Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a self-limiting viral infection and usually gets better without any treatment in about 6-12 months. If complications develop or if molluscum contagiosum spreads throughout the body or if you are immune-compromised it can take about 18 months for the complete recovery. The problem is molluscum contagiosum is contagious and until the disappearance of the last lesion molluscum contagiosum can be contagious, therefore with the prolong recovery time it can be difficult for you to have a normal quality life.
What Is A Home Remedy To Get Rid Of Molluscum Contagiosum?
There are some home remedies that you can do, whether these home remedies are actually beneficial or not is debatable. For some people these home remedies are not effective whereas for some people these home remedies have helped. So, the actual effect and the benefits of these home remedies remain controversial.
The following home remedies does not cure the disease, but these reduce the number of lesions and relieve the itching and tingling sensation associated with the skin lesions. These lesions usually clear up on its own and removing the lesions might leave scars that can look nasty. You can try the following home remedies to reduce the number of lesions and to relive the symptoms associated with the lesions.
Colloidal Oatmeal Baths
Add colloidal oatmeal (which is finely grounded oatmeal) to a warm bath, it relieves the irritation and itchiness and is a good home remedy for molluscum contagiosum. Have a bath for about 10-15 minutes, do not wait more than 15 minutes. It can make your skin dry which can increase the skin irritation. You can also make the colloidal oatmeal in a bowl and put a cloth and soak the cloth in it and then apply it to the affected areas.
Oatmeal had triglycerides (fatty acids) which have anti-inflammatory properties. You can buy colloidal oatmeal or if it is difficult for you what you can do is grind the oats in a food processor or in a coffee bean grinder. To make sure the oats are well grinded put some oats into warm water, it the oats does not make a milk like texture that means you need to grind it more.
Tea Tree Oil
According to the journal of drugs in Dermatology applying tea tree oil combined with iodine twice a day reduce the molluscum contagiosum lesions to a significant level. A study done on children with molluscum contagiosum showed that rather than applying tea tree oil alone combining it with iodine gave better results.
Tea tree oil has antiseptic properties and is a good home remedy. It can be allergic to some people therefore, before applying you need to test it by applying it on an unaffected area and see if there an allergic reaction within 24 hours. If not, it is safe to apply. The oil should not be consumed it should only be applied on the affected areas.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil contains fatty acids which help as a home remedy for dry skin and these also have anti-inflammatory properties. Apply coconut oil to the affected skin, this moisturize the skin and reduce the itchiness. You can easily buy a bottle of coconut oil from a food or grocery store.
Australian Lemon Myrtle
According to the Biomedicine and Pharmacotherapy journal applying 10% solution of Australian lemon myrtle reduced 90% of the symptoms associated with molluscum contagiosum and it is a good home remedy. These are available in health food stores and regular application for 21 days brings results.
Other home remedies for molluscum contagiosum are:
- Apple cider vinegar
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Alcohol
- Iodine
- Elderberry extract
- Duct tape occlusion
Conclusion
There are some home remedies that you can do, whether these home remedies are actually beneficial or not is debatable. For some people these home remedies are not effective whereas for some people these home remedies for molluscum contagiosum have helped. So, the actual effect and the benefits of these home remedies remain controversial. Some of the home remedies are colloidal oatmeal baths, tea tree oil, coconut oil, Australian lemon myrtle apple cider vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, iodine, elderberry extract, and duct tape occlusion.
Also Read:
- Molluscum Contagiosum (MC): Causes, Risk Factors, Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention
- Can Adults Get Molluscum From Child & How To Stop Molluscum Contagiosum From Spreading?
- Alternative Treatment For Molluscum Contagiosum
- Can Molluscum Contagiosum Be Cured?
- How Long Does Molluscum Contagiosum Last?
- Is Molluscum Contagiosum The Same As HPV?
- What Causes You To Have Molluscum Contagiosum?
