Molluscum contagiosum belongs to the category of skin disorders caused by a viral infection. The name itself hints at the highly contagious nature of this skin disorder as the causative virus may spread from one individual to the other without much difficulty.
Molluscum contagiosum often targets small children and adults of young age. Apart from young children, people who have a history of multiple sex partners or those with poorly functioning immune system are at a strong risk of being affected by Molluscum contagiosum.
In a majority of cases, the sole symptom of this skin disease is the eruption of small, painless papules or spots over the skin. Let’s take a look at the recommended treatment options for resolution of this type of dermatological condition.
List Of Treatment Options For Molluscum Contagiosum
Removal Of The Skin Lesion
The treatments mentioned under this category may cause irritation and pain, therefore, these are considered unsuitable for small children. Also, the below given treatments for removal of the lesion must only be performed by a qualified or trusted health care provider and is strictly not for self attempt at home. Liquid nitrogen is most commonly employed for destroying the lesions via a simple process of freezing. The affected skin spots are frozen for a short duration of five to ten seconds by administering liquid nitrogen, either via a Q-tip or recently introduced Cry-Ac gun.
In most cases, multiple sessions of cryotherapy are needed (at an interval of two to three weeks) to clear the papules. This procedure of cryotherapy is preferable for people with small or few lesions because of the potential risk of mild scarring.
Another form of treatment that helps remove the skin lesion is Curettage. Using a sterile curette, the infected skin is punctures and removed. Although this treatment option may lead to discolouration and/or scarring, its key advantage is that once removed, the chances of reoccurrence are almost nil. Its application in patients with multiple skin bumps or papules is, however, not considered practical.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Free yourself off Molluscum contagiosum using apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is an acid which favours alkalinity within the body.
The alkaline environment induced by apple cider effectively hinders the survival and growth of harmful bacteria as well as viruses. Thus, if you have this skin condition, drink at least two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar or mix the same amount with a glass of water. Its regular intake will aid in curtailing the outbreak of molluscum infected bumps.
Vitamin Rich Diet Helps
To dissuade the harmful effects of Molluscum contagiosum virus, it is highly imperative to maintain a healthy diet which consists of immune strengthening minerals and vitamins. Food products with lots of vitamin A and E; for example carrots or broccoli should be consumed a few times a week in order to clear up the infected skin. This is one of the safest ways of treating this skin problem, especially in case of small children.
Topical Treatment For Molluscum Contagiosum
There exist a number of forms in which molluscum contagiosum can be defeated. Topical treatments, which must be used for improvement, include creams, lotions as well as ointments. All of these forms have proven effectiveness in treating patients with Molluscum contagiosum. That being said, the below given forms must be used under the supervision of a doctor (preferably dermatologist).
Podophyllotoxin, which is available for application in liquid form effectively poisons the affected cells of the viral lesion. Even creams, which contain podophyllotoxin, can be put to use. However, this medicine may have a toxic effect on the fetus and is, thus, not to be used in case of pregnant women. Usually, patients require a minimum of four to five cycles of treatment which are interspersed by phases of rest.
Imiquimod based creams come in handy, especially if you have large spots close together. The mechanism of action of imiquimod involves stimulation of the immune system, which in turn, attacks the molluscum infected skin areas. Apply this cream over the lesions and leave it on for eight to ten hours, at least thrice a week. You will begin appreciate specific changes in the symptoms only after using imiquimod regularly for several weeks.
Some of the potential side effects associated with its use are swelling, burning or itchy feeling after using the cream and tendency for the skin to harden or flake.
Tretinoin belongs to the class of retinoids and can be purchased in a gel or cream form. It works by aiding the process of keratinization. The use of tretinoin (twice a day) facilitates the dead skin cells to desquamate. However, in doing so, tretinoin may lead to mild skin irritation. It also has a tendency to increase the photosensitivity of the skin lesions. One must also note that this topical agent must not be used by expectant mothers owing to the possible effect of causing birth defects.
Diathermy Defeats Molluscum Contagiosum
Diathermy makes good use of heat to treat and remove the spots formed on the skin surface. After administration of local anesthesia, the area is treated using a heated, electrical instrument. As a result, the numb skin area is burnt off to get rid of the papules.
Laser Treatment For Molluscum Contagiosum
In the recent past, pulse dye laser has evolved as a new option for patients with Molluscum contagiosum. This technique utilizes a strong, aligned beam of light for destroying the affected skin cells.
As compared to other options, laser treatment requires one or two sessions and may leave a bruise (which resolves on its own) after the completion of treatment. One of the advantages of undergoing pulse dye laser treatment is that it is well tolerate for many and does not leave any skin anomalies, like scarring or depigmentation.
Lemon Myrtle
Backhousia citriodora, commonly known as lemon myrtle possesses anti-microbial properties. The essential oil derived from lemon myrtle in concentration of ten percent can bring out noticeable improvement in the skin lesions caused by molluscum contagiosum virus. This herbal treatment can be used for those who do not want to opt for any invasive procedure, such as tissue scraping or cryotherapy. In fact, a clinical trial conducted on children aged 2-6 years(who were given lemon myrtle) showed a success rate of 90 percent.
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.