Expert: Michael S. Fisher, <B>Ph.D., M.D.</B> - 11/28/2005

Question
My 2 year old son has small, clear, pimple like bumps-but there isn't any pus in them-all over his body. He has about 100 under one of his armpits.  My Dr. said it was a skin virus that would have to run its course.  They are spreading like wildfire and I can't get them under control. The name of it starts with a M.  My 4 yr old daughter has been fighting a red, pimply, painful rash on her bottom.  The Dr said it looked like a contact rash, but no medicine has made it any better.  I started noticing all down the backs of her legs are big, pus-filled boils-about 15 on each leg.  I extracted one and it left a hole and is now discolored bluish.  Can you please give me any info you have on either of my children's skin conditions?  At this point, anything is helpful.
Thanks

Answer
Your son has a very contagious skin condition called Molluscum Contagiosum.  If left untread the lesions resolve within 12-60 months (1-5 years). I recommend that you take your son a dermatologist who with treat this skin condition. Your daughter most likely has a Staph abcess on her skin which needs to be treated with topical and or oral antibiotics. Other possibilities for your daughter include folliculitis which is a superfical bacterial infection.  Since I cannot see her skin, I recommend that you take both of your children to see the local dermatologist to get the proper treatmnet.