General & Pediatric Dermatology
Molluscum Contagiosum Treatment in Tampa, FL
Molluscum contagiosum is a common viral skin condition caused by a poxvirus, most often seen in children but affecting all ages. The small, dome-shaped bumps can spread easily and persist for months without treatment. Dr. Sergay offers effective, personalized treatment options — always discussing the pros and cons with patients and families.
Book an Appointment
Dr. Sergay's Approach
What Is Molluscum Contagiosum?
Molluscum contagiosum is caused by a harmless poxvirus (MCV). It produces small, round, dome-shaped bumps with a characteristic central dimple (umbilication). They are flesh-colored, pink, or pearly white and commonly appear on the trunk, arms, legs, and face in children. In adults, molluscum is often sexually transmitted and appears in the groin area.
The virus spreads by direct contact with infected skin or contaminated surfaces. While generally harmless, molluscum can spread extensively and persist for months to years without treatment. Approximately 10% of patients develop surrounding eczema-like inflammation (molluscum dermatitis), which can cause itching and further spread.
Dr. Sergay will discuss the pros and cons of each treatment approach and customize the management plan to fit your needs — taking into account the patient's age, lesion location, number, and tolerance.
Children & Adults
All ages treated
Customized Plans
Pros & cons always discussed
Know What You're Dealing With
Types & Presentations of Molluscum
Molluscum Contagiosum
Small, round, dome-shaped bumps with a characteristic central dimple (umbilication). They are flesh-colored, pink, or pearly white. Commonly appear on the trunk, arms, legs, and face in children. Typically 2–5mm in diameter.
- Dome-shaped with central dimple
- Flesh-colored or pearly white
- Trunk, arms & face in children
- 2–5mm in diameter
Molluscum with Dermatitis
Approximately 10% of patients with molluscum develop surrounding eczema-like inflammation (molluscum dermatitis). This itching can cause scratching and further spread of the virus. Dr. Sergay evaluates and treats both the molluscum and associated skin inflammation simultaneously.
- Itchy, inflamed surrounding skin
- ~10% of molluscum cases
- Can cause further spread
- Requires dual treatment approach
Molluscum in Adults (Genital)
In adults, molluscum contagiosum is often sexually transmitted and appears on the inner thighs, genitals, and lower abdomen. It can also spread through non-sexual skin contact. Adults with weakened immune systems may develop extensive molluscum that is more difficult to treat.
- Often sexually transmitted in adults
- Inner thighs & genital area
- Can be extensive in immunocompromised
- All adults treated
Molluscum Near the Eyes
Molluscum near the eyelids requires special attention. Viral particles can enter the eye and cause conjunctivitis (eye inflammation). Dr. Sergay will recommend the safest treatment approach for lesions in this sensitive area.
- Can cause conjunctivitis
- Eyelid & periocular area
- Requires careful treatment
- Prompt evaluation recommended
Effective Options
How Dr. Sergay Treats Molluscum
Dr. Sergay will always discuss the pros and cons of each method and customize the plan to fit your age, lesion location, and goals.
Cantharidin
A painless, in-office application of a blister-inducing solution. Applied by Dr. Sergay, covered, and washed off at home hours later. The resulting blister lifts the molluscum bump from the skin. Especially effective and well-tolerated for children — the application itself is completely painless.
Topical Destructive Agents
Prescription-strength topical agents such as trichloroacetic acid (TCA) or other solutions are applied to gradually destroy molluscum tissue over multiple sessions. Suitable for patients who need repeated home or in-office applications.
Curettage
Surgical scraping (curettage) physically removes molluscum bumps. Used when rapid clearance is needed or when other treatments haven't worked. Performed under local anesthesia. Particularly effective for a smaller number of larger lesions.
Watchful Waiting
For molluscum in young children with few lesions, watchful waiting may be appropriate since the immune system often clears the virus on its own within 6–18 months. Dr. Sergay will discuss whether active treatment or observation is the best strategy for your child's specific situation.
6–18mo
May self-resolve in healthy children
1–3
Sessions typically needed for clearance
10%
Develop molluscum dermatitis
All Ages
Children & adults treated
For Parents
Managing Molluscum in Children
Molluscum is extremely common in school-age children and is not a sign of poor hygiene. Here's what parents should know about managing it at home and preventing spread.
