What is Molluscum Contagiosum?
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An infection of the skin that is caused by a virus called molluscum contagiosum; hence, the name. If you are infected by this virus, then you will notice some benign lesions on your skin. These red bumps on the upper layer of the skin get clustered together and cause itching and inflammation. Here are the home remedies for molluscum contagiosum that will help you treat the condition effectively.
Suggested read: 11 Home Remedies To Help You Get Rid Of White Spots On The Skin
The most common symptom associated with the skin infection is the occurrence of red bumps that vary in size, and become inflamed and irritated, causing itching. These bumps are usually shiny-looking and if you burst them, a transparent or yellowish liquid oozes out. After you are exposed to the virus, it takes about 7 weeks for the bumps to come out.
There is no specific area/s where the bumps can appear, but the most common areas are definitely on the face, particularly around the yes, and lips. It is also likely to develop around the neck, arms and armpits.
Our genitals are also infected by the molluscum contagiosum. The inner thighs and the lower abdomen areas are also affected if the virus is transmitted sexually.
The age group between 1 and 10 are infected the most, though people of any age can contract this virus. Also, the people who live in tropical areas or have a very weak immune system that cannot fight against viruses or microbes are most likely to get affected. If you have atopic dermatitis too, you run a high risk of suffering from molluscum contagiosum.
Top 8 home remedies for molluscum contagiosum
Here are the 8 best natural treatments to treat the infection caused by molluscum contagiosum virus.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
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The first remedy on our list is apple cider vinegar that being rich in antiviral properties, kills the molluscum contagiosum virus, thus, nipping the infection in the bud. The vinegar penetrates through our skin easily, and kills the virus effectively.
Also, since apple cider vinegar is rich in vitamins as well as minerals, it helps strengthen the immune system, helping you to recover quickly.
For the remedy, you need to soak a clean cotton ball into a cup of unfiltered apple cider vinegar and apply it on the infected skin. Cover it with a bandage. Leave it on through the night, and the next morning, take off the bandage, and wash the skin using lukewarm area. Pat the skin dry using a clean and soft towel.
2. Tea Tree Oil
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According to Tea Tree Oil Secrets,
“Not only is tea tree oil for molluscum treatment an effective alternative method to getting rid of this nasty skin infection, it’s also a safe and inexpensive method, so yes, molluscum contagiosum can be treated naturally using tea tree oil.
Tea tree oil can be highly toxic if ingested, as it can result in drowsiness, confusion, hallucinations or coma. Vomiting, diarrhea, or upset stomach can also result from ingesting tea tree oil. Tea tree oil can only be used topically. Apply a small drop of tea tree oil onto skin as a patch-test to ensure that you are not allergic to the oil. Wait for approximately an hour to ensure that you do not react to the oil. If a rash or redness does develop, then discontinue use.”
For the remedy, you need to soak a clean cotton ball into a cup of tea tree oil, and apply it on the infected skin. Cover it with a bandage. Leave it on through the night, and the next morning, take off the bandage, and wash the skin using lukewarm area. Pat the skin dry using a clean and soft towel.
3. Grapefruit Seed Extract
The next remedy on our list is Grapefruit Seed Extract. It is not just effective on molluscum contagiosum, but also other 800 bacterial and viral agents.
Applying the extract directly on the bumps, helps control the infection. It also will ensure that the virus does not spread to other parts.
For the remedy, you need to mix 5 drops of the extract with a teaspoon of water. Now take a clean cotton swab and soak it in the solution. Squeeze out the excess, and apply it on the skin. You need to cover the area with a bandage and leave it overnight. Next morning, remove the bandage and clean the area with lukewarm water.
You should repeat this treatment two times a day for at least a week.
Suggested read: 10 Home Remedies For Dehydrated Skin With Easy DIY Moisturizers
4. Hydrogen Peroxide
The next remedy, hydrogen peroxide contains powerful antiseptic properties. As a result, it helps immediately control the spread of the virus causing molluscum contagiosum.
For the remedy, you need some hydrogen peroxide solution. Now dip a Q-tip into this solution and apply on the red bumps on your skin. You can use a bandage to cover the area, and leave it on for through the night. Next morning, wash it off with lukewarm water, and pat dry using a soft towel.
You should repeat the treatment two times a day for at least 2 weeks.
5. Australian Lemon Myrtle
The lemon myrtle helps treat molluscum contagiosum because it contains antimicrobial nutrients which get rid of dead cells and stimulate the growth of new skin.
For the natural treatment, you need to dilute the Australian lemon myrtle oil with olive oil. Mix them in a ratio of 1:9, and then apply the solution of your infected area. You need to repeat the treatment at least 4 times a day for at least a month.
6. Clove Oil
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The antimicrobial properties of clove oil help treat molluscum contagiosum effectively. The spread of the infection is also stopped by the oil.
Since this oil is pretty strong, it might sting you. To use it on your infected skin, you need to dilute it first.
However, this is a strong oil and may sting quite a bit; so it is best to dilute this oil before application. To dilute the oil, mix a teaspoon of it with half a tablespoon of extra-virgin coconut oil. Now take a Q-tip and dip it in this mix, and apply it on your bumps. After applying the mix to all the bumps, you need to cover the area with a medical tape. Use a cotton pad between your skin and the medical tape. Leave it that way for about 4 hours, and rinse off with lukewarm water. Pat the area dry using a soft and clean towel.
You need to repeat the therapy 4 times through the day for at least week.
7. Oil of Oregano
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The next remedy on our list of natural treatments for molluscum contagiosum is oregano oil. The oil being a rich in antimicrobial properties helps deal with the virus directly, thus healing the condition effectively.
The oil of oregano also improves immune system and strengthens it to fight the virus.
For the remedy, you need to mix about seven drops of oregano oil with two tablespoons of almond oil. You can also use olive oil in place of almond oil. Now apply the mix on the affected area and leave it on. After a few hours, wash the affected area with lukewarm water. You need to be sure to dry the area thoroughly. Do not rub; only pat gently.
The remedy needs to be repeated 4 times through the day, for as long as it takes for the virus to get destroyed,
8. Duct Tape Occlusion
Skin bumps caused by this virus, or by any virus for that matter, can be gotten rid of by using duct tape. Not many people know this, but duct tape is the easiest and simplest ways to treat molluscum contagiosum.
By using duct tape, you can stop the supply of oxygen to the infected skin. This will easily kill the virus causing it. Also, the duct tape will prevent the infection from spreading to other parts of your body, and also spreading to other people.
For the remedy, put duct tape on the infected area. You need to leave it on for the night and replace it with new duct tape next morning. This treatment needs to be repeated through the day.
You should avoid applying duct tape to hairy areas of the body! 😛
Suggested read: Worried About Peeling Skin? Get Rid Of The Problem With These Home Remedies!
That is all we have on today’s post on home remedies for molluscum contagiosum. Was this helpful? Will you be recommending it to others too? If you have some remedies that you would like to share with us, then please do so in the comment section below.
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