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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
Skin tags or rash?
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
Welcome to the DERMATOLOGY FORUM! Questions in this forum are answered by Dermatologists from St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital, under the direction of Andrew Alexis, M.D., M.P.H.
Skin tags or rash?
by lydia, Nov 26, 1999 12:00AM
A few weeks ago I noticed what looks like little skin tags, or colorless raised pimples on the back, left side of my 5 year old's neck. Since then they have spead to behind his ear and up into his scalp, but only on the left side. I've checked him thoroughly, as has the school nurse, and he does not have lice. Some of the bumps are bigger than others and appear to have a little hard core in them. They don't itch or appear to bother him. What might this be, and will they go away or will he need medical treatment?
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Nov 28, 1999 12:00AM
, Nov 28, 1999 12:00AM
Lydia:
It sounds to me as though you are describing the viral condition called molluscum contagiosum. This is an unfortunate name, because these harmless viral bumps are really not contagious from one person to another. Kids often get them in various places such as the chest or neck. They sometimes get a little bit red, but they always go way even if left untreated. The average duration is a little on the long side, though, about nine months.
Because most treatments involve pain and multiple sessions, I usually advise parents of young children will have them to just let them be until they disappear on their own.
Good luck.
Dr. R
It sounds to me as though you are describing the viral condition called molluscum contagiosum. This is an unfortunate name, because these harmless viral bumps are really not contagious from one person to another. Kids often get them in various places such as the chest or neck. They sometimes get a little bit red, but they always go way even if left untreated. The average duration is a little on the long side, though, about nine months.
Because most treatments involve pain and multiple sessions, I usually advise parents of young children will have them to just let them be until they disappear on their own.
Good luck.
Dr. R
ASR