Something that can look concerning but in general is very harmless is molluscum contagiosum. It is a “ fairly common skin infection caused by a virus. It causes round, firm, painless bumps ranging in size from a pinhead to a pencil eraser.”
The virus tends to spread within places such as daycares, gyms, swimming pools where there is direct contact with items such as towels or personal care products.
Even though it can clear up on its own, if there is a compromise in either the immune system or with the skin barrier with things like eczema or dry skin, then the bumps can really thrive and spread.
If you are dealing with molluscum contagiosum with your children or even yourself, and the natural remedies are not working or the bumps are spreading rapidly, the dermatologist would most likely give a topical treatment which can help tremendously with something called Cantharidin.
While the natural remedies can be extremely helpful it important to know when to call the doctor and that means if there is any fevers, bumps that feel warm to touch, bumps that begin oozing green or yellow pus or rapid spreading. The main things to watch for is a potential bacterial infection if the bumps form into something different or are being scratched.
Natural solutions
Cut the sugar
As with any illness, sugar is not your best friend when it comes to killing off the bad bugs in your system. There are many things that contain sugar so really monitor the intake of sugar to help boost the immune system.
Apple cider vinegar
This can really help balance the skin PH levels and people have had great success with diluting the apple cider vinegar with water and applying it to the skin for about 15 min. It’s important to remember that if there are open bumps then this can burn and irritate the skin.
Essential oils
A great blend of anti microbial essential oils such as tea tree, lavender or clove can be really helpful. You can try a blend of all 3 or one oil with one to two drops in 5 ml of a carrier oil such as coconut oil. You can continue until the bumps have dissolved.
Homeopathy
While homeopathy deals with symptoms as they come and matching the remedy as closely as possible to the actual symptoms, one remedy that comes to mind is Thuja 30c specifically for molluscum. Flip the bottle upside down expelling 3 pellets and place in mouth to dissolve. You can take this up to 3 weeks but if there is no improvement then a different remedy would be needed.
Herbs
Since it is a virus, you will need to support the body in fighting it off with antiviral herbs. Ones that comes to mind are licorice root, thyme, ginger, lemon balm, echinacea or elderberry. There are many ways to take these such as tinctures or make them into a tea. The type of herb really depends on what’s around you locally and what your child can tolerate.
Nails
One thing that’s important to think about is keeping the nails short. The virus is easily spread and if the particles get stuck under the fingernails then it’s more likely to spread.
Immune boost
As with any illness keep the immune system strong to help fight things off with soups, plenty of hydration, good herbal support, proper vitamins and probiotics.
Final thoughts
As with pink eye, practicing hygiene will help prevent the spread of molluscum. It is a very common virus that affects children mainly but can also spread to adults.
You can look as naturally support the body with natural remedies like herbs or homeopathy as well as topical treatments.
It’s important to remember that there is a risk of a bacterial infection happening especially if your child starts scratching as the bumps. There is always a time and a place for doctors and dermatologists if things are not improving.
Do not hesitate to reach out to the online wellness clinic if you feel like you need a more customized protocol.
I hope this helps you on the journey.
God bless you and yours.
