Looking for effective home remedies for molluscum contagiosum? Continue reading this article and discover what they are and how you can follow these remedies at home.
Molluscum contagiosum is a contagious skin condition most common in children. It is very similar to smallpox or chickenpox. While very common in children, there are many cases of molluscum contagiosum in adults too. We have a few home remedies for molluscum contagiosum that you can try at home. Still, we strongly recommend consulting with a herbal doctor or a holistic specialist beforehand. But before we get to the home remedies for molluscum contagiosum, let’s see what are the most common molluscum contagiosum causes and symptoms.
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Molluscum Contagiosum Causes
The main cause of molluscum contagiosum is a weak immune system. Molluscum contagiosum is also common in people with a history of atopic eczema. Children up to 5 years of age are at a higher risk of getting infected. People with multiple sexual partners are at risk. Patients who have HIV / AIDS or had an organ transplant are likely to contract it.
Molluscum Contagiosum Symptoms
The first symptom of molluscum contagiosum is the formation of small, skin-toned, pink, or pearly skin lesions (“bumps”) on the skin. They are very similar to smallpox. These bumps are shaped like small domes, with umbilical-shaped tips but they can also be giant. In this case, they can reach even 3 cm in diameter. Sometimes, the surrounding skin is irritated too, a condition called molluscum dermatitis. They are often accompanied by pruritus (itching). Most often the molluscum contagiosum bumps occur in the axillary area, the back of the knee, and the genital areas.
10 Home Remedies for Molluscum Contagiosum
In most cases, the molluscum contagiosum warts will disappear all of a sudden. Most commonly, people who don’t have immunity deficiencies or conditions. However, it may take months or even years until the lesions are completely gone. The majority of molluscum contagiosum treatments will not necessarily cure the condition per se. They will ease the itching and tingling that come with this infection.
Also, they take a longer time to help the body heal. If you make a few lifestyle changes, these remedies will help your body heal faster. Here are a few home remedies for molluscum contagiosum. In addition, we will also share some homeopathic treatments and natural tips. There are alternative treatments for molluscum contagiosum! Always consult with your pediatrician or a herbalist before starting any home remedy.
1. Homeopath Home Remedies for Molluscum Contagiosum
Dulcamara is a “sweet-bitter” shrub plant that grows near water. Its robust development is conditioned by the abundance of water around. The branches of the plant are harvested and used just before blooming. For medical use, macerate Dulcamara branches in 90-degree alcohol and make a tincture. This is one of the drugs listed in Grauvogl’s famous hydrogenoid constitutions. The list also includes the following: Natrum sulfuricum, Thuja, Causticum, Nux moschata, Rhus toxicodendron etc.
Dulcamara (Solanum dulcamara) is also a great natural treatment for other skin eruptions too. Other homeopathic remedies that may help are Graphites, Croton tiglium, Hepar sulfur, Calcarea carbonica, Mezereum, Rhus toxicodendron, etc. You can also find Dulcamara CH9 product on the market, that is derived from this plant. It is considered to be one of the most effective home remedies for molluscum contagiosum. We strongly advise you to consult with a doctor before taking any homeopathic medicine.
2. Lemon Myrtle Essential Oil Cure for Molluscum
A 2004 study has shown that the oil extracted from lemon myrtle (Backhousia citriodora) is amazing for treating molluscum contagiosum. Scientists discovered that a daily topical application of a 10% solution of this oil can reduce the molluscum contagiosum lesions by 90%, in children, after 21 days of treatment. This is proven and of the most effective home remedies for molluscum contagiosum.
3. Molluscum Contagiosum Remedy with Licorice
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is considered a powerful antiviral. Remedies with licorice should be taken with care by people who suffer from hypertension. They should also be avoided by those who have low levels of potassium, who take digoxin (a heart medicine) or corticosteroid medication. Severe reactions may occur. Licorice tincture is considered one of the most potent home remedies for molluscum contagiosum, recommended by homeopath doctors.
4. Molluscum Contagiosum Cure with Green Tea Extract
Veregen (Sinecatechins) is a green tea extract that can help in treating molluscum contagiosum. It comes as an ointment and it has proven to be effective for warts, and other skin affections, making it one of the most effective home remedies for molluscum contagiosum. However, if your molluscum is caused by an immune system deficiency, this remedy may not be as effective for you.
