Molluscum Contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum is a contagious skin condition that is often found in babies and young children. It is caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus and is spread by skin to skin contact or through sharing items such as clothes or towels. Children who attend daycare or school are more prone to picking up this infection as they are in close contact with children who may have the virus. Molluscum contagiosum will clear up on its own but is very slow to do so and can take up to 18 months. Read on to find out what you can to do prevent spreading the infection to others and how to eradicate the infection faster.

What does molluscum contagiosum look like?

Molluscum contagiosum has a characteristic appearance that results in a group of small blister-like bumps on the skin. They are often flesh coloured, round and smooth with a central core that can sometimes resemble a wart or pimple. Usually the bumps are painless but, in some cases they can be itchy and cause skin discomfort. Molluscum contagiosum can appear anywhere on the body but in children are more commonly seen on the face, neck, armpits, arms and tops of the hands.

Molluscum contagiosum as a sexually transmitted infection

In adults molluscum can be transmitted through skin contact during sexual intercourse. This can result in molluscum contagiosum symptoms on their genitals, abdomen and inner thighs. If it occurs on the genitals it may resemble other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as genital herpes. Transmission through sexual contact is now believed to be the most common form of molluscum contagiosum transmission among adults.

What causes molluscum contagiosum?

Molluscum contagiosum is caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus that has similarities to the chicken pox virus.  Infection is caused by direct skin to skin contact, especially through sexual activities in adults. 

It can also be spread via contact with objects that have encountered the virus such as bath towels, mats, and clothing and by using shared facilities such as baths, public pools and bathrooms. Bumps on the skin are considered contagious and can transmit the infection to others. Scratching bumps can transfer the infection to other parts of the body. 

More widespread molluscum contagiosum infections may occur in people with weakened immune systems and in children who have atopic dermatitis.

Prevention

To help prevent the spread of the molluscum contagiosum virus follow the prevention tips below:

• Change bedding and towels frequently
• Don’t share objects, towels and clothes with someone who is infected
• Always practice safe sex and limit sexual partners. Avoid having sex if the virus is active
• Bathe children after daycare
• Cover infected area with band aids, clothing or bandages if you are around other people. However, allow the skin to breathe by removing these items if there is no risk of transmission
• If you have an active virus avoid contact sports and sharing sports equipment
• Wash hands frequently, especially after using the bathroom
• Avoid touching, shaving or scratching the affected area

How to treat molluscum infection naturally

If you or your child don’t want to wait for the infection to simply run its course or go to the doctor to have them frozen there are things you can do to speed up the treatment time.

Sandalwood Oil

Want to eradicate the molluscum virus within 12 weeks? In a recent 2017 pilot study sandalwood oil proved to be an effective treatment –with 90% of participants experiencing a complete resolution of molluscum lesions within 12 weeks. The solution was applied twice daily and there were no complaints of side-effects or skin irritation. Sandalwood oil is so effective because it’s a potent anti-viral that also helps to heal the skin and reduce inflammation.

Lemon myrtle oil

Lemon myrtle oil is another strong antiviral to eradicate molluscum contagiosum infection. The oil was used in a medical trial in children aged between 2 and 7 with molluscum infection for 21 days. The solution was applied twice daily and at the end of the trial, 9 out of 16 children displayed a 90% reduction in molluscum spots.

Tree tree oil

Tree tree oil is a great all-round antimicrobial. It has antiviral actions on the skin, boosts immunity, enhances skin healing, reduces inflammation and increases circulation. One study used tea tree oil in combination with organically bound iodine with great results. Researchers tested its effects on children aged 5 to 6 and found that the combination was successful for 16 out of 19 children.

Other topical suggestions include coconut oil, clove oil, wheatgrass, and apple cider vinegar. Although there are no clinical trials to back up the use of these products there is lots of anecdotal evidence to warrant their safe and effective use in molluscum infection.

Boosting immunity

Like all other viral infections your immune system must locate the infection and develop antibodies to remove it.

As well as applying topical antiviral solutions to the skin you could consider supporting the immune system by taking supplements such as echinacea, garlic, vitamin C and zinc.

Final points 

While molluscum contagiosum is not a life-threatening infection, it can persist for years if left untreated. The best way to manage the infection is to prevent it from spreading to other locations in the body and to other people. Natural essential oils from lemon myrtle, sandalwood and tea tree are proven to be effective in clearing up molluscum contagiosum in a remarkably short amount of time.

References

1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/molluscum-contagiosum/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20375230
2. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/ConditionsAndTreatments/molluscum-contagiosum
3. Haque M, Coury DL. Treatment of molluscum contagiosum with an East Indian sandalwood oil product. J Dermatolog Treat. 2017 Nov 22:1-3 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29103323
4. Burke BE, et al. Essential oil of Australian lemon myrtle (Backhousia citriodora) in the treatment of molluscum contagiosum in children. Biomed Pharmacother. 2004 May;58(4):245-7 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15183850
5. Markum E, Baillie J. Combination of essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia and iodine in the treatment of molluscum contagiosum in children. J Drugs Dermatol. 2012 Mar;11(3):349-54 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22395586
6. Dattola A, et al. Oral Echinacea exerts complete clearing of multiple facial molluscum contagiosum in a young black patient. G Ital Dermatol Venereol. 2018 Mar 26 [Epub ahead of print] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29582619