Home Remedies for Molluscum Contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum is a very common skin infection caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus. It produces benign lesions or bumps, elevated on the upper layers of your skin. Usually, there are many clumped bumps and can be of different sizes. Also read about Home Remedies for Molluscum Contagiosum

A characteristic feature is that the bumps have a small footprint or dot on the top, which can become inflamed, red or irritated. The bumps are shiny, typically fleshy or pink in color, and are usually painless but can be itchy.

These bumps often appear about seven weeks after being exposed to the virus. Sometimes the bumps do not appear for many months.

Bumps can appear on virtually any area of the body, with the most common areas around the eyes, face, neck, armpits and arms. Infection can also occur on the genitals, the lower abdomen, and the upper thigh if the infection is sexually transmitted.

Anyone can have molluscum contagiosum, but children aged 1 to 10 years, people living in tropical climates, people with a weakened immune system and people with atopic dermatitis are at higher risk.

Although it does not put life at risk, this viral infection of the skin can cause a lot of discomforts if left untreated. In addition, there is a risk of spreading the infection to friends, family members and others with whom you contact. The infection spreads by direct contact person-to-person and by contact with contaminated objects.

Many natural treatments can help treat the molluscum contagiosum. Home remedies focus on eliminating the virus that causes the disease, thereby reducing symptoms and speeding up the healing process.

Home Remedies for Molluscum Contagiosum

Here are the best home remedies for molluscum contagiosum.

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

An effective treatment for the molluscum contagiosum is the apple cider vinegar. Being rich in antiviral properties, this helps kill the virus responsible for this infection. It quickly penetrates the skin and eliminates the source of infection.

In addition, it is rich in vitamins and minerals that stimulate your immune system, which accelerates recovery.

Soak a cotton ball in raw apple cider vinegar, unfiltered and apply it on the affected area. Cover the area with a dressing and leave it overnight. The next morning, remove the dressing and wash the area with lukewarm water. Repeat once a day for a few weeks. If apple cider vinegar is irritating to the skin, dilute it with an equal amount of water.

2. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic and antiviral agent. When applied topically, it penetrates the skin and fights the molluscum contagiosum virus.

Mix 4 or 5 drops of tea tree oil in 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Apply this mixture to the affected areas. Leave it for a few hours before rinsing the area with warm water. Repeat once or twice a day for a few weeks.

Note: Do not consume tea tree oil.

3. Grapefruit Seed Extract

Another very effective remedy for molluscum contagiosum is grapefruit seed extract or GSE.

GSE has strong antimicrobial properties and is considered effective against over 800 bacterial and viral agents.

Direct application of GSE helps in the elimination of molluscum contagiosum bumps or papules and helps to control the infection in order to avoid spreading the disease on the surrounding skin.

Add 4 or 5 drops of grapefruit seed extract into 1 teaspoon of water. Dip a cotton swab into the solution and clean it on the affected skin. Cover with a dressing and leave it on for 5 to 7 hours. Repeat twice a day. Follow this treatment for 1 week to help the papules dry up.

You can also mix 10 drops of GSE in 5 ounces of water and consume it at least 3 times a day for a few weeks.

Ingesting grapefruit seed extract may take longer to show visible results but will help your body fight this viral infection.

4. Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide has strong antiseptic properties that make it an effective remedy to control the spread of molluscum contagiosum on your body.

Topical application of the hydrogen peroxide solution directly on the papules removes the pus and the infected center, causing bumps and ultimately drying out.

• Soak a q-tip in a solution of hydrogen peroxide and apply it on the raised bumps or papules.
• Use the bandage to cover them.
• Leave it for 5 to 7 hours or overnight.
• Rinse the affected areas with warm water and gently dry with a soft towel.
• Repeat twice a day.
• Do this for at least a week to help dry the papules.
• 1% of hydrogen peroxide cream was also useful for treating infection with molluscum contagiosum in infants.

5. Australian Lemon Myrtle

The Australian lemon blueberry is another effective home remedy. It contains many antimicrobial nutrients and can also help remove dead cells and improve the growth of new skin.

• Add 1 part lemon blueberry oil in 9 parts olive oil and mix well.
• Apply this solution to molluscum bumps.
• Do it 3 or 4 times a day for several weeks.

6. Clove Oil

Clove oil has strong antimicrobial properties which make it an extremely effective remedy against molluscum contagiosum. This will also help prevent the spread of infection.

However, it is a powerful oil and can knead a little; It is, therefore, preferable to dilute this oil before application.

• Mix 1 teaspoon of 100% pure nail oil with 1 teaspoon of extra virgin coconut oil.
• Soak a q-tip in this oil mixture and apply directly to the raised bumps or papules.
• Cover with a cotton ribbon and medical tape.
• Keep it for 3 to 4 hours. Then rinse with lukewarm water and gently dry with fabrics.
• Use this remedy 3 to 4 times a day and leave the next day if possible.
• Do this for 1 week. The papules begin to dry up and eventually disappear.