Help with Skin Condition

Updated on October 30, 2008
J.W. asks from Culver City, CA
31 answers

my best friend's sister just emailed me looking for advice on how to deal with Molluscum Contagiosum. has anyone out there dealt with this? thanks for any help or advice. she is trying to find a more holistic/alternative approach as the traditional route is not working and she's concerned about the side effects.

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

Featured Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

N.W.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi J.. Both of my girls got that a year apart. My 7 yr. old at that time got it at the begining of summer when she swam in a country club pool and then the same thing happend the following year with my 3 year old at the time. Chlorine is one of the causes and day care. But you really have to just ride it out. It took about 6 months for each girl to rid of it. The only thing I used to minimize it was scotch tape over it lightly, to kind of peel off a layer of the bump. And then I put Arbonne Herbal Diper rash cream on it, Iuse that for everything becaue my girls have ecema (spelling ?) and they get rashes everynow and then. I even use it on the face for dryspots. i know that will help if there is any itching from the bumps. I was lucky that it didn't spread to the face or around the eye area, but neither one of them has gotten it again. They get it becaue thier immunity is not built up yet.
Hope this helps.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.H.

answers from San Diego on

Lifewave has skin patches that work incredible. They are called Y-age (glutathione and carnosine boosters). Go to Lifewave.com/kherihealth for more info.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.P.

answers from Los Angeles on

I highly recommend Zymaderm which is available on www.molluscum-contagiosum.net. It has worked great for my 21 month old son and clears the warts up in a matter of days. (I sent you a little more info over email.)
good luck

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.S.

answers from Los Angeles on

I looked up your condition on the CDC webpage and it has advice about how to treat the viral condition which usually abates in six months or so all by itself. But it does have advice that might be helpful.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.H.

answers from Los Angeles on

J.,

I am not familiar with that skin condition but there is an Organic Pharmacy on Ventura in Studio City. It is called Green Cradle and they are INCREDIBLE.... it might be worth a try!

Also, any thought about acupuncture?

Good luck,
K.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

N.B.

answers from Los Angeles on

I fee for your friend..my son had it last year and it was a nightmare...i tried the alternative route as well and it just took so long to start working that i gave up and went to the dermotologist...i ordered this stuff called silver cure from a wedsite called molluscum.com...i hope this helps and let me know if i can help any further...you can email me at ____@____.com...
good luck,
N.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hello, Well I first want to start off by saying this is a very very common virus. It is similar to the chicken pox virus. My son is just getting over this as well. Some of the doctors in our practice use liquid nitrogen. I used liquid nitrogen for my son. The key is to have the molluscum frozen on a weekly basis. This will take about 3-4 consecutive weeks. Since you have a little guy request LMX cream or some other numbing cream to be applied to the site 15 minutes before the liquid nitrogen and he shouldn't feel anything. Another provider uses Aldara, Benzoyl Peroxide, or Retin A depending on the molluscum location. Be careful with Retin A because it is very strong and can make the skin peel, red, or looked burned and can be uncomfortable. If you choose to not treat them they will go away, however it will take longer. If your son can take Benedryl for the itching it will help. Scratching will make it worse or spread it to someone else. Either approach you decide, usually no scar is left behind. There may be residual spots but they will fade in a few months. Good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.F.

answers from Los Angeles on

yes, my son had it a couple of years ago, he is now seven and it has never came back. infact one of my friends daughters just went to the doctor yesterday for it, the doctor told her to put crazy glue on it everyday, i know this sounds crazy.....but it works, what we did for it was put clear finger nail polish on it every night after his bath. it totally went away and has never came back. the deal with this molluscum is there is a puss like stem inside that needs to die basically! when i had taken my son to the doctor she told me it could last up to a year or so, but luckily we did the clear nail polish treatment and in about a month or so it was completely gone! what the clear nail polish or the crazy glue does is sufficate it. i hope this helps, like i said ironically my fiends little girl just got diagnosed with it yesterday too! it's not anything to worry about at all. the nail polish worked like wonders....and a cheap treatment too! i hope i was of help for you
L. f

