I just wanted to say that my son was diagnosed 2 years ago with the molluscum and I had a neighbor that told me to try Bacitracin Zinc Ointment that is over the counter at wal mart or any drug store. I put it on him 1 time a day at night for about 4-5 days and then after about a week to two weeks I could start noticing them drying up and he is now free of them. They chose not to do anything with him due to his age and the amount of them he had and after so long are gone. I hope you the best.
A related discussion,
Moluscum was started.
A related discussion,
moluscum contagiosum was started.
A related discussion,
Molluscum...when I will be ok? :( was started.
My sympathies on the molluscum. It is true that this is not a "harmful" condition. But let me say that all three of my children have had it and I hate this condition with a passion. My son had it, roving all over his trunk and legs, for almost 2 years before it went away completely; he still has a few small dent-type scars on his torso. My daughter fared quite a bit better (hers came about while my son still had his). Then my youngest got a very nasty case, 2 years after everyone else had cleared up completely. Dermatologists pooh-poohed it, insisting that leaving them alone is the best course. Perhaps so; I can't help but think they'd have spread less had we treated them more aggressively.
I also meant to add, that 2 drs told me you only get Molluscum from skin to skin contact. I was told to abstain from sex, which I did. I would never want to give this to anyone. I never heard of Molluscum until I got it, and I am certain a few of my students may have had it, from seeing photos online. Now, I look at everyone's skin. Yes, and to DD, I also used the ointment you mentioned. I tried all kinds of things...only freezing and acid removed most of them.
I have been plagued with them for months. I have had several treatments, and really freezing, or acid are the best. They spread from my leg to my genital area. At one point I had at least a dozen burned off one day. I tried Aldara ointment, and at first I thought it helped, but it didn't. Knowing what I know now, I would have had them removed immediately...wasted too much time with the Aldara. I wish she had never tried treating me with it to begin with. I wonder if I would have still had them if I had them removed instead of wasting months with the Aldara. I still needed to see my doctor after the Aldara didn't work on several. I am still being treated 9 months later. I'm not sure how I got them. I wish you luck.
Thanks for the reply. Just one last question: I'd really like to NOT pass these on to my Girlfriend. Is Skin-to-skin contact the only way to pass it on if it is contagious? I realize sex is out until they go away, but how about a good-old-fashioned make-out session? ;^)
First, relax. In most cases, molluscum is not contagiosum. Yes, that's right. I see cases every week, in both adults and children. Rarely does anyone else in the vicinity have them. I know what the books say, but I stand by my observation, which is repeated almost daily.
I think there is no need for your doctor to use anything more drastic than liquid nitrogen. A few treatment are often needed, but not more. Nitrogen is gentle, safe, and doesn't scar.
Mollusca can appear nearby but not all over the place--not on you or your girlfriend. These other bumps could be acne, blocked pores, or whatever.
Swimming and working out are no problem.
Even if you don't treat mollusca, they go away on their own in a average of 9 months. That's what I recommend children do--just wait them out.
I don't know where people get them, and it doesn't matter. I advise you to have the treatment completed and just forget about it.
To repeat--relax!
Best.
Dr. Rockoff