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Go to Molluscum Contagiosum Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS MOLLUSCUM CONTAGIOSUM?

Molluscum contagiosum is a highly contagious viral skin infection. It is not a serious condition but it can take anything from 12 to 18 months or even up to 3 years or more to clear on its own. Unlike most common viruses the body does not seem to be able to recognise or fight molluscum straight away. It is not know when this is.

Molluscum contagiosum also known as MC is an infection caused by a virus and is seen on the skin and occasionally in the mucous membranes. MC does not occur in animals, so is limited to humans only, and is caused by a DNA poxvirus known as molluscum contagiosum virus or MCV. This is the same family of viruses as chicken pox and shingles.

It is important to note that although the lesions look like warts MC is not caused by the same virus that causes warts or gential warts, which is the HPV virus.

Most people have never heard of molluscum and it certainly is not listed under ‘Common Childhood Illnesses’ however today the condition is very common in children. Although most adults are resistant to the virus adults can catch it, particularly if their immune system is low, or as an STD (sexually transmitted disease). The elderly can also be susceptible. Children and the elderly naturally have a weaker immune system than adults but a child with molluscum does not indicate a weak immune system. Children with immune disorders such as eczema, asthma and other allergies for example can however get a more severe case of molluscum.

Molluscum is spread through direct contact, person to person as well as sharing clothing, towels, baths and toys. The virus can live for 24 hours in damp conditions so it is very possible that children are passing it on to each other at swimming pools.

SYMPTOMS

Molluscum contagiosum appears as small, raised, round, flesh or pink coloured spots on the skin (called mollusca). Often described as ‘pearly warts’, the bumps are typically 1/16 to 3/16 of an inch in diameter, and usually have a small indentation or white bump on the top.  The spots or lesions can look different on different people, or at different times of their life cycle. They can become very red, angry, large and inflamed and come to a head. They should then scab over/bleed/burst/drop off and come to the end of their life cycle at that point. Scratching or rubbing the spots will cause the infection to spread.

Children will typically get the infection on the face, arms, armpits, hands, tummy and back, but it can spread to any part of the body.  Adults will typically get the infection in the genital area, lower abdomen, buttocks and upper inner thigh area.  It is common for patches of eczema to appear alongside the molluscum even if your child has not had eczema before.

It is recommended that any adult with MC be screened for other sexually transmitted diseases.

The bumps will develop on the skin approximately two to eight weeks after you have been infected. Each molluscum tends to last for about six to twelve weeks, but they can last much longer, and it should then crust over and go away.  The reason that it can take a year or more for the condition to go completely is that as old spots are clearing new ones are typically developing.  There have been cases of molluscum that have lasted for more than five years.

WHAT IS MC?

Molluscum contagiosum is caused by the DNA poxvirus known as molluscum contagiosum virus.  There are four different types of MCV: MCV-1 to MCV-4.  The one that is most commonly associated with MC is MCV-1 in children and it is MCV-2 that infects most adults.

DIET AND LIFESTYLE ADVICE

There is some debate as to whether or not avoiding certain social activities is necessary. The problem is of course the length of time that molluscum takes to go when left alone. Because of this your GP will tell you that you child can continue to go to nursery, school and swimming.  You cannot of course keep your child off from nursery or school for months.  However it would be wise to avoid swimming because it is very possible that is where your child caught it.

To help decrease the likelihood of spreading the infection to others though there are certain activities you should avoid.  Children should avoid sharing clothes, bedding, baths and towels, or personal items with other children.  Adults that are infected should avoid any sexual contact.

If the infection is in an area that you would normally shave, you should avoid shaving – scraping over the bumps would spread the condition.

THE CONVENTIONAL APPROACH

Typically you will have been told that there is nothing that can be done for molluscum by your GP.  The NHS genuinely does not have any anti-viral medication for molluscum.  Dermatologists will recommend topical treatments for molluscum but none of these are very effective or pleasant, and include scraping or curettage of the infected areas, which could acutally cause the condition to spread and will cause scarring.

There is also cryotherapy or the freezing of each bump but this can be very time consuming and painful and can also cause scarring.

None of these approaches deals with the presence of the virus within the body and so do not prevent new spots from coming through.

If you have any further questions with regard to molluscum having read the above information please contact us

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MOLLUSCUM CONTAGIOSUM FAQ:

Is molluscum contagious?

Please note that no matter what you have been told Molluscum is contagious. It is passed on by direct contact, by sharing toys, at school/nursery, but also by sharing bath water and at swimming pools. The virus can live for 24 hours on a damp surface.

Can my child still go swimming?

If you take your child swimming and they have caught Molluscum it is very possible that this is where they caught it. It would be wise not to go swimming to avoid spreading it to other people. If for whatever reason you dont stop swimming then it would be a good idea for your child to wear a sun protection swimsuit which covers the molluscum.

Can my children share a bath?

Please avoid sharing bath water. Ensure that your child has his/her own towel.

Should I cover my child up in summer?

If you can cover your child with loose cotton clothing in summer it would be better, firstly to avoid direct contact of the affected areas with other children and secondly to avoid direct sunlight and the need to apply suncream. We do have natural spray sun lotions if you do need to use them so that you dont have to touch the lesions.

Should I squeeze the spots?

Squeezing the lesions isn’t always ideal because children cannot tolerate it. However if the spots do have a white head you can very gently encourage the core to come out after a warm bath. Once this is out use the spray and use a plaster if necessary and the lesion should then heal and be gone. If your child cannot tolerate this at all try placing a plaster over the spot – it should work like a poultice and help the core to come out.

