, or from an older sibling. The bumps are small, flesh-colored or pearly white, and painless. They may appear in clusters, commonly on the trunk, arms, legs, or face. They do not require treatment but can spread to nearby skin.
1-3 years
This is a very common age for molluscum, particularly in children who attend daycare. The bumps can persist for 6-18 months on average before the immune system clears the virus. New bumps may continue to appear even as older ones are resolving. Keeping the bumps covered with clothing or bandages can reduce spread to others and to other areas of your child's body.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Small, painless, dome-shaped bumps with a characteristic central dimple
- Bumps that are flesh-colored, pearly, or slightly pink and scattered on the trunk or limbs
- New bumps appearing slowly over weeks while older bumps start to flatten
- The bumps becoming slightly red or inflamed right before they clear, which is a sign the immune system is fighting the virus
- Bumps are spreading rapidly or appearing in very large numbers
- Molluscum bumps are in sensitive areas like the eyelids or genital region
- The skin around the bumps is becoming very itchy, red, or developing eczema-like changes
- You would like to discuss treatment options to speed clearance
- A molluscum bump becomes very red, swollen, warm, and painful, suggesting a secondary bacterial infection
- Your child develops a fever along with spreading redness around the bumps
Sources
Related Resources
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician.
Worrying about your baby means you care. That is a good thing.
Related Skin Concerns
Baby Acne vs Eczema: How to Tell the Difference
Baby acne and eczema can both cause facial rashes, but they look and feel different. Baby acne appears as small red or white bumps, similar to teenage acne, usually on the cheeks, nose, and forehead. Eczema causes dry, rough, red, itchy patches. Baby acne resolves on its own by 3 to 4 months, while eczema may need ongoing management.
Baby Acne (Neonatal Acne)
Baby acne is a very common, harmless condition that appears as small red or white bumps on your newborn's face, usually around 2-4 weeks of age. It is caused by maternal hormones still circulating in your baby's system and clears up on its own within a few weeks to months without any treatment.
Alopecia Areata in Babies
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks hair follicles, causing round, smooth patches of hair loss. While uncommon in babies, it can occur at any age. The condition is not painful or contagious. Many children experience spontaneous hair regrowth, though it may take months. Your pediatrician or dermatologist can confirm the diagnosis.
Athlete's Foot in Toddlers
True athlete's foot (tinea pedis) is actually uncommon in babies and toddlers but can occasionally occur in children who walk barefoot in moist communal areas. Peeling or dry skin on toddler feet is more often caused by juvenile plantar dermatosis (dry, cracked skin from friction) or eczema rather than a fungal infection.
Bed Bug Bites on Baby
Bed bug bites on babies appear as small, red, itchy welts often in lines or clusters, typically noticed in the morning. Bed bugs are not known to transmit diseases, but the bites can cause significant itching and discomfort. Treatment focuses on managing itch with cool compresses and anti-itch cream while eliminating the bed bug infestation from the home.
Baby Blister on Lip from Nursing
A nursing blister (also called a suck callus) is a small, painless blister or thickened patch on your baby's upper lip caused by the friction of latching during breastfeeding or bottle feeding. It is completely harmless, does not hurt your baby, and does not need any treatment. These are very common in newborns and typically come and go in the early weeks.