So you woke up and found a bunch of wart-like bumps dotting your skin. They’re painless but are incredibly itchy; what could it be? Sounds like you have yourself a case of Molluscum contagiosum. Not to worry, molluscum contagiosum is a common skin infection that often resolves itself over time, however, there are a number of home remedies that can employ to get yourself on the road to recovery.
What is Molluscum Contagiosum?
Molluscum contagiosum is relatively harmless viral skin condition that causes little bumps to grow on the skin. This condition is contagious, spread through skin-to-skin, contact with infected items such as towels, and sexual contact. This condition can effect anyone; however, it is most common amongst children and populations living in humid, warmer climates.
This condition is also common in children and those with weakened immune systems. If left untreated, molluscum contagiosum usually clears up on its own within 6-12 months. However, once you have cleared up the infection, it is impossible to become infected again down the road.
Those with weakened immune systems may have a hard time shaking the virus, which can last for years and can affect a large portion of the skin. These more vulnerable populations are also at risk for developing secondary skin infections.
Molluscum contagiosum is caused by a poxvirus. During infection, the infected person is contagious, however, once the sores disappear, the person is no longer contagious.
Molluscum contagiosum is characterized by small, pink, raised bumps on the skin. Some bumps may have a small indentation or a whitish center. These bumps may become itchy and may become sore and inflamed if scratched.
These little bumps typically go through three stages of growth. The first stage is the appearance of small, pink bumps. The second stage, usually a couple weeks after the bumps initial appearance, the bumps grow larger and develop a white pus-filled center.
During the third stage, these pus-like bubbles pop, leaving behind red or pinkish sores. These sores may be vulnerable to other infections, so look after them. It is not recommended that you try to pop the pus bubbles during the second stage, as it can make the infection worse. Infection of molluscum contagiosum can grow anywhere on the body.
Although molluscum contagiosum may clear up on its own in time, there are home remedies you can use at home to help expedite the healing process. Before trying any home remedies, speak with your physician.
Tea Tree Oil
This antiviral essential oil has antimicrobial properties that not only help to kill the poxvirus, but also prevents secondary infection from occurring. Tea tree oil also has astringent properties, helping to shrink up the bumps.
- To heal your molluscum contagiosum on the double, add a couple drops of tea tree oil on a cotton ball and dab the infected area.
- Do this treatment three to four times a day until the bumps start to go away.
- Tea tree oil can also be added to your bath water everyday.
Apple Cider Vinegar
It should be no surprise that apple cider vinegar is on the top of this list. This cure all is a natural antibacterial, especially effective in fighting molluscum contagiosum.
- Dip a cotton ball in the vinegar and dab directly on the bumps.
- Then apply a clean bandage over the infected area.
- Apply this treatment daily.
Baking soda is an effective treatment, because it sheds the viral top layer off the skin via exfoliation. This will help speed up the healing process of the sores. To speed up the healing process of your lesions, make a baking soda paste.
- Mix a half cup of baking soda with a bit of water and mix until it develops into a paste-like consistency.
- Rub this paste over the infected area for a couple minutes and then rinse with water.
- It is recommended to do this treatment daily right before you jump in the shower.
- Practice this remedy until the lesions vanish.
A sea salt scrub is another method of exfoliation that will help speed up the healing process. To make an al- natural, DIY scrub, mix together some honey, olive oil, and sea salt together.
- Apply this mixture directly to your lesions and rub in a circular motion for a minute.
- Rinse off with water and dry your skin with a clean towel.
- Make sure to always use a clean towel and to wash it immediately to prevent reinfection or infecting others.
- Apply this treatment daily until your lesions heal.
This herbal, anti-inflammatory paste works wonders on molluscum contagiosum bumps on adults. This paste contains antibacterial and anti-viral properties, treating the virus and nixing the potential of secondary infections.
- Simply apply this paste directly on the bumps and allow to dry.
- Apply this paste daily until the lesions disappear.
Coconut oil is a popular natural remedy for various skin conditions and for good reason. It’s gentle yet effective. This healing oil contains antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties, eliminating many skin conditions, particularly molluscum contagiosum. Regularly applying coconut oil to the lesions will not only kill the virus, but it will make the lesions vanish as well.
- To apply this treatment, rub organic coconut oil directly on the lesions three to four times a day.
- This treatment will alleviate inflammation, irritation, and itchiness.
Garlic is well known for its ability to prevent and treat diseases of the blood and heart. Garlic is also an effective treatment against colds and flu while boosting the immune system. As it turns out, this pungent herb is also great at treating molluscum contagiosum.
- Simply apply some garlic paste directly on the bumps and cover up with a bandage.
- Be sure to remove this bandage before entering a bath or shower, to make sure the infected area gets properly cleansed.
This herb, derived from a tree in India is great for treating infections of the skin and mouth. Loaded with antiviral properties, neem is an effective treatment for molluscum contagiosum. This treatment will effectively kill the virus while preventing it from re-entering your body.
- To use this treatment, boil some neem leaves in hot water for five minutes.
- Add this water to your bath and soak for twenty minutes.
- Use this treatment every day until your lesions heal.
Molluscum contagiosum is contagious, so it’s important to take preventive measures to prevent it from spreading to other parts of your body or to infecting other people.
- Do not scratch the bumps. This will cause the lesions to become painful and inflamed. Also, if you scratch the lesions and touch other parts of your body, you may spread the infection.
- Make sure to always wash your hands with warm water and antibacterial soap. Be especially diligent about washing your hands after touching the lesions.
- Be sure to keep the infected area clean.
- If possible, keep the infected area covered, either with a bandage or clothing. This will prevent the spread of infection from jumping to other parts of your body or to other people.
- If using a bandage, be sure to change it daily.
- Do not shave the area of infection.
- If your skin is dry, moisturize with an unscented lotion.
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