Molluscum Contagiosum is a commonly occurring skin disease, which is caused by a virus. It is a contagious disease and can spread easily from person to person by direct contact, by sharing clothes or towels, or at the gym by using the same gym mats. So, how long does it take for molluscum contagiosum to go away and what are its home remedies? Let us understand this in detail.
How Long Does It Take For Molluscum Contagiosum To Go Away?
Molluscum Contagiosum is a common condition and it appears as small raised bumps in the upper layer of the skin. These bumps are painless, pink colored and can appear anywhere on the skin. If you are wondering about how long does it take for molluscum contagiosum to go away, it is necessary to know that it is a self-limiting disease, which means they disappear on their own. Their presence varies from one individual to another. The bumps in Molluscum Contagiosum can remain from 2 months to 4 years but they rarely leave scars.
Molluscum contagiosum presents the symptoms as follows:
- The appearance of flesh-colored or pink bumps on the skin
- They are also smooth, shiny, and very small
- The skin eruptions are shaped dome-like and they have a dimple in the middle
- They can cause slight discomfort, itching and tingling when the bumps are present
The skin lesions of molluscum contagiosum can be as large as 15 mm in diameter. They appear more on the face and are resistant to treatment. There are various treatment options and home remedies which prove to be effective to ease the symptoms.
What are the Home Remedies for Molluscum Contagiosum?
While medical treatment are available for molluscum contagiosum, some people prefer natural and home remedies. Though the home remedies do not actually cure but do reduce the discomfort. So what are the home remedies for molluscum contagiosum? Let us look at some of most effective ones.
Oatmeal Bath – Grind the oatmeal to make a powder. Fill a tub with lukewarm water and add 1 cup of powdered oatmeal to it. Soak in it for 10-15 minutes and then pat dry. You can also make a mix of oatmeal and warm water in a bowel and apply it to the affected areas. The fatty acid content of oatmeal helps in reducing skin inflammation. It is really effective in relieving symptoms of various skin illnesses and is one of the best home remedies for molluscum contagiosum.
Tea Tree Oil – Tea tree oil is an antiseptic and can soothe any allergic or an inflamed skin. It is used in a wide range of skin conditions and is also found effective in soothing the symptoms of molluscum contagiosum such as pain and irritation of skin. Mix tea tree oil with iodine and apply to the affected areas for excellent results. You can also continue using teat tree oil after the infection has ended by adding a few drops of it to the bathing water, as an effective home remedy for molluscum contagiosum. This can prevent the infection from recurring. It is important to do a patch test before application as it can also lead to an allergic reaction.
Garlic – Garlic bears antibiotic and antiviral properties making it a useful home remedy to fight against any kind of infection. Crush garlic into a paste and apply on the affected areas, and wrap it with a thin cloth. This will prevent the infection from further spreading. The antiviral properties of garlic are found effective even in treating water warts.
Honey and Olive Oil – Honey and olive oil mixture is also an effective treatment for molluscum contagiosum. Add a pinch of salt to the mixture before applying to the area of infection. It promotes early healing and is one of the popular home remedies for molluscum contagiosum. Make sure that the honey used is free from preservatives to avoid any allergic reaction.
Curd – The curd is found helpful in fighting infection. It provides a cooling effect and also eases the pain. Apply curd to the skin lesions and the area of infection and leave it for 15 minutes and then wash it off. This treatment can also be used in cases of water warts.
Baking Soda – The antiseptic properties of baking soda make it effective home remedy in easing the symptoms of molluscum contagiosum. It also hastens healing. Make a paste by adding water to the baking soda. Apply it on the skin eruptions. Leave for 5 minutes and wash off. Do not leave the paste on infection for long as it may make the skin sticky and increase the pain.
Although, it is a self-limiting infections, how long it takes for molluscum contagiosum to go away, to some extent, depends on the level of care taken. The virus causing it is highly infectious. It is therefore important to stop the infection from spreading than curing it. Recovery may be faster in people who take proper care and prevent further spread of infection. Similarly, using the home remedies for molluscum contagiosum can not only help ease the symptoms but also fasten the recovery.
Also Read:
- Can Adults Get Molluscum From Child & How To Stop Molluscum Contagiosum From Spreading?
- Can Molluscum Contagiosum Be Cured?
- Is Molluscum Contagiosum The Same As HPV?
- Complications Of Molluscum Contagiosum
- What Is A Home Remedy To Get Rid Of Molluscum Contagiosum?
- Does Apple Cider Vinegar Cure Molluscum Contagiosum?
- Can My Child Go To School With Molluscum Contagiosum?