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.K.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi J....my son had this also. It lasted for almost a year and everytime I went to my pediatrian, he said it would clear up on it's on in a years time too. A year was approaching, it was almost summer and I wanted it to be gone before everyone saw the funk on his back at the pool or beach. I requested that we be referred to a local dermatologist. After a five minute visit to the dermotologist, he gave me a sample size version of benzoyl peroxide (acne treatment gel) to put on each of the Molluscum. The dermatologist told me that the benzoyl peroxide on the molluscum causes a "reaction" for lack of a better word, which then causes the body to want to "fight" and help heal this irritated skin area. The benzoyl peroxide does not hurt or burn when applied. It is acutally over the counter acne treatment gel that can be found at any local pharmacy. I would bathe my son, apply the cream/gel, put his pj's on and he went to bed. He never complianed of it hurting or burning. Some molluscum went away with in a couple days. Other spots we had to reapply a few times, but all were completely gone within 2-3 weeks....and knock on wood...have never surfaced again. One thing I would say is don't pick at them...my son has a few tiny, tiny little spots on his back where I originally picked at them, thinking it was a pimple. In hind sight, it probably only helped to spread them. Another thing, as other people stated, according to my dermotologist is that it will go away approximately with in a years time. He said that once a child's immune system develops more the body would be able to fight it off and it would go away on its own.

Hope this helps and good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.P.

answers from Los Angeles on

HI J., I am a mom of two, soon to be three, and my son who is three and my daughter who is two have both had the same skin condition. THe Doctor had us put an antibiotic on each bump, he said ther are like warts, in that if they are scratched open they spread. My son had one soon after he was born, but we didnt put any cream on them until we turned two. THe cream worked for him. for my daughter whoever, we havent used the cream. she has very dry skin so I didnt want the cream to make it drier. I use Eucerin cream on her and, although it takes longer, the bumps are going away.
I hope this helps. let me know if you have questions.
M.
http://www.workathomeunited.com/M.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

V.F.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi J.,

After doing some research, MC is a viral infection usually found in people with a low immune system. That could mean that she has an autoimmune disorder and/or a weak digestive system (that is where 80% of your immune system is). Also, MC is found in people who are infected with AIDS (another immune system disease). I have included a link for you to view. MC will not go away by topical means. You will have to address the root cause by taking necessary tests to determine what shape your best friend's sister is in! At the very minimum she should have a stool culture for broad spectrum bacteria, fungi, parasites and ameoba, and a blood chem panel to check her immune system. Most medical doctors will not look here first. If you need help getting these tests, I know a fabulous doctor to recommend.
In Good Health!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.J.

answers from San Diego on

Drinking plenty of water is the first key. A diet rich in natural anti-virals and detoxifying food is the second key. These include shiitake & maitake mushrooms, young coconut water and flesh, ginger, garlic and more listed here: http://www.officialgym.com/antiviral_foods.htm

There are also many amazing antiviral herbs such as neem, goldenseal, liquorice root, that can be ingested and used topically as well.

Echinacea • Olive Leaves • Garlic
• Astragalus • Licorice •Shiitake Mushrooms
• Cat’s Claw • Ginger • Onion
• St. John’s Wort • Lemon Balm • Green Tea

Hope this is useful for your friend!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

Yes my daughter had it last summer and I believe she got it from our local swimming pool while taking lessons. What I used was ZymaDerm. I found it on the internet and it is a hollistic product. It went away pretty fast. It can be itchy and can spread. Make sure the child is not scratching it and then touching other body parts. My daughter had it on the small of her back. Good Luck.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

B.T.

answers from Los Angeles on

My son's pediatrician said that they usually go away on their own in about a year or can be burned off. Some of the topical treatment can cause skin irritation to the adjacent skin (we tried salycylic acid).

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

Y.C.

answers from Los Angeles on

Both of my children had Molluscum and the big mistake that we did was pick them at first. DO NOT PICK THEM! They leave holes in your skin just like chicken pox do.
We just had to let them go away naturally, it took some time but now both of my kids are Molluscum free!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.T.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi J.,

I am looking into this for you and will get back with you as soon as possible. Please, give me a way of contacting you over the next few days, as this mail will be gone and I won't be able to get a hold of you.

