Warts & Molluscum in Kids

Warts & Molluscum in Kids: What Parents Need to Know

If you’ve noticed small bumps or growths on your child’s skin, you’re not alone. Warts and molluscum contagiosum are two of the most common skin conditions in children. While they can look alarming, they are usually harmless — and highly treatable. Here’s what parents in Fairfax, VA, should know about spotting, treating, and preventing warts and molluscum in kids.

What Are Warts in Children?

Warts are small, rough, skin-colored growths caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). They are very common among school-aged children and typically appear on the fingers, hands, knees, or feet.

Common types of warts in kids include:

• Common warts (on fingers and hands)
• Plantar warts (on the soles of the feet)
• Flat warts (smoother, smaller warts, often on the face or legs)

How kids get warts: Warts are contagious and spread through direct contact with the wart or surfaces that have been in contact with the virus, such as floors, towels, or toys.

What Is Molluscum Contagiosum?

Molluscum contagiosum is a viral skin infection caused by a poxvirus. It leads to small, firm, painless bumps that may have a dimple in the center. Molluscum is most often seen on the face, trunk, arms, and legs.

Key facts about molluscum:

• It spreads through skin-to-skin contact or shared items (like towels or clothing).
• It’s more common in warm, humid climates — and among children with eczema or weakened immune systems.
• Molluscum bumps may appear singly or in clusters.

How to Tell the Difference Between Warts and Molluscum

Feature	Warts	Molluscum Contagiosum
Cause	Human papillomavirus (HPV)	Molluscum contagiosum virus
Appearance	Rough, raised surface	Smooth, shiny, central dimple
Common Locations	Hands, fingers, feet	Face, trunk, arms, legs
Transmission	Direct or surface contact	Direct contact or shared items
Pain	Sometimes painful (plantar warts)	Generally painless

When Should You See a Dermatologist?

While some warts and molluscum may eventually go away on their own, professional evaluation is recommended if:

• The growths are painful, spreading, or bleeding.
• Your child is scratching or picking at them (risking secondary infection).
• Home remedies haven’t worked after a few months.
• You want faster, safer removal options to avoid scarring.

At Integrated Dermatology of Fairfax, our team can evaluate your child’s skin and recommend the best treatment plan.

Treatment Options for Warts and Molluscum in Kids

Treatment for warts may include:

• Cryotherapy (freezing the wart)
• Topical treatments (salicylic acid, prescription medications)
• Laser therapy for stubborn warts

Treatment for molluscum may include:

• Topical antiviral or immune-boosting creams
• Cryotherapy
• Gentle curettage (removing the bump)

Important: Never attempt to remove warts or molluscum at home without a dermatologist’s guidance, as this can cause infection or scarring.

How to Prevent Warts and Molluscum

• Encouraging good hand hygiene.
• Avoiding sharing towels, clothing, or personal items.
• Keeping cuts and scrapes clean and covered.
• Teaching children not to touch, scratch, or pick at any skin bumps.

Schedule Your Child’s Dermatology Appointment in Fairfax, VA

Concerned about your child’s skin bumps? Our experienced dermatologists at Integrated Dermatology of Fairfax are here to help diagnose and treat warts, molluscum, and other pediatric skin conditions with care and expertise.

📞 Call us today at 703-352-2620 or
💻 Schedule an appointment online