Molluscum Contagiosum Remedies

Molluscum contagiosum is an infectious disease with a viral etiology, involving the skin and mucous membranes.

The protagonist of the infection is a DNA virus, belonging to the family of Poxviridae; after having penetrated the skin (incubation period 2-7 weeks), the molluscum contagiosum virus creates papular skin lesions, sometimes very numerous.

Molluscum contagiosum has an excellent prognosis in the vast majority of cases, despite the fact that the spontaneous healing of the lesions takes place over a rather long period.

The published material is intended to allow quick access to general advice, suggestions and remedies that doctors and textbooks usually dispense for the treatment of Molluscum contagiosum; such indications must in no way substitute the opinion of the attending physician or other health specialists in the sector who are treating the patient.

What to do

Avoid as much as possible any contact with subjects infected with the molluscum contagiosum virus
Always wash your hands thoroughly, even in case of molluscum contagiosum infection in progress: the affected subjects, in fact, can favor the spread of the lesions in other skin regions by contacting the skin with the infected hands
Cover papular lesions with sterile bandages to minimize the risk of contagion
Pay particular attention to crowded and humid places, such as swimming pools and gyms

What NOT to do

Scratching the papular lesions of the molluscum contagiosum
Use linens / sheets / towels or other clothing used by people with molluscum contagiosum
Consuming unprotected intercourse with partners affected by molluscum contagiosum
Take by mouth or topically apply retinoid drugs during pregnancy or lactation: these active ingredients are potent teratogens

What to eat and what NOT to eat

There is no scientific evidence that food relates to the improvement or worsening of molluscum contagiosum symptoms. However, it is recommended to always follow a healthy and balanced diet, free from excess and rich in fruit and vegetables. correct should always be accompanied by regular exercise.

Natural Cures and Remedies

It seems that the topical application of compresses based on essential oils (suitably diluted) can significantly reduce the size of the papular lesions caused by molluscum contagiosum, speeding up the spontaneous healing times.
According to a study conducted by The Center for Biomedical Research, the essential oils extracted from lemon and Australian myrtle, subsequently dissolved in olive oil, are a natural remedy particularly suitable for reducing the symptoms of molluscum contagiosum. It also seems that the essential oil of tea tree oil, combined with a solution based on organic iodine, it exerts the same therapeutic effect.

Pharmacological treatment

The drugs used to treat molluscum contagiosum are almost the same as those used for the treatment of warts:
- salicylic acid (potent keratolytic drug)
- potassium hydrochloride (astringent agents)
- benzoyl peroxide (bleaching agent)
- retinoic acid
- antiviral drugs: remember that molluscum contagiosum is caused by a "viral infection
- immunosuppressive drugs: imiquimod (e.g. aldara)

Prevention

Avoid sexual intercourse with partners with molluscum contagiosum
In case of known molluscum contagiosum infection, avoid having sexual intercourse to avoid the spread of the virus. Not even the condom, in such circumstances, protects completely from infection. We remember, in fact, that the infectious genital lesions caused by molluscum contagiosum are generally not confined to the area covered by the condom.

Medical treatments

If the papular lesions caused by molluscum contagiosum do not regress either with drugs or spontaneously, it is possible to use some specific treatments:
- cryotherapy (or cold therapy, performed by topical application of liquid nitrogen)
- laser therapy
- scraping
- chemical discoloration