My email is ____@____.com
Wishing you a great day and anticipating being able to help your friend,

D.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.B.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi J., I am a Therapist and I do all my best to only use holistic/alternative approach too. My best recomendation will be to use Tea Tree Oil and Tea Tree Cream.
You can visit my web site, www.batun.swissjust-usa.com, and find more information. But if you have any other questions please feel free to contact me at any time.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.H.

answers from San Luis Obispo on

If you are local to the area in Oceano, Call or go to The Natural Edge on 14th street in Grover Beach. Zona will give you holistic advise and she has everything you might need for your friend. ###-###-#### is her number.
Best of Luck

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.B.

answers from Los Angeles on

I do recomend a hollistic approach for the whole body and for skin conditions. I'm happy to email more information, have a conversation or refer her to a website.
Kim

K.G.

answers from Los Angeles on

J.,
Often skin conditions especially in children can be caused by toxins in laundry soap and children's soaps body wash, even diaper wipes.
I have a website that has really great information about toxins in the home. Your friend is welcome to contact me either directly or through the website.
There are alternatives to prescription medications that have scary side effects.
www.healthyhomeworkshop.com
K.
____@____.com

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.S.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi J.:

I haven't heard of that condition, however, I still have an avenue for your friend's sister to explore. My suggestion to you is that you visit NAET.com, order and read the book "Say Good-Bye to Children's Allergies" or "Say Goodbye to Illness" and make an appointment to consult with an NAET certified doctor. I go to Dr. David Karaba in Fullerton and absolutely love him. My 11 month old grand daughter and 10 year old grand daughter also go to him. His phone number is ###-###-####. One of the wonderful things about NAET is that for children or the infirm, they can be treated through a surrogate. For further research you can also go to narfnet.com. Here is the description paragraph from the books for your information.

"Say Good-bye to Children’s Allergies
By - Devi S. Nambudripad, M.D., D.C., L.Ac., R.N., Ph.D.
In Say Good-bye to Children’s Allergies, Dr. Devi S. Nambudripad, the developer of NAET®, will help you understand your child’s illness and will assist you in finding the right help to achieve better health for your child. This book will show you how certain commonly used products in your foods and environment can cause health problems in your child; how you can test your child in your privacy of your own home using the Nambudripad’s Testing Techniques described in the book. This book will educate you how your child’s health problems can relate to allergy, a traditionally under-diagnosed or misdiagnosed condition; and, how allergies can manifest into myriad symptoms that might seem unrelated. The author also provides remedies for mild conditions of common childhood ailments arising from allergies and how to find help in assisting your child find the right help for serious problems such as, asthma, hay-fever, common colds, sinus problems, milk allergy, peanut allergy, sugar allergy, hives, gastritis, vomiting, colic for newborns, ear infections, irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, bronchitis, drug reactions, and many other conditions. Dr. Nambudripad explains how allergies are often the underlying causes to pediatric problems and how NAET® testing procedures and NAET® treatments can offer relief from these allergies. The book is supported by NAET® practitioners’ testimonials and patients’ success stories."

Say Good-bye to illness, 3rd Edition:
- Devi S. Nambudripad, M.D., D.C., L.Ac., Ph.D.

In this 3rd edition of Say Good-bye to Illness, Dr. Nambudripad, the developer of Nambudripad’s Allergy Elimination Techniques (NAET®), xposes the truth behind the many health problems plaguing people today. In her book, Dr. Nambudripad gives a new definition for allergies and a deeper understanding of how our bodies relate to or retreat from the millions of natural and artificial substances around us.

Patients are encouraged to read “Say good-bye To Illness” prior to starting NAET® treatments with their practitioner. This book will give you some understanding about allergies, allergy related diseases, and how a non-invasive, easy to follow, holistic treatment can give you freedom to live comfortably again. Many case histories of managing various health problems are given in this book. Young infants from day five to older patients as old as 94 have been treated with NAET® with excellent results. Many so-called incurable problems have been traced to food or environmental allergies and treated with great success.

She shares the amazing story of her personal struggle to free herself from lifelong allergies and also explains the theoretical basis for her technique. The book provides hundreds of true testimonials and fascinating case histories of patients who have been treated successfully with NAET® for various allergy-based health disorders and living normally now.

