What is this thing you call… “Molluscum Contagiosum?”
Molluscum Contagiosum is a skin condition caused by a virus that forms small, wart-like lesions (bumps) on the skin. These lesions have a deep, white core, known as a viral bed. This is where the virus resides.
The infection generally lasts from 1.5 to 3 years before the bodies natural defense destroys it. In the meanwhile, little Johnny has become a viral factory- and marketing firm.
Yearly, 100’s of thousands of children contract the molluscum contagiosum virus. The most common places for children to catch and share this disease, their schools and daycares.
Not very comforting.
Is it Contagious?
Molluscum Contagiosum is highly (you guessed it) contagious! Ergo, the nefarious and descriptive name. The viral infection Molluscum contagiosum can be very difficult to deal with in the public settings and at home.
So, what’s a parent to do to prevent your, uhm… “little angel” from catching this disease?
Sadly, nothing.
This virus can lie invisibly (several days) on contaminated objects like toys, dolls and school bus seats, waiting to meet new companions.
Likewise, human to human touch (which “HORSEPLAY!” is included in that category) can also deliver this old virus to new children. It’s kinda like multi-level marketing, minus the closet full of soap and vitamins.
So, unless your family lives in a barricaded commune, eating carrots there’s nothing you can do to stop the 1 in 25 chances your darling and brilliant offspring has -from catching the MCV.
What to do if my child has molluscum?
So, your prodigy, the very fruit of your loins, has become a “Carrier”… what to do?
(Hold the doom-and-gloom overture) Remember, this is a limited, self-resolving disease that is pretty much confined to causing cosmetic aberrations on the skin. There are really, really bad diseases out there. This is not one of them. (Inhale…. exhale).
Firstly and foremost, treat child as you always have. (Unless of course, you’re like “Mommy Dearest” and in need of therapy). Their psychological development is much more important than this temporary skin condition. Do all you can to help your child navigate and overcome the embarrassment and social pressures this disease can bring on their little, developing hearts. Be a rock. Always keep this rule in mind.
Should you tell family and friends your child has a contagious disease?
Well, “yes”…and “no”.
If your friends come over and they have children that play with your child, yes. You will need to let them know that they should help govern the interaction (skin to skin horseplay) to lessen the risk for their child. Be prepared to lose friends -albeit shallow and undeserving “friends.” Had your child contracted molluscum from a friends house, you would have hoped they had not kept you in the dark.
What to do about school?
Go.
Permit me to expound. Pretty much, all children with molluscum go to school. Some teasing may occur, and yes, your little bambino may find “it is more blessed to give -than receive.” Chances are, another child may catch molluscum from your little tyke. Molluscum is with us and likely will be for a long time. Children get it. Children get over it. Welcome to the herd. Some pediatricians refer to molluscum as “A parent’s rite of passage.”
Here are some things you might do to help:
Treat your child’s lesions with Conzerol
Notify the school nurse or teacher about the condition
Send your child to school with loose, comfortable clothing
Cover exposed lesions with a tiny bandage to contain the virus
Wash your child’s hands frequently
Wash towels and bed-sheets frequently with hot water
Bather your child with a cup of Epsom Salts in the bath water
Clean lesions and surrounding skin with 3% hydrogen peroxide if they can tolerate it
The next step is to treat the Molluscum contagiosum with Conzerol. The Molluscum virus can take up to two years to self-resolve. Conzerol has been shown to reduce that time to just a few weeks. We also recommend bathing in Conzerol soap, it has been specifically formulated to reduce swelling and has antiviral properties that aid in the healing process. Evidence has shown that it can help reduce the spreading as well.
By – Mark Thompson, Mark is dedicated to spreading the word on treatable skin issues. He believes there are answers to problems like molluscum if you look hard enough. Mark is interested in natural and pharmaceutical methods to cure these issues. He believes there is power in knowledge.
