From the Guidelines
A child with molluscum contagiosum can generally return to school as there is no need to keep them home. Molluscum is a common viral skin infection that causes small, flesh-colored or pink bumps on the skin. While it is contagious through direct skin-to-skin contact or by sharing items like towels, the risk of transmission in typical classroom settings is low, as noted in the guidelines for managing infectious diseases associated with organized sports and outbreak control 1. No specific treatment is required as molluscum often resolves on its own within 6-12 months, though some dermatologists may offer treatments like cryotherapy or topical medications to speed healing, as discussed in the management of molluscum contagiosum outbreaks 1. To minimize spread, encourage your child not to scratch or pick at the bumps, cover visible lesions with clothing or bandages when possible, avoid sharing personal items, and practice good hand hygiene. Some key points to consider:
- The child should avoid swimming if they have multiple lesions, as chlorinated water can irritate the bumps and wet environments may increase transmission risk.
- Most schools follow public health guidelines that do not require exclusion for molluscum since it's considered a benign condition with low transmission risk in normal classroom activities, as outlined in the guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics 1.
- According to the guidelines, there is no treatment or restrictions for molluscum contagiosum, but it is recommended to cover lesions prone to bleeding when abraded with a gas-permeable membrane and tape 1.
From the Research
Molluscum Contagiosum and School Attendance
- Molluscum contagiosum is a common skin infection that can affect school-aged children 2, 3, 4.
- The infection is usually benign and self-limited, with spontaneous resolution within 6 months to several years 3, 4.
- There is no clear evidence to suggest that children with molluscum contagiosum cannot attend school, as the risk of transmission can be minimized with proper hygiene and precautions 2, 4.
Transmission and Prevention
- Molluscum contagiosum is transmitted through close contact with an infected person, and can also be spread through contaminated objects or surfaces 2, 3.
- Proper hygiene, such as washing hands regularly and avoiding sharing personal items, can help prevent the spread of the infection 2, 4.
- There is no evidence to suggest that children with molluscum contagiosum need to be excluded from school, as long as they follow proper hygiene practices 4.
Treatment Options
- There are various treatment options available for molluscum contagiosum, including topical creams, cryotherapy, and cantharidin 3, 5, 6.
- The choice of treatment depends on the severity of the infection, the number of lesions, and the child's overall health 3, 6.
- Some treatments, such as imiquimod 5% cream, may be more suitable for children with multiple small lesions, while cryotherapy may be more effective for large solitary lesions 6.
School Policies and Guidelines
- There is no standard guideline for school attendance and molluscum contagiosum, and policies may vary depending on the school and local health authorities 4.
- Parents and guardians should consult with their child's healthcare provider and school administrators to determine the best course of action for their child's specific situation 2, 4.