After exposure to molluscum contagiosum the first symptoms usually appear 2 to 12 weeks later and each lesion can last 6 to 8 weeks. If the lesions are not treated, then continuous spreading can mean that the infection can last up to 8 months and in some cases, as long as 5 years. It is therefore important that new growths should be treated as soon as they become large enough to see.
As soon as you are aware of the presence of molluscum, you need to take precautions to stop the spread of this condition:
— Always wash your hands carefully to avoid spreading the infection to another party of the body and use a clean towel every time when drying the infected area.
— Be careful if you have to shave over the infected area, as this action can also spread the molluscum.
— Don’t let others use your clothing, towels, hairbrushes or other personal items and refrain from using those personal items belonging to others as well.
— Be aware that heat and moisture in the fold areas of the skin (such as armpits) may also hasten the spread of the virus.
— Refrain from picking and scratching at the lesions as apart from spreading the molluscum this can lead to scarring.
— Obviously, if it is your child who is infected, you should discourage him from picking or scratching as well. Clip the fingernails short and even put light cotton gloves or mittens on your child to stop “sleep scratching”
Prior to treatment, it is important to avoid touching the lesions.
The following treatments are available for molluscum contagiosum:
— Topical medication – this is usually the first choice of treatment for molluscum and for example a natural healing formula can be applied.
— Curettage – this involves removing the viral material in the center of the lesion and as it can be painful, it is recommended that a topical anesthetic cream is first applied to decrease the pain.
— Cryotherapy – this involves applying liquid nitrogen to each individual lesion for a few seconds. Repeat treatments in 2-3 weekly intervals may be required. A possible side-effect may be scarring.
— Tape stripping – this involves repeatedly applying the adhesive side of tape to and from the lesion for 10 to 20 cycles. This action can remove the superficial epidermis from the top of the lesion. The drawback is that the repeated use of the same strip has the potential to spread the virus to adjacent uninfected skin.
If you are in doubt as to whether molluscum is the correct diagnosis in your case, then seek advice from your doctor who will usually be able to give a definite diagnosis from the clinical appearance of this infection.
Amoils offers all natural treatments for common afflictions and ailments using essential oils. Visit our Molluscum page for more information.