Children may develop the common yet uncomfortable skin ailment molluscum contagiosum.
Since it is caused by a virus, direct skin contact with an infected individual makes it simple to spread.
It spreads quickly. It is no longer contagious once all of the pimples have disappeared.
On a child’s skin, the virus leaves behind prominent and frequently numerous lumps that resemble warts.
Some parents may prefer to try at-home techniques to lessen the visibility of these bumps despite the fact that there are invasive treatments, such as surgical removal.
Treatments for molluscum contagiosum at home
Although many at-home remedies for molluscum contagiosum don’t always work to treat the problem, they do help to reduce the potential tingling and itching. Most of the hiccups will eventually disappear on their own. Before starting any at-home therapies, always with your pediatrician to make sure they won’t cause more harm than good.
Baths with colloidal oatmeal
Take a colloidal oatmeal bath to relieve itchy, irritated skin. Oatmeal that has been finely powdered and added to warm bathwater works as colloidal oatmeal. Triglycerides are unique fatty acids found in oatmeal that can coat the skin and have anti-inflammatory qualities. Most drugstores and budget superstores sell colloidal oatmeal in packet form.
By pulverizing traditional oats in a food processor or coffee bean grinder, you can also create your own bath. Add a teaspoon of the oats to some warm water to see if you’ve ground them up enough. You might need to grind them further if they don’t transform the water into a consistency that resembles milk.
Only soak in the colloidal oatmeal for 10 to 15 minutes. Longer may cause your skin to get dry, which may aggravate molluscum contagiosum. Additionally, you might combine colloidal oatmeal in a bowl or glass and use a washcloth to apply the mixture to sore skin patches.
Oil of tea tree
Tea tree oil is one remedy that can be used at home. The majority of drug and health stores sell it. The Journal of Drugs in Dermatology reported that twice-daily applications of tea tree oil and iodine dramatically decreased Mollusca lesions.
Even though the trial participants’ symptoms improved when tea tree oil was applied alone, the combination of tea tree oil and iodine had the best outcomes.
An established antiseptic is tea tree oil. However, some kids may experience an adverse reaction to it. If there is no reaction after 24 hours after applying the oil to a small, unaffected area, it should be safe to use. Additionally, tea tree oil should not be given to children. If a youngster is too young to understand the significance of avoiding ingesting the oil, do not apply tea tree oil on them.
Australian lemon myrtle
Australian lemon myrtle is another at-home remedy that has been
A study that appeared in the journal Biomedicine and Pharmacotherapy found that daily application of a 10% solution of Australian lemon myrtle reduced symptoms by 90% or more.
Most health food stores sell Australian lemon myrtle. It can be used every day. The study found that lesions normally shrink after 21 days of consistent use.
Cocoa butter
The kernel of mature coconuts from the coconut palm is used to make coconut oil, a calming skin oil. Fatty acids are abundant in the oil, which helps keep skin from drying out. Additionally, these fatty acids have anti-inflammatory qualities. Applying coconut oil to inflamed skin might reduce itching by assisting the skin in retaining moisture.
The majority of drugstores and health food stores sell coconut oil. Preparations with perfume added should be avoided as they may irritate the skin.
Molluscum contagiosum symptoms
Any part of the body might develop pimples from molluscum contagiosum. This also affects the eyelids and the area around the eyes, resulting in pearl-like, spherical lumps with a rounded center.
A youngster may also get bumps in the following places:
- face
- neck
- armpits
- arms
Children who pick at the lumps may spread them farther (and kids are often very good at picking at bumps).
Among molluscum contagious other traits are:
- Two to twenty warts may emerge at a time.
- dimpled, with what seems to be a thick, white substance inside the middle.
- solid and shaped like a dome
- Has a glossy appearance
- usually has a flesh- or pink-toned tint
- typically no discomfort, although it could itch
Typically, molluscum contagiosum can be identified by a physician by looking at the lesions. To confirm a diagnosis, you can also obtain a sample from one of the nodules.
Molluscum contagiosum medical therapies
When molluscum is identified as the child’s condition, the pimples typically disappear on their own. This procedure could take a few months to a year. The bumps could take longer to go gone if a child has an immune system impairment, such as cancer in childhood. The doctor’s office offers a number of therapies if your child is older and feels self-conscious about the bumps.
These consist of:
- Cryotherapy: This treatment “freezes” off the pimples by dipping them in a solution of liquid nitrogen. Doctors don’t always advise this because it can hurt your child.
- Scraping: The lumps can be removed surgically, but it can be uncomfortable. However, it’s possible that the bumps will return. Additionally, it may result in scarring after the treatment.
- Drugs: A doctor may recommend using medications on a daily basis to help the bumps go. One illustration is salicylic acid.
Although salicylic acid is available without a prescription, over-the-counter versions lack the same potency. Tretinoin, benzoyl peroxide, or cantharidin are some more drugs a doctor might recommend. A pregnant woman cannot use or apply some of these medications. Consult your physician.
In order to prevent the bumps from spreading, therapies should be applied as soon as feasible. You and your kid should understand the potential negative effects of the medication, including:
- blistering
- pain
- discoloration
- scarring
Although symptoms might improve, treatment is unlikely to speed up the process of disappearance.
Stopping the molluscum contagiosum virus from spreading
You may want to take precautions in addition to treating your child’s bumps to stop them from recurring or infecting other kids. You can take preventive measures like these, for instance:
- telling your youngster not to rub or scratch at the bumps
- encouraging your child to routinely wash their hands
- routinely cleaning the growths with soap and water to maintain them clean.
- if your child is participating in group activities like swimming or wrestling, conceal the growths with clothing (such as long sleeves) or a watertight bandage.
- daily replacement of the bandage covering bumps
- instilling in your child the value of keeping personal belongings like clothing, towels, and water toys to themselves while swimming
- instructing your child to refrain from rubbing or picking at the skin pimples of other children
These actions can aid in limiting the spread of molluscum contagiosum. It is recommended to keep the child away from those who are immunocompromised or taking chemotherapy.
What next?
Before taking at-home therapies, always see your physician to make sure you won’t do more harm than good. The illness shouldn’t return if you keep your child’s skin fresh and clean and encourage them to take precautions.