Can a child go to daycare or school if he/she has molluscum?
Molluscum contagiosum is not harmful and should not prevent a child from attending day care or school. Bumps not covered by clothing should be covered with a watertight bandage. Change the bandage daily or when obviously soiled. If a child with growths in the underwear/diaper area needs assistance going to the bathroom or needs diaper changes, then bumps in this area should be bandaged too if possible. Covering the growths will protect other children and adults from getting molluscum and will also keep the child from touching and scratching the bumps, which could spread the bumps to other parts of his/her body or cause secondary (bacterial) infections. Remind children to wash their hands frequently. See “The Buzz on Scuzz” on the CDC BAM site for handwashing tips. See also the Clean Hands Saves Lives sitelet at http://www.cdc.gov/cleanhands.
