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A nasty skin infection caused by the poxvirus - molluscum contagiosum, is becoming more and more common in primary school aged children. The spots show as small shiny lesions which form on the surface of the skin, in clusters, commonly on the torso, limbs and face.

Children develop between one and twenty spots but in some cases this can increase to 100. Each molluscum crusts over and heals up, usually after 6 to 8 weeks, but the condition takes 12 to 18 months to clear up completely.

Molluscum is contagious and is passed on in swimming pools and through shared towels.

Professor John Harper, professor of paediatric dermatology at Great Ormond Street Hospital says: "I would go so far as to say that the majority of children under the age of ten have been exposed to the virus. It's very contagious but most adults are immune to molluscum, which suggests they must have come into contact with the virus in childhood too."

There is no known cure for the problem, which can be unsightly and embarassing for children, although doctors do sometimes cauterize each lesion.

The best advice is to prevent children from touching the spots and therefore spreading them over the body and to ensure children don't share baths, towels or clothes.