5. Cantarida Remedy for Molluscum
Cantharida is an extract from the Cantharis vesicatoria beetle also known as the Spanish fly. It is only used externally for molluscum contagiosum because it is highly toxic. This medicine contains a substance that can produce vesicles and blisters that attack molluscum contagiosum lesions, making it one of the best home remedies for molluscum contagiosum. Caution! In high doses, it can cause severe chemical burns and scarring!
6. Calamine Creams for Molluscum Contagiosum
Creams with calamine (98% zinc oxide) can help soothe the pruritus caused by molluscum contagiosum. In addition, silver nitrate creams may be useful for molluscum. You can easily make a calamine cream at home, as follows. Mix ¼ cup zinc oxide, 4 tsp baking soda, 4 tsp bentonite clay, ¼ cup water, and ½ tsp glycerin. Add a few drops of an antibacterial essential oil such as lavender, tea tree, or even arnica oils.
7. Tea Tree & Iodine Home Remedies for Molluscum Contagiosum
According to The Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, tea tree oil with iodine can drastically reduce the lesions caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus, when applied twice a day. Tea tree oil alone has proven to be one of the most effective home remedies for molluscum contagiosum. Together with iodine, it has an even more powerful action. Beware! Some people, especially children, may have a reaction to tea tree oil. Test the oil on a small skin area. If you have no reaction in the next 24h, it’s safe to use.
8. Homeopathy for Molluscum Contagiosum
Some homeopath drugs such as Argentum nitricum, Nitricum acidum, Silicea, and Thuja may be useful for the molluscum virus. However, we cannot tell you which to take and in what dosages. We recommend that you consult with a homeopath who can prescribe you individualized natural treatment.
9. Molluscum Contagiosum Treatment with Colloidal Oatmeal
Oat flakes contain fatty acids that have anti-inflammatory properties for the skin. You can either buy the colloidal oatmeal or make it at home. If you want to make it at home, follow these instructions:
- Finely grind the oats and boil them to extract the colloidal material.
- Add baking soda or other skin-soothing plants such as dried chamomile flowers or marigolds.
- Take 10-15 minutes baths with colloidal oatmeal.
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Taking longer baths can dry your skin too much and impede the skin lesions to heal. Colloidal oatmeal is one of the best home remedies for molluscum contagiosum.
10. Immunity Boosters for Molluscum Contagiosum
More often than not, molluscum contagiosum is a sign of a weakened immune system. If you want to treat the cause and not only the effects of this virus, the best way to go about it is to boost up your immunity. Our complete article on the 6 natural immune system boosters can help you out.
Herbs such as echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia), garlic (Allium sativa), and cat’s claw (Uncaria tomentosa) are known for their immune-boosting properties.
Try working out regularly, getting together with friends or family, going for walks in nature, and sunbathing. These are other, even more, pleasurable immune system boosters everyone can try. Did you know that stress is one most damaging things for our immunity? Worry less, live more.
How to Prevent Molluscum Contagiosum Infection
In addition to the home remedies for molluscum contagiosum above, there are simple things you can do to prevent an infection with molluscum contagiosum.
1. Avoid sharing objects
Molluscum contagiosum is easily transmissible from one person to another through extended touch. It is also transmitted when sharing personal objects. Hence, the first protective means against molluscum contagiosum is to avoid sharing personal items. These include towels, handkerchiefs, and even furniture.
2. Wear protection
Another means molluscum contagiosum is passed is through sexual intercourse. If you don’t have a stable partner, choose your sex partners wisely. Use a condom, although it cannot always protect you from contracting molluscum contagiosum. Still, it may be your safest bet.
3. Avoid contact sports
Avoid direct contact sports. Wrestling and communal water pools can also be a great environment to contract molluscum contagiosum.
4. Avoid pools and public places
Avoid public places and communal pools. Most importantly, don’t use other people’s personal hygiene objects in these public places. At the pool, avoid using someone else’s pool towel, pool toys, or swimming equipment.
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Molluscum contagiosum is a virus, like any other virus. Although its symptoms may linger longer on the skin, there are ways to treat it naturally. Hopefully, one or more of the home remedies for molluscum contagiosum here will help you out! Have faith and stay healthy!