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Top 7 effective natural treatments for Molluscum contagiosum

This is one of the most common infections of the skin, which is caused by the Molluscum contagiosum virus. It produces benign and raised lesions or bumps on the upper layers of the skin. Usually, there are many (numerous) bumps that are clustered together, and they can vary in their size. Bumps have a small indentation or dot on the top is the one characteristic sign, and it can become irritated, red, and inflamed. These bumps are usually painless but may be itchy. They are shiny in appearance, and they can be either flesh-colored or pink in tone. These bumps usually appear about 7 weeks after being exposed to the virus.

Also, there are some cases when bumps do not appear for many months. These bumps can appear virtually on any area of the body, but they are most common in areas around the arms, armpits, neck, face, and eyes [1]. The infection can also happen on the inner upper thighs, lower abdomen, and genitals if the infection is sexually transmitted.

Every single person can get Molluscum contagiosum, but children who are ages one and ten, people who have atopic dermatitis, people with weakened immune systems, and people who live in tropical climates are at higher risk. This is not a life-threatening condition, but it can cause a lot of discomforts if you leave it untreated. Also, there is a risk of spreading this infection to your family members, friends, and other people with whom you come into close contact. You need to consult your doctor before you try some of the mentioned home remedies to find out which natural treatment will work effectively for you.

It’s also important to know what the molluscum contagiosum stages are in order to treat each one accordingly.

7 Molluscum contagiosum home remedy

Clove oil

This natural cure has strong antimicrobial properties, which make it very effective against Molluscum contagiosum [2]. Also, it can help to prevent the spread of infection. This is a strong oil, and it can sting quite a bit. This is a reason why you should dilute it before you apply it.

You should mix one teaspoon of extra–virgin coconut oil with one teaspoon of 100% pure clove oil. You should dip a q-tip in this home remedy. Apply it directly to the raised bumps or papules. You should cover it with a cotton pad and medical tape. You should keep it on for three to four hours. Then, you should rinse it off using warm water and gently pat dry it with tissues. You should use this home remedy three to four times per day and let it stay there throughout the night if it is possible. You should do this natural treatment for one week. You will notice that papules will begin to dry out, and they will eventually disappear.

Australian lemon myrtle

This is also a very effective home remedy for Molluscum contagiosum. It has many antimicrobial nutrients which can help to eliminate dead cells, and it will improve the growth of new skin. There was one study in which it was said that applying of 10% solution of Australian lemon myrtle once per day has reduced the symptoms by 90% or more in children suffering from this infection [3]. You should mix 9 parts of olive oil with one part of lemon myrtle oil. You should apply this home remedy to the Molluscum contagiosum. You should apply this home remedy to the molluscum bumps. You should do this natural treatment three or four times per day for a period of several weeks.

Hydrogen peroxide

This natural cure has strong antiseptic properties, which make it a very effective home remedy to control the spread of Molluscum contagiosum on the body. The topical application of hydrogen peroxide directly on the papules will draw out the pus and the infected center, which will cause bumps to pop and eventually dry out [4].

You should dip a q-tip in some hydrogen peroxide solution, and you should dab it on the raised bumps or papules. You should use a bandage to cover them. You should let it stay there for five to seven hours or overnight. You should rinse the affected areas with warm water, and you should gently dry them using a soft towel. Repeat this natural treatment two times per day. You should do this natural treatment for at least one week because this can help to dry out the papules. Also, there was one study in which it was found that the 1% hydrogen peroxide cream can be also used as a natural treatment for Molluscum contagiosum in infants.

Natural cures for Molluscum contagiosum

Grapefruit seed extract

This is a very effective home remedy for combating the Molluscum contagiosum. It has strong antimicrobial properties, and it is believed that it is effective against more than 800 bacterial and viral agents [5]. The direct application of grapefruit seed extract aids in clearing up the Molluscum contagiosum papules or bumps, and it can help to control the infection to spread the disease to the surrounding areas.

You should add four of five drops of grapefruit seed extract to one teaspoon of water. You should dip a cotton swab in this home remedy and dab it on the affected skin. You should cover it with a bandage and let it stay there for five to seven hours. You should repeat this natural treatment two times per day. You should follow this home remedy for one week because it will help papules to dry up.

