Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a common viral skin infection caused by a poxvirus, resulting in distinctive skin growths called mollusca. These lesions appear as small, raised, dome-shaped bumps that are typically white, pink, or flesh-colored. They often feature a small dimple or dent in the center and can range in size from a pinhead to a pencil eraser. While this condition is generally benign and resolves on its own over several months, many people seek non-prescription methods to accelerate healing and prevent the virus from spreading to other areas of the body.
Specific At-Home Topical Treatments
One frequently used non-prescription approach involves Tea Tree Oil, known for its antiseptic properties. Combining Tea Tree Oil with an iodine solution can be particularly effective in addressing the lesions. Povidone-iodine, a common antiseptic solution, can be applied to the bumps, sometimes in a dilute form, two or three times a day until the lesions begin to clear.
Before applying any essential oil widely, perform a patch test on a small, unaffected area of skin to check for an allergic reaction.
Another common home application is Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV). It contains acetic acid, which acts as a mild caustic agent to irritate the lesions. Anecdotal reports suggest that ACV can help dry out the mollusca, prompting the body’s immune system to respond. For application, soak a cotton swab in ACV, often diluted with water for sensitive skin, and secure it over the lesion with a bandage for several hours. If this method causes stinging or burning, the ACV should be removed immediately and the skin gently washed to avoid excessive irritation or chemical burn.
A mechanical method sometimes used is Duct Tape Occlusion, which involves covering the bumps with strong adhesive tape for prolonged periods. The continuous occlusion and the adhesive itself create local irritation and a moist environment around the lesion, which is thought to stimulate a localized immune response against the virus. The tape should be kept on constantly, only removed daily for cleaning, and then immediately reapplied to maximize the effect. When successful, the covered lesions become red and inflamed, signaling that the immune system has begun to recognize and fight the infection.
Managing the Infection and Preventing Spread
While pursuing at-home treatments, a strict regimen of behavioral management is needed to prevent the infection from spreading to new areas of the body or to others. The virus can be easily spread through autoinoculation, which happens when an individual scratches, picks, or shaves over the lesions and then touches uninfected skin. Avoiding any form of friction or trauma to the bumps is paramount to containing the outbreak.
Hygiene practices must focus on careful handling of the skin to avoid transferring the virus. After bathing or showering, the skin should be gently patted dry with a clean towel rather than rubbed vigorously. Dermatologists often recommend using separate towels, one for the affected areas and one for the unaffected skin, to minimize the risk of viral transfer. Hand washing with soap and water is necessary after any accidental contact with the lesions.
Contagion to others is a significant concern, especially in close-contact environments. To prevent transmission, all visible lesions should be covered with clothing or waterproof bandages before participating in activities like sports or swimming. Personal items such as towels, washcloths, razors, and bath toys must not be shared with others in the household. For adults with lesions in the genital area, avoiding sexual contact until the bumps have fully cleared is recommended to prevent transmission to a partner.
Recognizing When Professional Treatment is Necessary
While home methods are often pursued, certain signs and circumstances indicate that a consultation with a physician or dermatologist is the safest and most appropriate course of action. Lesions located in sensitive or high-risk areas, particularly near the eyes, mouth, or on the genitals, should always be evaluated by a healthcare provider. Treatment in these locations may require professional intervention to prevent complications, such as conjunctivitis if lesions are on the eyelids.
Signs of a secondary bacterial infection require immediate medical attention, as this is a common complication when the lesions are scratched or broken open. These signs include:
- Increasing pain
- Noticeable swelling
- Spreading redness
- Yellow fluid or crusting around the bumps
Attempting to treat a bacterial infection at home without appropriate medication may delay healing and increase the risk of scarring.
If the molluscum lesions are spreading rapidly, covering a large area of the body, or refusing to resolve, it is time to seek professional advice. Although the infection is self-limiting for most people, some cases can persist for longer than a year, making a medical evaluation necessary. Individuals who have a compromised or weakened immune system should consult a doctor as soon as they notice the bumps. In these cases, the infection can be more widespread and persistent, and medical guidance is needed to determine the best course of action.