Those small, pearly bumps that suddenly appeared on your child’s arm or your own torso can be confusing, frustrating, and surprisingly stubborn. Molluscum contagiosum is a common viral skin condition that often clears on its own, but waiting it out can mean months (or even years) of spreading bumps, social discomfort, and the worry of passing it to siblings or classmates. Personalized treatment can shorten that timeline, ease irritation, and protect the skin around the affected areas.
At Benstock Dermatology, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Elizabeth Benstock has spent more than two decades caring for adults and children throughout Delaware County. Her judgment-free, family-friendly approach makes her one of the most trusted names for molluscum contagiosum treatment in Newtown Square, PA.
What Is Molluscum Contagiosum?
Molluscum contagiosum is a contagious skin infection caused by a virus. It produces small, firm, dome-shaped bumps with a tiny dimple in the center. While the bumps are typically painless, they can spread through skin-to-skin contact, shared towels, or scratching.
Children, young adults and those with weakened immune systems are most susceptible. The bumps most commonly appear on the:
- Arms, legs, and trunk
- Face and neck
- Underarms and behind the knees
- Groin and lower abdomen
Treatment Options at Benstock Dermatology
While molluscum can resolve on its own, professional treatment is often recommended to reduce spread, prevent scarring, and clear lesions faster. Dr. Benstock tailors each plan to the patient’s age, skin sensitivity, and the number of lesions.
Common in-office and at-home approaches include:
- Cryotherapy (gentle freezing of individual bumps)
- Curettage to physically remove lesions
- Topical therapies prescribed for at-home use
- Cantharidin “beetle juice” application for child-friendly treatment
What to Expect During Your Visit
Most molluscum visits are quick and comfortable. After a careful skin exam, Dr. Benstock or Brittney Palmiero, CRNP, will recommend the gentlest effective option. Treatments are performed right in the office, and many patients leave the same day with a clear care plan.
Recovery and Results
Healing is typically fast, with mild redness or temporary blistering that fades within a week or two. Multiple sessions may be needed for widespread cases, and your provider will share simple hygiene tips to help prevent reinfection at home, at school, or at the gym.
Why Choose Benstock Dermatology for Molluscum Contagiosum Treatment in Newtown Square, PA?
For approximately 25 years, Benstock Dermatology has been a cornerstone of medical dermatology care across Newtown Square, Media, Broomall, Havertown, Edgemont, West Chester, Glen Mills, and Chadds Ford. Dr. Benstock is a Yale-trained, board-certified dermatologist recognized as a Main Line Top Doc, Philadelphia Magazine Top Doc, and Castle Connolly Top Doctor.
Families appreciate the practice’s calm, child-friendly atmosphere and the thoughtful pace of every appointment. As a trusted part of our medical dermatology services, molluscum care fits seamlessly alongside our treatment of rashes, eczema, and other common skin concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Schedule Your Molluscum Contagiosum Consultation
Clearer, healthier skin is closer than you think. Dr. Benstock and her team make diagnosis and treatment simple, gentle, and effective for the whole family. Call Benstock Dermatology in Newtown Square, PA at (610) 325-5553 to schedule your consultation today.