10 Home Remedies For Molluscum Contagiosum (Skin Infection)

Molluscum contagiosum is a skin infliction where warts form on the skin. These warts or reddish spots may not be very painful but do cause mild to severe itching and cause quite a lot of discomfort for the afflicted patients. However, molluscum contagiosum needs a few months of continuous treatment as the virus is stubborn and takes some time to get rid of.

The virus spreads through sexual contact, personal contact, or coming in contact with personal items like clothes, towels, toys and brushes used by an affected person. There are several easy and effective home remedies for molluscum contagiosum that give relief.

Causes & Symptoms

Causes: The virus molluscum contagiosum, sexual contact, using personal items of an infected person.
Symptoms: Appearance of painless warts or lesions, waxy material present inside, present all over the body except the palms and soles.

10 Best Home Remedies For Molluscum Contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum is a painless skin disease that causes more embarrassment and severe itching than pain. There are several effective home remedies for molluscum contagiosum, and here are the 10 best:

10. Elderberry Extract

Mix 2 teaspoons of therapeutic Elderberry extract with 3 teaspoons of water.
Apply the mixture on the affected areas. Let it sit for a couple of hours.
Continue the process daily for a week or ten days. Alternatively, mix a teaspoon of the extract in a glass of warm water. Drink this mixture daily for a week or 10 days.

Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) is a herb that has amazing medicinal properties. It is traditionally used to fight cholesterol, better vision and for boosting the immune system. Apart from being effective in treating flu and other bacterial infections, it is very effective in treating skin inflictions like molluscum contagiosum. Elderberry contains several organic pigments, tannin, amino acids, flavonoids, carotenoids, viburnic acid, rutin, Vitamins A and B and a high concentration of Vitamin C. The flavonoids comprise anthocyanins, which are strong antioxidants that help prevent cell damage. Elderberry is one of the best home remedies for molluscum contagiosum.

While Elderberry does not cause any adverse side effects, it should not be eaten in its raw form as it can be very toxic. The tincture needs to be diluted before being used as it can aggravate the skin when used undiluted.

9. Garlic Poultice

Take 3-4 cloves of fresh Garlic. Wash, peel and crush to a fine paste.
Apply the Garlic paste on the affected areas. Let it sit for three to four hours.
Repeat the process daily for a week or 10 days.

Garlic (Allium sativumis) is a herb that is rich in compounds like sulphur, allicin and calcium. It is a great antibiotic and has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. Moreover, it is an effective anti fungal agent as well, which makes it a natural choice for treating skin afflictions like molluscum contagiosum. While the sulphur content in garlic helps prevent infections and contains the inflammation, the allicin content helps cure the infection and hastens the healing process. Garlic is one of the best home remedies for molluscum contagiosum in adults.

While Garlic does not cause any adverse side effects, it can cause irritation and a burning sensation when applied on very sensitive or raw skin.

8. Baking Soda

Mix 3 to 4 tablespoons of Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) with some water.
Take a ball of surgical cotton and dip in the paste. Apply the paste on the affected areas.
Allow it to sit for 30 to 45 minutes. Wash the area with cool water.
Continue the process for a week or so.

Baking soda or sodium bicarbonate is also known as nahcolite, and is extracted from the natural mineral natron. It has been used in folk medicine for treating various conditions and illnesses. It is very effective in controlling itchy rashes and gives instant relief. Baking soda is an antiseptic and antimicrobial agent and has anti-inflammatory properties as well. When applied on warts caused by molluscum contagiosum, it gives relief and helps with the healing process. Baking soda is one of the best home remedies for molluscum contagiosum.

While baking soda does not cause any adverse side effects it may cause some irritation when applied on raw skin or sensitive skin.

7. Neem Poultice

Take some fresh Neem leaves. Sprinkle some water and grind it to a fine paste.
Add a teaspoon of Turmeric powder. Apply this poultice on the affected areas. Let it sit for a couple of hours. Repeat the process daily for a week or ten days.

Neem is one of the best medicinal trees and the leaves of Neem have been used in the Ayurvedic system of medicine and in folk medicine to treat various skin afflictions and diseases like chicken pox successfully. Neem is a natural antiseptic agent and also has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. When combined with Turmeric, it functions as one of the best antiseptic agents and helps cure the infection caused by molluscum contagiosum. Neem and Turmeric have a soothing effect and help get relief from the irritation and burning sensation. Neem is one of the best natural home remedies for molluscum contagiosum.

Neem does not cause any adverse side effects and is safe to use. Similarly, Turmeric is one of the best natural spices that does not cause any side effects and is safe to use.

6. Coconut Oil

Take 2 teaspoons of virgin coconut oil. Apply on the affected areas.
Let it sit for a couple of hours. Wash with cool water and dab dry.
Repeat the process two to three times daily. Continue the process for a week or so.

