Globules on Skin of child

[SonaliJHudar]

My son is three years old and has started having little globules of skin form on his neck, chest and chin over the past one month or so. The one on his neck started off as being skin colour and has now started to diminish in size and started to turn a darker colour. What could be the causes and what are the possible lines of treatment?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Cox virus causes hands. foot and mouth disease in children. Symptoms of fever, poor appetite and sore throat can appear three to five days after exposure. A blister-like rash on the hands, feet and in the mouth usually develops one to two days after the initial symptoms.

There is no specific treatment. Treatment is aimed at fever control and maintaining good oral hydration. Since it is a viral infection, it will disappear in a few days. However if it is a molluscum infection then it will require specific treatment for its removal.

I hope it helps. Take care and regards.

[SonaliJHudar]

Thank you so much for replying!
I did show him to a dermatologist and he recommended that I apply an anaesthetic cream on the affected areas and leave it for one hour before taking the child back to him for removal of the globules. I think he mentioned "Cox" virus.
I want to ask, what post removal care can I provide?
What can I do to prevent recurrence?
The dermatologist said it could have infected him while swimming, so is he to not swim again?
What can I do so my daughter (age5) and the rest of the family do not get it?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
I cannot confirm anything without examination but in young children viral infections causing skin rashes are very common. For such globules, the possibility of molluscum contagiosum needs to be ruled out. 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.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.