Molluscum contagiosum is a skin infection in which small lumps that are pearly-white or slightly pink appear on the skin. The infection causing virus DNA poxvirus is passed on by skin-to-skin contact or due to sharing on things like towel. Although the infection most commonly affects young children, it can affect anyone of any age. Sexually active adults or other people having a low immune system are also affected by the infection.

After the virus enters that body, first sign of the infection develops after 2-8 weeks. Signs and symptoms of the infection last about 6-12 weeks. But, as soon as the old Mollusca disappear, new ones take its place. Therefore, it actually takes months for the infection to completely fade away.

Most people leave the infection untreated because the infection does not limit any of your day-to-day activities and it fade away without treatment within 12-18 months. However, if the scars are unsightly, there are several kinds of treatment available for reducing the signs and symptoms of Molluscum Contagiosum. Here are few most common treatments available:

• Squeezing:

Using fingernails or tweezers to squeeze each molluscum is one of the most common treatments. Usually it is done by a doctor or nurse, but it can also be done at home. For those who wish to try squeezing treatment at home, some precautions must be taken. Squeeze mollusca after a bath as they are softer. Wear rubber or latex gloves to avoid spread of the virus. Properly wash your hands before and after squeezing the Mollusca. If you wish to use forceps or tweezers for squeezing, then sterilise them. After squeezing, the molluscumgoes away within 2-4 weeks.

• Natural treatment:

All-natural topical formula like ZymaDerm for Molluscum Contagiosum is available on the market for reducing lesions and bumps. The herbal treatment is formulated using anti-inflammatory, antiviral and soothing ingredients that offer painless treatment support. The solution comes with an applicator that makes it easy to use. As only natural ingredients like iodum, Thuja occidentalis Echinacea agustifolia oil of M. alternifolia and jojoba oil are used for formulation; there is no risk of any kind of side-effect. You don't need any kind of prescription from doctor to buy this topical treatment. It is easily available in drugstores and can also be ordered online.

• Surgical removal:

In rare cases people resort to surgical removal of molluscum. There are various kinds of surgical removal used by doctors depending on the condition. Sometimes freezing treatment with liquid nitrogen is used to destroy the mollusca. A hot metal stick (diathermy) can also be used to burn off mollusca. Blasting the mollusca with laser beams is another option available. Doctors sometimes prefer scraping the mollusca off with a curette. Chemical destruction of mollusca using phenol is also popular treatment. Remember, all the surgical methods are more painful than the infection itself. Sometimes local anaesthetic is used before the treatment. People with low immunity are prescribed a topical cream called imiquod for treating the mollusca.

• Cantharone treatments:

Cantharone, which is a blistering agent extracted from beetles, is used by dermatologists to treat skin infection. After the beetle juice is applied on the molluscum lesions, bandage is used to cover the bumps. You can rinse off the solution after 2 to 4 hours later. After rinsing, small blisters are seen on the skin that scab over gradually. After a few days, scabs fall off and no remaining growth is left. The treatment is not only painless, but effective as well. It is not used for children as it can cause discomfort as their sensitive skin begins to blister. There is also a chance that children might pick at the blisters or the resulting scabs, which can delay the healing process.