? m contagiosis

My 6 year old grand child has had bumps on his chest that look just like chickenpox, but they have lasted for the last 8 months.  Recently they seem to be spreading to his stomach and back.  The Dr called it something that starts with a M Contagiosis and said that it is nothing to be concerned with and that they would go away in  2 to three months....that was 8 months ago, that it is a virus.  He did prescribe Retin A. This is pretty serious medicine for something that isn't a concern.  Could you help me know more about it?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
The symptoms are suggestive of molluscum contagiosum. Molluscum contagiosum is a common, benign, self limiting viral infection of the skin. It generally affects children and typically occurs in the 2-5 age group.Treatment includes physical destruction or manual extrusion of the lesions, cryotherapy, and curettage.
My sincere advice is to consult a dermatologist and get the diagnosis confirmed.
I hope it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional doubts. Kind regards.