Baby has Mollescum contagiosum?

Question

for months now I have taken my son back and forth to the doctor, at first he told us the "bumps" were skin tags, but when I saw them multiplying I knew my doctor was full of sh*t. A nurse I met in a store told me that my son has this M.C., I googled it and read up on it and everything says it is highly contagious, hmm, hence the name....however NO one in my house other than the baby has this??? Why?? I've called the doctor and here's a shock he had no answer. And I asked about treatment, he said it would go away anywhere from 6-18 months. If this stuff is so contagious, why don't they treat it? Ok and here is anothere question, is this virus a form of warts? I know genital warts are very contagious as well and we have a close fmaily member that has them, he is very careful to keep himself clean but you can never be too careful, is it possible it could be the same thing? The bumps my son has are on the trunk part of his body, not his private parts.

Answer 1

The most common method of contagion is skin to skin contact so it is understandable why your family has not developed this viral condition. Please note, it can also be contracted via contact with contaminated items (toys). The condition is common in children but not in adults. In fact, in adults it is only seen as an STD and it is not related to herpes at all! They are caused by two different viruses.

So,that brings us to your "close family member". Your child did not get this from him...remember, two different viruses at work! And in answer to your question, they are not the same thing.

Yes, it is contagious but it is not that contagious. Since it resolves on its own, treatment really isn't necessary and simple safeguards limit the chance of spreading it. When treatment isn't necessary, it is not ordered...this prevents over medication and remember that medication can cause problems due to possible side effects or allergic reactions.

Yes, mollescum contagiosum usually resolves on its own in 6 to 18 months. During that time, to reduce the risk of spreading it:
don't let other family members use his towels, washcloths
keep hands off his papules (bumps)
use frequent handwashing
don't let other children play with his toys

If you'd like a good, brief article (in case you didn't see it), try this one:
http://www.ohiohealth.com/bodymayo.cfm?id=6&action=detail&ref=2657