This can be a tough one.  Molluscum contagiosum (or molluscum as it is sometimes referred to) is one of those diseases that just does not go away quickly. The lesions can last anywhere from 6 months to 6 years if left untreated.

Why is it so hard to get rid of molluscum contagiosum?

• They reside on the surface

  The molluscum lesions reside on the outer dermal layers of the skin. They sit right on the surface. This may allow them to go undetected by the body’s natural defenses.

• Molluscum is big

  Of all the viruses, molluscum is the largest. Not only is it big, it’s surface is full of all sorts of bumps and indentations. This complex outer structure may be another reason why the virus is able to live so long

I don’t want to wait! So how do I get rid of molluscum contagiosum quickly?

• Physician Treatments

  A) Cryotherapy

  This is the freezing of the lesions. Drops of liquid nitrogen are placed on the lesions to freeze them off.

   B) Curettage

  Curettage is the removal of the lesions by scooping them out with a curette.

   C) Cantharadin

  Cantharadin is sometimes referred to as “bettle juice”, it is a blistering agent. The liquid comes from the blistering beetle. And just as its name implies, it uses acid to blister away the lesions. This treatment is probably the most common used by doctors.

  The problem with these 3 treatments is that often times the procedures are painful. No parent likes to sit there and watch their child scream in pain while a doctor applies acid to their skin. In addition, the treatments can lead to scarring.  These treatments traumatize the surface of the skin, resulting in scars.

  Over the Counter Drugs

  There are lots out there. Over the past few years the market has become flooded with all sorts of products claiming to get rid of molluscum contagiosum. The products vary in ingredients and treatment patterns.