– check out our guide

Is it contagious? Resolution is spontaneous but it is contagious. It can be spread through close direct contact.

If you become infected by the virus and spots appear on your skin, the virus can also spread to other areas.

It is not known how long someone with molluscum is contagious for, but it is thought the contagious period may last up until the last spot has completely healed. that comes with the medicine to check it’s suitable and how much to take. Speak to a pharmacist or your GP if you’re unsure.

You can buy topical preparations to apply directly onto the rash or administer an oral antihistamine to help reduce itching and soothe the skin– some antihistamines are not suitable for young children, so check with your pharmacist first.

An antiviral medicine called Aciclovir may be recommended if there is a risk of severe chickenpox and you already have symptoms. It ideally needs to be started within 24 hours of the rash appearing.

Is it contagious? Chicken pox is highly contagious and can make some people very ill, so it’s important to try and avoid spreading it to others.

If you or your child has chickenpox, stay away from nursery, school or work until all of the blisters have dried up and scabbed over.

This usually happens five or six days after the rash first appears. You may continue to have spots on your skin for another week or two, but you’re no longer contagious if the spots are dry and scabby.