wart like growths on a 9 year olds back.

[Gail]

my son visited a dermatologist yesterday and had 2 warts frozen off of his back.  they appeared about 2 weeks ago.  he diagnosed my child with "molluscum" which i do believe is an incorrect spelling.  please let me know more about this condition, as the doctor told me that perhaps "100's more" may grow.

thank you.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Gail:

No, you spelled it right.  Molluscum is a common, warty growth found at all ages.  Despite its second name, "contagiosum," it usually isn't.  It comes from nowhere in particular, spreads locally on the skin, and goes away on its own, though this may take several months.  I usually don't bother treating it in kids, since time does the job, and treatments (freezong, acid, etc.) are painful and annoying.  Maybe "100's more" will grow and maybe not, but there's no need to worry in any case.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff

[Gail]

thanks...i feel better..the dr. we visited made it sound much worse...