Say Good-bye to illness is recommended reading for anyone who gets frequent acute health problems as well as who suffer from chronic health disorders. Dr. Nambudripad has helped thousands of people with multiple health problems by tracking down and reversing their allergies using NAET® techniques. She has trained over 9,000 practitioners all over the world so that people who suffer from allergies can find help in their local area. Her book is thoroughly researched and supported by many double blind studies

(JNECM, 2005, 2006, 2007). It is also supported by testimonials from practitioners, as well as success stories from hundreds of patients who have suffered and now live allergyfree.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.M.

answers from San Luis Obispo on

One of my sons had molluscum on his face and neck. We just ended up taking him to a dermatologist because it was awful. Our experience with the dermatologist was great. My son was 3 at the time.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

P.D.

answers from San Diego on

I would recommend checking out the following website as it may be an option you have not yet considered. www.molluscum.com

Also, you might want to try the the Arbonne Baby Line (called ABC for Arbonne Baby Care) as I have witnessed amazing results with skin conditions when people switch over to the ABC. Hope this helps.

P.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.L.

answers from Los Angeles on

My daughter had it. While I tried the topical creams that were prescribed they didn't seem to work. The two things that worked for us were either popping them, or having the dermatologist freeze them off. I was advised against popping but a friend had done it and it did work. My duaghter didn't like it. Our dermatologist would use I think nitrogen to freeze them off and then they would just scab up and fall off. That didn't sem to bother her as much. Good luck.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

B.D.

answers from Los Angeles on

Check out Naturopathix, Inc Zyma Derm, Molluscum RX THe number is 1-800-694-6855. Arbonne has great products to help soothe skin conditions as they are healing. Have her call me if she's interested! B Duran ###-###-####office

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.L.

answers from San Diego on

My son has this and they prefer not to treat it because it does eventually go away on it's own. I have chosen to let it run it's course. In his case he got some eczema in the same spot so i just keep that under control with Aveeno cream and Hydrocortisone cream.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.F.

answers from San Diego on

My son too has Molluscum Contagiosum and I recently took him to the doctor, She advised us that there is really nothing that can be done, but should be left alone and it will disappear on it's own, but if it itches to give the child either benadryl or claritin to subside the itching but it will go away on it's own, also that it will take months for it to go away but it will go away.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.B.

answers from San Diego on

I am not exactly sure the particulars with that condition. Most skin conditions can be either started or aggitated by grocery store brand cleaning and bath products that contain lots of harmful, toxic chemicals. Have you considered switching to safer products that won't harm or aggrevate the skin?

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.V.

answers from Los Angeles on

My daughter previously suffered from this and unfortunately the alternative approaches did not work and her infection spread rapidly so we had to take a non-mainstream approach with the medication and her doctor put her on an adult topical treatment of Aladara (5%). The medication is strong has been used to treat adult genital conditions and is not a typicallty prescribed for children. The risk was worth it as the virus cleared up and ceased to spread and has not recurred in the last 18 months. There were no side effects other than dry skin. Sorry this is not the answer that you were looking for, but it was the path that worked for us. By the way, my daughter was barely 5 yrs old when we started the topical application of Aladara.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.M.

answers from Honolulu on

Aloha J.,

I have done a bit of research on Molluscum Contagiosum and found that it is believed to be a virus infection. I have been using a product that my husband markets called Natural Cellular Defense that actually prevents virus's from replicating. It is made from a natural mineral called Zeolite that is one of the few minerals that are negatively charged. It is in a micronized liquid which is taken in drops in any liquid, safe and efficent. When it goes into the body or it can be used topically as well it attracts positively charged particles into itself and within 4 to 7 hours removes them from the body through the urine. The way this works with virus's is that in order for a virus to replicate it needs to aquire what are referred to as viral particles from the hosts body. Some of these particles are possitively charged so the Zeolite attracts them and the virus can not then replicate because it doesn't have all the particles it needs and it dies. As very simple mechanical process. If you are interested in trying this let me know. What it is mainly used for is removing heavy metals and other toxins from the body.

In my research I also found this web site http://www.molluscum.com/?gclid=CIHpm8znsZECFScXagodfDuadw which has another product that looks like it also heals Molluscum as well. It is a silver product. It looks good so check it out as well. We live in Kula on Maui so we can get you the NCD if you want to try it.

Blessings on Your Health

J. Milholland

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.T.

answers from Honolulu on

Hi! My son actually received this diagnosis yesterday. The Dr. prescribed a cream but said that it was a virus that would go away on its own in 6 months (if we didn't use the cream). She said that it was contagious but not like chicken pox - just if he scratched them and then REALLy rubbed up against someone. Sorry that I don't have more info - I am curious about the holistic/alternative methods as well.

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions

Related Searches