Learning About and Dealing with Molluscum

Thank you Aboutmolluscum.com for sponsoring this post. 

One of the best parts of summer for us is the town pool, but not the molluscum (commonly pronounced mollescum) that sometimes comes along with that. I know, that’s an odd segue, but it’s true. Sure, we still have all of those beautiful memories of the past summer playing at the pool, going down the slide, and hanging out by our amazing kiddie pool water park, rock climbing at an awesome birthday party. With all of those great things we enjoyed, the bout with molluscum really sticks out. It was just a nuisance for us that brought an unwelcome complication to all of that summer fun!

While some of you may not have heard about this, it affects millions of people each and every year in the US. Let’s talk about it so you have a better understanding of what it is and how you can recognize it and seek treatment for it.

About Molluscum 

Molluscum contagiosum, or simply molluscum, is a highly contagious viral skin infection that affects an estimated 6 million people in the United States. That’s a ton of people. Even more amazing, it primarily impacts children under the age of 16. In my personal experience at the Garden City Pool, it touches MANY of the kids, especially the younger ones that use the slide, kiddie pool rides, and the playground. Hey, kids play, touch things, and get into things. That’s what they’re supposed to do!

Molluscum is itchy and can be painful for the person that has to deal with it. In some cases, Molluscum can also create openings in the skin where bacterial infections can enter and take hold.

It can also look really bad, and that’s especially a concern for our kids…they don’t want to look funny! Then, they basically have to “quarantine” in a way, and not touch things people share or any one of their family or friends. You don’t want your kids to spread it, but that’s really difficult for a kid to do. Plus, that makes them feel even worse about the whole situation. They feel like an outcast in a way, and that’s a terrible thing for just about anyone.

It’s just not a fun time for anyone involved, believe me!

Recognizing Molluscum

Molluscum may appear as a single bump or many bumps clustered together. These bumps are flesh-colored, white, pink, or red in color and they may have white, waxy cores with a dent in the middle. The bumps tend to cluster, with as many as 100 bumps ranging in size from a pinhead to a pencil eraser.

My kids always seemed to get it, at first, on the back of their legs. We assumed it was from going on the pool slide or the playground slide and jungle gym. However, it would soon spread to other parts of their bodies.

The most challenging thing about Molluscum is that it is very contagious. It can also spread and stay for a long time. Can you believe that the average patient will have the infection for 13 months and some for 2 years or longer!! That’s crazy!

Seek Assistance

We tried a lot of different creams and other recommended remedies, but nothing seemed to work very well. I would say to you, don’t “watch and wait.” Seek advice from a dermatologist so it doesn’t get out of control and spread through the house and to others. Believe me, this won’t go away on its own. 

The sooner you have it looked at and begin treatment, the better it is for everyone. Treating early may offer the best chance of infection resolving faster, and reduce the amount of time a child is contagious. And that would be a relief in so many ways for everyone involved….isn’t it?

Please keep in mind that this is just our story. I am not offering medical advise. Check out AboutMolluscum.com to find out more about this and to see what help is around for you.

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