A child has small, firm, flesh-colored papules in both axillae which are mildly pruritic. What is an acceptable initial approach to managing this condition?

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The child has presented with small, firm, flesh-colored papules in axillae which are mildly pruritic. These papules are characteristic of Molluscum contagiosum, a benign viral skin infection. In healthy individuals, it may resolve within 6-12 months without any intervention. In children, it may take 1-2 years. Therefore, reassurance to the parents is usually the best course of action for managing molluscum contagiosum. Applying trichloroacetic acid or liquid nitrogen can cause scarring and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and manual removal of the lesions with curettage is usually not necessary for molluscum contagiosum.

A Child Has Small, Firm, Flesh-Colored Papules in Both Axillae