My child has molluscum and eczema. Treating the eczema is causing the molluscum to spread. Can I use your kit safely?

Yes please select the kit with the ‘Mollu-Cream+’ which is for children with very sensitive skin. It is easy to use and has been developed for use with eczema and molluscum.

We would just recommend that you test patch a small area of eczema with the cream first just to be sure it suits your child before liberal use. As with eczema the skin can be hyper sensitive even to natural products.

Are the products in the kit homeopathic?

No they are not, they are classed as food or dietary supplements, and the skin care products as cosmetics.

I have never given my child food supplements before, are they safe? 

Yes absolutely, the natural food supplements in the kit have been approved by the EU for safe usage as a ‘food supplement’. They are the same classification as vitamins, minerals and omega 3 which you may be more familiar with. All the products are suitable for children as per the ages on the kits.

Are there any possible side effects from using your kit?

Not normally, but in rare cases people might experience some sensitivity to the skin when using either of the topical products.   If you are sensitive to silver or the essential oils in the serum spray, the skin that has not been affected by Molluscum may appear pink in colour or become sore.  If this happens, stop using the spray immediately and contact us. Firstly we will make sure you are using the sensitive spray, and if not we will send you one to try instead. Please allow the skin to calm down and then you can either very carefully try the sensitive spray. We do also have a silver-based Lotion and a Cream that some people with sensitive skin find suits them better. If the same sensitivity occurs please contact us and just focus on the oral part of the kit.

Although not very common some people are sensitive to ‘berries’. If you are sensitive to the Elderberry, you may experience an upset tummy or a rash on your skin.  If this happens, stop using it.  Contact us and we will be able to offer you an alternative product.

Olive Leaf Extract can sometimes cause a slight detox effect and may cause a ‘funny tummy’ or a headache as a result. This is not dangerous in any way but if this does happen please reduce the dosage and build up again more slowly, ensuring your child drinks plenty of water. If it really doesn’t suit your child please contact us for an alternative.

How long does the kit last?

The Age 2+ Kit should last around three to four weeks. The Age 8+ Kit and the Adult Kit will last for two weeks because the dosages of the oral products are higher. It is possible to order any items individually should you need to and some products have larger refill bottles (the Silver-MSM Liquid and the Mollu-Serum). Most people need to purchase more than one kit.

There is some redness and dryness where I have been spraying the serum, what should I do?

Please stop using the spray and contact us for advice as per the above.

The spots have become large and red and angry? They have a white head/ the core is protruding/ or they are bleeding – is this normal?

This is all very normal and is a good sign. Not all the spots do this but some certainly need to and it means that that particular spot is coming to the end of it’s life cycle. The sprays have antiseptic properties so keep the spots well sprayed. You can use silver plasters which are available at pharmacies and supermarkets if you need to. Once the spots have finished this process they should then go flat.

There are still new spots coming through. They are very small. Is this normal?

Yes this is normal. Eventually there should be no new spots coming through.

I am pregnant is it safe to use?

Yes the sprays are perfectly safe to use whilst pregnant. Please contact us with regard to any additional products.

How long does it take for the Molluscum to clear up?

In some children it can clear up in between 3-4 weeks, but most people take around 6-8 weeks and some can take longer. In stubborn cases it can certainly take longer. If at any point you feel that you have a very stubborn case please contact us.

What are the success rates?

This is difficult to quantify as not everybody gives us their feedback, but please feel free to read the testimonials on our website, they are 100% genuine.  If we had to put a figure on it, we would estimate a 90+% success rate.

Is there anything else I can give to my child alongside the kit?

Yes you can give Junior Olive Leaf extract – a herb which is suitable for children age 2 years plus. It does come in capsule form, so if your child cannot yet swallow small capsules please use the Olive Leaf Complex instead.

E-Kid Nacea Plus is a combination of Echinacea and goldenseal, the goldenseal makes it a natural immune boosting liquid.  But you can only give it for 10 days at a time.  Dosage is 3 times a day for 10 days, preferably in addition to the elder.  Then stop for one week and repeat the 10 day cycle as required.

In addition to all of these products you can also give your child/take yourself a good multivitamin, extra zinc drops or zinc chewables and vitamin C, and a probiotic all to help boost the immune system – see Immune Support for Babies & Children

The molluscum appears to have gone. Should I carry on using the kit?

We usually recommend that you continue to use the kit for 1-2 weeks just to be sure.

What can I give to my child to support them after I have stopped using the kit?

Any of the products in the kit can be used, low dose long-term. For children who can swallow capsules we recommend Bee Prepared Daily Defence Immune Support. In addition to any of these products you can also give your child/take yourself a good multivitamin, extra zinc drops or zinc chewables and vitamin C, and a probiotic all to help boost the immune system – see Immune Support for Babies & Children

The molluscum spots appear to have gone but have left marks on the skin. Will these go? Is there anything I can use to help reduce these scars?

The marks you describe are scars similar to chicken pox scars and if they are flat then the molluscum has gone. These marks on the skin will improve with time however you can also use Rosa Mosqueta Oil which is rich in essential fatty acids and improves scar tissue in 6-8 weeks. It should only be applied to unbroken skin.

If you have any further questions please contact us

 

NB. This information is not intended to treat, cure or prevent any diseases or medical conditions. If you are unsure as to the suitability of any of the products or recommendations with regard to your condition please consult your doctor. If your doctor does not approve of natural health products it may be helpful to find one who does.