Molluscum Contagiosum, Eczema and Autistic Children

Mollenol Research15th Jul 2025

Using Mollenol for molluscum with autistic children The relationship between molluscum contagiosum, eczema, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children represents a complex intersection of viral infections, skin barrier dysfunction, and immune system alterations. Research reveals significant connections between these conditions that warrant careful attention from healthcare providers and families.

Prevalence and Association Patterns

Molluscum Contagiosum in Children with ASD

Molluscum contagiosum is a common viral skin infection caused by a poxvirus, affecting approximately 2-8% of children generally^[1]. The condition manifests as small, raised, dome-shaped papules that are typically skin-colored or pink with a characteristic central dimple^[2]^[3]. The infection has a 5% to 11% prevalence rate in children overall, with the greatest incidence in individuals aged 1-14 years^[4].

While specific prevalence data for molluscum contagiosum in autistic children is limited, anecdotal evidence suggests these children may experience the condition, particularly in the context of underlying skin barrier dysfunction^[5]. The relationship appears to be mediated by several factors including immune system differences and comorbid skin conditions commonly seen in autism.

Eczema in Autistic Children

The connection between eczema and autism is well-established and significant. Research consistently shows that children with ASD have substantially higher rates of eczema compared to neurotypical children:

9% of children with ASD have eczema compared to 15% of controls^[6]
4% versus 15.4% in large cohort studies^[7]
Prevalence ranges from 7% to 64.2% across different studies^[8]

Children with eczema are 2.3 times more likely to exhibit behaviors in the highest severity level of autism diagnostic assessments^[6]. The severity of ASD symptoms correlates positively with eczema severity, with children having eczema being 4.38 times more likely to have high autism spectrum features^[9].

Underlying Mechanisms

Skin Barrier Dysfunction in Autism

Children with autism demonstrate significant alterations in skin barrier function, even without visible skin disease. Research shows that autistic children exhibit:

Higher transepidermal water loss rates
Lower stratum corneum hydration levels
Elevated skin surface pH^[7]^[10]

These epidermal dysfunction patterns create conditions that may predispose children to both viral infections like molluscum contagiosum and inflammatory conditions like eczema^[10].

Immune System Factors

The relationship between these skin conditions and autism appears to involve shared immune system pathways:

Th2 immune response dysregulation involving cytokines like IL-4, IL-13, and IL-31^[11]
Chronic inflammation with elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines^[7]
Skin-brain axis connections through shared embryonic origins^[12]^[13]

Children with atopic conditions including eczema often have compromised immune systems that are "preoccupied with managing allergic reactions," leaving less capacity to combat infections like molluscum^[14].

Clinical Connections and Risk Factors

Eczema as a Risk Factor for Molluscum

Research demonstrates that eczema is a significant risk factor for developing molluscum contagiosum:

Children with atopic dermatitis show higher lesion counts and increased itchiness when they develop molluscum^[15]
Swimming and eczema are the two primary risk factors associated with molluscum infection^[16]
17% of children with molluscum also had atopic dermatitis in clinical studies^[15]

The compromised skin barrier in eczema creates an environment more susceptible to viral penetration and infection^[17]^[18].

Filaggrin Gene Mutations

Recent research has identified filaggrin (FLG) gene mutations as a common risk factor for both conditions:

FLG mutations impair skin barrier function
These mutations represent a significant risk factor for molluscum incidence (adjusted odds ratio 1.69)^[17]
The same mutations are associated with atopic dermatitis development

Treatment Considerations

Managing Molluscum in Children with Skin Conditions

For children with both molluscum and eczema, treatment approaches require careful consideration:

FDA-approved treatments include topical cantharidin solutions (YCANTH, ZELSUVMI) specifically for molluscum^[4]^[19]
Topical berdazimer gel has shown effectiveness with 1% complete clearance in pediatric studies^[20]
Treatment responses are generally similar between children with and without atopic dermatitis^[15]

Addressing Underlying Skin Barrier Issues

Research suggests that improving epidermal function may help alleviate symptoms in children with autism spectrum disorders. Topical emollients applied twice daily have shown improvements in autism-related social responsiveness scores^[7].

Clinical Implications

Healthcare providers caring for autistic children should maintain awareness of:

Higher prevalence of skin conditions including both eczema and potential viral infections
Interconnected nature of skin barrier dysfunction, immune system alterations, and neurodevelopmental conditions
Importance of comprehensive skin care to maintain barrier function
Need for prompt recognition and treatment of skin infections that may be more persistent in this population

The relationship between molluscum contagiosum, eczema, and autism represents a complex interplay of genetic predisposition, immune system dysfunction, and environmental factors. Understanding these connections enables healthcare providers to deliver more comprehensive care to children with autism spectrum disorders, addressing both their neurodevelopmental needs and associated dermatological conditions.

Mollenol Hydrocolloid Patches

Mollenol Hydrocolloid Patches are a low fragrance all natural cover for molluscum.

https://www.mollenol.com/mollenol-hydrocolloid-patches/

Mollenol patches are waterproof and are ideal for use during showers to minimise the spread of pus.

A combination of larger, thicker high-quality patches is recommended:

- 72 x 15mm round patches
- 8 x 20mm round patches
- 8 x 20mm x 30mm rectangular patches

The larger patches are suitable for covering large bumps, while the thicker patches enhance their ability to absorb more exuding pus.

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