The following pre-referral guideline covers molluscum contagiosum for children of all ages.

Initial work-up

• Educate the family that molluscum is a common skin problem that is harmless. The spots are self-limiting however can be present for several months or more than a year. It is contagious and can be spread from person to person (skin to skin contact) or to different areas in the same person. It can also be spread by children sharing baths or pools.

Recommended pre-referral treatment

• Refer to the handout on molluscum.
• Topical treatments include:
  • Tape stripping.
  • Irritating solutions eg. benzoyl peroxide 10%, Tretinoin cream.
  • Vinegar salt solution ie. Burows solution 1:10. 
• Other treatments may result in scarring:
  • Squeezing the central core.
  • Liquid nitrogen freezing.
• At home care:
  • Shower instead of bathing.
  • Wash and dry bath toys after use.
  • Do not share baths with other children.
  • Single towel use.

When to refer

• Diagnosis is in question.
• Unresponsive to treatment.
• Involvement of moderate to severe eczema.

Contact information

Resources

• Generic parent handout (about RCH pre-referral guidelines)
• Kids Health Info - parent information website
• Molluscum - parent fact sheet
  Contains all referral forms, clinic information, other pre-referral guidelines and parent information.
• Feedback
  Please give feedback on this guideline - kids.connect@rch.org.au / telephone: (03) 9345 4645 / fax (03) 9345 4650

References

Paediatric Handbook online Eighth Edition Pages 298-299. Blackwell Publishing. By the staff of the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.

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