Coconut oil is one of the best natural anti-inflammatory agents that also has anti-fungal and antibacterial properties. Coconut oil helps destroy the virus causing molluscum contagiosum and also helps in speeding up the healing process. It helps the skin regain its original tone by removing all the blemishes caused by the infection. Coconut oil is one of the best natural home remedies for molluscum contagiosum.

Coconut oil is a natural product that does not cause any adverse side effects and is safe to use on adults and children alike.

5. Tea Tree Oil

Mix 2-3 teaspoons of undiluted Tea Tree oil with 2 teaspoons of coconut oil.
Apply on the affected areas. Allow it to sit for a couple of hours.
Wash with warm water and dab dry. Continue the process 2-3 times daily for a week.

Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) oil is a natural antimicrobial agent that helps fight the infection caused by the virus. Moreover, Tea Tree oil is also an effective antioxidant and has very strong anti-inflammatory properties as well. Tea Tree oil also has anti-fungal properties that are very effective in treating molluscum contagiosum. Tea Tree oil is one of the best home remedies for molluscum contagiosum in adults.

While Tea Tree oil does not cause any adverse side effects, it may cause skin allergies, inflammation or blistering on sensitive skin.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)

Take 2 teaspoons of undiluted Apple Cider Vinegar.
Dip a cotton ball in the Apple Cider Vinegar and apply on affected parts.
Let it sit for a couple of hours. Wash with cool water and dab dry.
Repeat the process twice daily for a week.

Apple Cider Vinegar is considered to be one of the best home remedies for various skin afflictions. It has a soothing effect on the affected skin and helps get relief from the itching caused by molluscum contagiosum. Apple cider vinegar has very rich anti-inflammatory properties and is a natural antioxidant. Moreover, it has strong antimicrobial properties that help heal the hives caused by molluscum contagiosum and helps in hastening the healing process. Apple cider vinegar is one of the best home remedies for molluscum contagiosum.

While Apple Cider Vinegar does not cause any adverse side effects when applied topically on the skin, it may cause irritation and a burning sensation when used in its undiluted form. For sensitive skin and raw skin caused by molluscum contagiosum, dilute the Apple cider vinegar in some water.

3. Sea Salt

Mix 2 teaspoons of Sea salt crystal in 3-4 teaspoons of water. Use a cotton ball to apply the saline solution on the affected parts.
Let it sit for 30 to 45 minutes. Wash with cool water.
Repeat the process two to three times daily for a week.

Sea salt is also known as bay salt in English and is an important medicine that is used extensively in the Ayurvedic system of medicine. It has been used as medicine for treating various skin conditions and other ailments. It helps in maintaining acid-alkali balance and is a great natural exfoliating agent. Sea salt also helps in improving the electrolyte balance of the body. Sea salt contains more than 82 essential trace nutrients that are present in the oceans which are essential for the healthy functioning of the human body. Sea salt is one of the best home remedies for molluscum contagiosum.

While Sea salt does not cause any major side effects it can cause a lot of irritation and a burning sensation when applied on raw or sensitive skin.

2. Oatmeal Soak

Mix 2 cups of Oatmeal powder in your bathwater (warm) in the bathtub.
Soak in your bathtub for 10-15 minutes. Dry yourself gently with a soft towel.
Repeat the process twice daily for a week or so

Oatmeal helps in soothing the itching caused by molluscum contagiosum. It contains special triglycerides that act as fatty acids and form a protective coat on the skin. Moreover, Oatmeal is rich in anti-inflammatory properties and helps contain the inflammation. If soaking in Oatmeal is not possible, you can mix two to three teaspoons of oatmeal in water to make a paste and apply it on the affected parts. Oatmeal is one of the easiest natural remedies for molluscum contagiosum.

While soaking in Oatmeal does not cause any adverse side effects, it is not advisable to soak for more than 15 minutes as soaking any longer could turn the skin dry and brittle.

1. Lemon Juice

Take a fresh lemon and cut in two halves. Squeeze the juice.
Apply the lemon juice on the affected areas. Allow it to sit for an hour or an hour and a half.
Wash with cool water and dab dry. Repeat the process twice daily for a week.

Lemon juice has many medicinal properties and has been used to treat infections sore throats, indigestion and constipation. Lemon juice is very effective in curing several skin afflictions and helps the skin regain its original texture.

It is loaded with Vitamin C, B6 and A, E and folate along with niacin, thiamin, riboflavin, pathothenic acid, and other minerals like copper, iron, potassium, zinc, calcium, and magnesium. Lemon juice is a natural antioxidant and also has strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help cure molluscum contagiosum. Lemon juice is one of the best natural home remedies for molluscum contagiosum.

While lemon juice does not cause any adverse side effects it may cause a severe burning sensation when applied on very sensitive or raw skin. In such cases, dilute the lemon juice in some water before applying.