Also, you can mix ten drops of grapefruit seed extract in five ounces of water, and you should consume it at least three times per day for a period of a few weeks. The indigestion of grapefruit seed extract may take longer to show visible results, but this will aid your body in the fight against this viral infection.

Tea tree oil

This is a natural antiviral and antiseptic agent. When this home remedy is applied topically, then it penetrates the skin, and it can help to fight against the Molluscum contagiosum virus. There was one study that was done in 2012 in which it was said that the combination of organically bound iodine with tea tree oil offers a safe therapeutic alternative in the treatment of childhood Molluscum contagiosum [6]. You should dab a cotton ball in tea tree oil.

You should apply it on the skin where the bumps appear. You should repeat it three or four times per day because this will give you quick results. Also, you can mix four or five drops of tea tree oil with one tablespoon of olive oil. You should apply this mixture to the affected areas. You should let it stay there for a couple of hours before you rinse it off using warm water. You should repeat this natural treatment once or twice per day for a period of a few weeks. You should not consume tea tree oil.

Apple cider vinegar

This is a very effective home remedy for Molluscum contagiosum. It is rich in antiviral properties, and it can help to kill the virus which is responsible for the infection. It can penetrate into the skin quickly, and it will eliminate the source of the infection. Also, it is rich in minerals and vitamins, which will boost your immune system, and this will help to speed up the recovery process.

You should soak a cotton ball in raw and unfiltered apple cider vinegar, and you should apply it to the affected area. You should cover this area using a bandage and let it stay there throughout the night. When you wake up in the morning, then you should remove the bandage and wash the affected area using lukewarm water. You should repeat this natural treatment once per day for a period of a few weeks.

If you have noticed that the apple cider vinegar is irritating to your skin, then you should dilute it with an equal amount of water.

Also, you can add one cup of raw and unfiltered apple cider vinegar to a bathtub file with warm water. You should soak your body in this water for twenty minutes once per day.

Also, you can mix one tablespoon of raw and unfiltered apple cider vinegar with one glass of water and drink this home remedy two times per day because this will work against the virus from the inside out.

Oil of oregano

This is a very effective home remedy for Molluscum contagiosum. It has powerful antimicrobial properties, which can help you to deal with the root cause of the skin infection [7]. This natural cure will boost the immune system, and it can help you to fight off the infection quickly.

You should mix six drops of oregano oil into one tablespoon of almond or olive oil. You should apply it to the affected area and let it stay there for a few hours. You should wash it off using lukewarm water, and you should pat dry the area thoroughly. You should do this natural treatment three or four times per day. Also, you can use clove oil if you do not have the oil of oregano at your home.

References

[1] Schaffer JV, Berger EM. Molluscum contagiosum. JAMA Dermatology. 2016;152(9):1072.

[2] Nuñez L, D’ Aquino M. Microbicide activity of clove essential oil (Eugenia caryophyllata). Brazilian Journal of Microbiology. 2012;43(4):1255-1260.

[3] Burke BE, Baillie JE, Olson RD. Essential oil of Australian lemon myrtle (Backhousia citriodora) in the treatment of molluscum contagiosum in children. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy. 2004;58(4):245-7.

[4] Lu M, Hansen EN. Hydrogen peroxide wound irrigation in orthopaedic surgery. Journal of Bone & Joint Infection. 2017;2(1):3-9.

[5] Heggers JP, Cottingham J, Gusman J, et al. The effectiveness of processed grapefruit-seed extract as an antibacterial agent: II. Mechanism of action and in vitro toxicity. Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine. 2002;8(3):333-40.

[6] Markum E, Baillie J. Combination of essential oil of melaleuca altemifolia and iodine in the treatment of molluscum contagiosum in children. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. 2012;11(3):349-54.

[7] Leyva-Lopez N, Gutiérrez-Grijalva EP, Vazquez-Olivo G, Basilio Heredia J. Essential oils of oregano: Biological activity beyond their antimicrobial properties. Molecules. 2017;22(6):989.

Vijila
Vijila
Dr. Emil Sarsath (aka) Vijila, a licensed naturopathic doctor (BSMS) who always ensures his patients receive compassionate, and individualized care. He has extensive experience in primary care, digestive health, mental health, nervous system disorder and more.Area of Expertise – Naturopathic Medicine, Whole Foods-based Nutrition, Siddha, Panchakarma.She is always available through [email protected]

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