Prevent Spread at Home
- Don't share towels, washcloths, or clothing
- Cover molluscum bumps with a bandage or clothing
- Encourage your child not to scratch or pick
- Wash hands frequently, especially after touching lesions
Prevent Spread at School & Activities
- Swimming is generally fine — cover lesions if possible
- Avoid sharing sports equipment that touches skin
- Children don't need to be kept home from school
- Avoid contact sports if lesions are in exposed areas
Managing Your Child's Treatment
- Cantharidin is a painless, popular option for young children
- Discuss all options with Dr. Sergay before deciding
- Bring your child's favorite distraction to appointments
- Multiple sessions may be needed — consistency is key
When to Come In
- Lesions growing rapidly in number or size
- Molluscum spreading to eyelids or causing eye irritation
- Itchy rash developing around the bumps (molluscum dermatitis)
- Lesions in the genital area or on the face
Reassurance for parents: Molluscum contagiosum is caused by a common virus — not by poor hygiene. It is extremely common in school-age children and does not reflect on your child's cleanliness or health. Most immunologically healthy children will eventually clear the virus on their own, but treatment speeds up resolution and prevents further spread.
Your Dermatologist
About Amanda Sergay, MD
Board Certified
American Board of Dermatology
Specialties
Medical · Surgical · Cosmetic
Location
South Tampa, FL
Board-Certified Dermatologist · Medical · Surgical · Cosmetic
Amanda Sergay, MD is a board-certified dermatologist committed to excellence in comprehensive dermatological care. Originally from the Tampa area, Dr. Sergay received her undergraduate degree from Emory University and earned her medical degree from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.
She completed her residency in dermatology at Mount Sinai St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center in New York City, where she served as Chief Resident during her final year. Her practice encompasses medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology, treating both adults and children.
Dr. Sergay has been named to Tampa Magazine's Top Docs Edition in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025, and was twice named to New York Magazine's New York Rising Star list.
Awards & Recognition
Tampa Magazine Top Docs
2019202020212022202320242025Super Doctors
Emory University
Undergraduate
Univ. of Miami Miller
Medical Degree
Mount Sinai NYC
Residency · Chief Resident
Patient Reviews
What Our Patients Say
Real Google reviews from patients who trust Dr. Sergay with their skin health.
“Dr. Sergay is personable, professional, and is a knowledgeable clinician. She listens well and makes you part of the process. I have seen her for two years for medical and aesthetic issues. I have been very satisfied with her care and have referred her to family and friends.”
Ariadne Rodriguez
6 reviews
“Warm welcome to a nice office. Seen quickly by very proficient and kind Dr Sergay and staff. Great follow up with care plan and prescriptions. Highly recommended.”
Frank King
5 reviews
“After what felt like a never-ending search for the right doctor to help with my skin irritations, I finally found Dr. Sergay — and what a blessing! She's not only incredibly genuine, but she also took the time to explain everything in detail so I fully understood both my issue and the solution. It's easy to see why she's made such a respected name for herself here and in New York.”
Christin Hillis
13 reviews · 2 photos
“Wonderful office, the Dr. listened to all my concerns and addressed each with good communication and ideas. My new Derm.”
Carol Gould
Local Guide · 21 reviews · 1 photo
“Now this is a medical practice done right! I love how they don't play the insurance game and are a privately owned practice. This allows them to provide top notch care and a patient experience that is hard to find anywhere else. Dr. Sergay is extremely thorough during her exams and so kind. Trust her with your care!”
Victoria Hansen
Local Guide · 123 reviews · 144 photos
“Dr. Sergay was just fabulous. Thorough for our skincare check and so informative. Highly recommend for anyone looking to get an established, yearly dermatologist for skin cancer checks.”
Iris Moore
9 reviews
Common Questions
Molluscum Contagiosum FAQ
Get Them Gone
Ready to Clear Molluscum?
Whether it's spreading molluscum on your child or a persistent case in an adult — Dr. Sergay will find the right treatment plan. Painless options available for young children.