Symptoms and Diagnosis

• The Molluscum infection will appear on the skin in the form of dome-shaped lesions. The lesions are flesh colored and raised above the skin as well as pearly in color. The lesions are not painful however may become irritated or cause discomfort due to itching. Medical attention is usually not necessary, and when the bumps are gone the virus is not contagious. Under the circumstances of bleeding, scarring, extreme discomfort and itching and secondary infections an individual may want to seek medical attention. Home treatments such as astringents, Australian lemon myrtle, Povidone-iodine and tea tree oil are usually sufficient for Molluscum infection.
  
  

Astringents

• Astringents are a chemical that can be bought over the counter and have been quite successful at treating Molluscum. An astringent has the capability to destroy the layers of the skin that are infected by the Mollsucum when applied.
  
  

Australian Lemon Myrtle

• There is an essential oil called Australian Lemon Myrtle that has been successful in treating Molluscum. When combined with olive oil and applied daily for 21 days Australian Lemon Myrtle has reduced the Molluscum lesions on the skin.
  
  

Povidone-iodine

• Povidone-iodine is an over the counter scrub that can be applied to the infected areas for five minutes daily. Individuals should not apply the Povidone-iodine to broken skin or open infections.
  
  

Tea Tree Oil

• Tea tree oil can be purchased at most organic stores in the form of an essential oil. Tea tree oil is a powerful astringent that has the capability to reduce the growth of the lesions. Individuals can drop the Tea Tree oil in bath water and soak for 15 to 20 minutes. Individuals can also apply tea tree oil directly to areas infected by Molluscum.