There’s several ways you can treat molluscum contagiosum as well as buying a topical treatment like MolluDab®. You’ll find more information about the main alternatives below, together with the official NHS advice on how to treat it.
In many cases doctors will leave molluscum to go away on its own without any treatment. However, it can take 18 months or longer for the bumps to clear as during this time new spots may develop while old spots are healing. There are treatments available which can help speed up the process of clearing the spots. Historically, several approaches have been used by healthcare professionals:
The spots are frozen with liquid nitrogen to remove them. Each spot is frozen for 5 – 10 seconds so that a layer of ice forms over the spot and surrounding skin. Several sessions may be required before each spot clears.
The spots are scrapped off with thin metal instrument called a curettage after local anaesthetic injection by the general practitioner or dermatologist.
Diathermy is an electrically induced heat or the use of a high-frequency electromagnetic current. A local anaesthetic will be applied before having this type of treatment.
This is a relatively new type of treatment for molluscum contagiosum. It uses a powerful beam of light to destroy the cells that make up each spot. A bruise is left which should heal within one to two weeks.
There are a range of topical treatments available, which include salicylic acid and potassium hydroxide (such as MolluDab). These work by irritating the bumps and causing them to become inflamed. The immune system detects the virus and can clear the spots. Usually, topical treatments are available to self- treat at home.
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Molluscum doesn’t usually cause complications and the infection will eventually clear up on its own. However, in some rare cases, the spots may become infected with bacteria.
This is more likely to happen if your child or you have atopic eczema, (where the skin is particularly sensitive to substances such as dust mites or pollen) or if you have a weakened immune system. If the spots do become infected, treatment will be needed, which may require antibiotics.
You may be referred to a specialist in hospital if you have spots on your eyelids, near your eye, or your eye is red or painful. In rare cases, a secondary eye infection may develop, such as conjunctivitis.
Many doctors and dermatologists will advise against treating young children will molluscum if they feel that it would cause the child unnecessary pain and distress.
Treatment is usually only recommended for adults and older children who have spots that are particularly unsightly and are affecting their quality of life. Visit the NHS website for more information about molluscum contagiosum.
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