Considered to be a common viral infection, Molluscum Contagiosum is known to mostly affect children, although it can affect humans as well. Characterized by the appearance of small, firm bumps on the skin, the condition is extremely contagious and can easily spread from person to person via direct or indirect contact (touching a contaminated object).
The bumps or ‘papules’ are usually painless and disappear on their own within a year or two. However, a slight injury or scratch can lead to the infection (and the papules) spreading across the body rapidly, resulting in a longer recovery period.
Molluscum Contagiosum Home Remedies
The bumps resulting from Molluscum Contagiosum can easily be treated with the help of certain home remedies, the more common of which are given below.
1. Squeezing Out The Papules
Although this is a tricky process, if done properly, it can easily get rid of the papules quickly and effectively. You would need to use a pair of tweezers or forceps for this treatment (you can also use your fingernails for the same purpose although you would have to wear gloves in order to prevent the infection from spreading). You can also opt to follow this remedy immediately after coming out of the bath when the papules are moist and soft.
Use the forceps/tweezers to gently squeeze the central plug of the bump. Be careful not to break the skin on and around the bump. As you squeeze the papule, you would notice a whitish curd like substance oozing out of its center. Carefully wipe away the substance carefully, making sure you don’t touch the surrounding skin as you do so. You can use a cotton bud for the same and throw away the bud once you removing the substance completely.
It would take about 2 weeks for you to squeeze out the papules completely. Don’t attempt to squeeze a bump if it is hard or stops oozing the substance. Tackle a few papules at a time and make sure you sterilize the equipment before and after using them for the procedure.
2. Using Duct Tape
You can use a good quality duct tape to remove the papules. Wash the papules with warm water and an antibacterial soap. Apply a cream normally used for warts (preferably one that contains salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide) on the papules and cover them with a duct tape. Do not remove the duct tape for an entire week.
When you do remove the tape, gently squeeze the papules with tweezers to see if it comes off. Some would come off right away while others would be a bit stubborn. You would need to cover the stubborn ones with duct tape again and follow the remedy for at least a couple of weeks until the papules fall off.
3. Applying Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a potent antibacterial agent that can drive out the virus causing Molluscum Contagiosum. Applying a few drops of apple cider vinegar directly over the papules can shrink them considerably, and get rid of them quickly. Use a cotton ball to apply the apple cider vinegar to the papules.
Apply a bandage over the papule afterwards. Do not use the same cotton ball for different papules as you could risk spreading the infection. Follow this remedy at least for a week or two (preferably at bedtime) to get rid of Molluscum Contagiosum completely.
4. Applying Hydrogen Peroxide
Applying a few drops of hydrogen peroxide on the papules caused by Molluscum Contagiosum can also help get rid of them although you would need to be extremely careful not to expose the surrounding skin to the substance (would cause a burning sensation on the normal skin).
Use a cotton ball or a filler to apply a few drops of hydrogen peroxide on the papules. Cover them with a bandage afterwards. Leave the bandage overnight and remove it the next morning. Wash the papules in warm water and dry them with a soft towel. Apply some more hydrogen peroxide on them (follow the same procedure) and repeat the rest of the steps. Follow this remedy for at least a week or so to get rid of the papules.
5. Using Salt Scrub
Rubbing some salt (preferably sea salt) on the lesions caused by Molluscum Contagiosum can help cure them and get rid of the infection causing the condition. Don’t rub salt directly on the papules though. Mix a teaspoon of the salt with honey and olive oil (two tablespoons each) and apply the resultant mix gently over the papules. Wash it off with warm water afterwards. Repeat this remedy at least twice a day for a week or so to get rid of the papules completely.
6. Applying Tea Tree Oil
Applying a few drops of tea tree oil on the papules can also get rid of them quickly and effectively in addition to preventing recurrences. Use a cotton swab or filler to apply the oil directly on the papules. The potent antibacterial properties of tea tree oil would get rid of the virus causing the infection while the antiseptic properties of the oil would promote quick healing. Wash the affected area with warm water afterwards to rinse off the oil. Repeat this remedy at least once every day to get rid of Molluscum Contagiosum effectively.
7. Using Garlic
Garlic has potent antibacterial properties that would play an instrumental role in getting rid of the pathogens behind the infection that causes Molluscum Contagiosum. Grind a few cloves of raw garlic and apply the paste directly on the papules. Cover them with a bandage for about 30 minutes.
Remove the bandage and wash the papules with warm water. Repeat the procedure at least thrice a day for quick and effective results. You can also opt to take garlic supplements on a daily basis or just pop some raw garlic cloves into your mouth at regular intervals throughout the day for effective results.
8. Using Vitamin Oils
You can also specific combinations of different vitamin oils to get rid of the papules caused by Molluscum Contagiosum. For instance, an appropriate blend of fish and vitamin oil can be applied over the affected area at least twice a day for quick and effective results. You can also use these oils in conjunction with other vitamin oils like Vitamin A oil or Vitamin E oil to get rid of the papules quickly and effectively.
9. Using Baking Soda
You can also use baking soda paste to get rid of the infectious papules caused by Molluscum Contagiosum. Mix baking soda (half a cup) with water (one cup) to form a paste.
Apply this paste over the affected areas before stepping into the shower. While bathing, rinse off the paste with warm water. Repeat this remedy every time you take a bath to get rid of the papules quickly.
