never ending molluscum

[momneedshelp221]

Well, I have two small children. Ages 7 and 4. My 7 year old got molluscum approx 2 years ago. The doc said to wait it out it will go away on its own. Fast forward two years later and now he has more and more. So I took him to a Dermatoligst and he treated them with a beetle juice that caused them to blister and go away. They scabbed and and became red. Some went away and some became inflammed and infected. Since we started the treatment, for every one we blisterd two or three new ones appeared. He has had eczema when he was a baby but hasn't had any outbreaks of it since. Now that we started treatment on the molluscum his eczema is terrible. I took him to a new Dermatologist to get a second opinion. She wants to treat the severe eczema first then the molluscum. She wants to treat the molluscum with the topical ointment for genital warts. I am so frusterated. My 4 year old has molluscum now also. I don't want to have to keep going on with this. My 7 year old it covered head to toe with molluscum and eczema. Can someone please help us. I try to educate myself on both eczma (eczema) and molluscum and find there might be a weakend immune system corralation, diet, I don't know what to think. I need feed back. We also tried Zyma Derm recommended by the pediatrican. But only made more molluscum appear. HELP!

[Rowena Santos, MD]

Hi,

Molluscum contagiosum is caused by a virus and is a common infection in children especially when a child comes into direct contact with a lesion. It may occur anywhere on the body except the palms and soles. It is contagious until the bumps are gone, if untreated, may last up to 6 months or longer. The virus can spread through contact with contaminated objects, such as towels, clothing, or toys and may also autoinoculate, spreading to other parts of the body. This usually goes away on its own but may persist from a few months to a few years and may also recur after re-exposure to the virus. Treatment is through medical and surgical measures. Excessive scratching may also leave marks. Try to avoid sharing towels or toys to prevent spread of the infection. This link may help: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Molluscum_contagiosum

Take care and keep us posted.

[Duval]

Hi

Sorry to hear about your children's skin problems.
I have had both eczema and molluscum and unfortunately scratching helps spread the molluscum.  If you have eczema  it is easier to contract the molluscum virus and it takes longer to get rid of it as the immune system can be quite low.  Also molluscum can stay for years if untreated.  I suggest you use a moisturising cream such as silcocks base or aqueous cream liberally to help prevent skin itching and scratching. Eczema can be caused by stress so if you can help your child to relax it can help strengthen the immune system and so give the body a chance to heal itself quicker.
As for the molluscum, the treatment is normally freezing with liquid nitrogen which is painful, very painful but effective. Although depending on your skin colour it can leave small discoloration marks on the skin where treated.  This treatment I doubt is suitable for small children.

Regards