How to Prevent Molluscum (Molluscum Contagiosum)

Molluscum contagiosum is a common viral infection that develops on your skin. This skin disease can affect children and adults. The virus is spread person-to-person by touching infected skin, or by touching an item that has been used by someone who has the virus. It has also been associated with swimming pool use. You can prevent the spread of the disease by practicing good hygiene and preventing the spread of the disease you have Molluscum contagiosum. You should also seek medical treatment if you suspect you have contracted the disease. However, keep in mind that in people with a normal immune system, this will usually resolve within a few weeks.^{[1]XTrustworthy SourceDermNet NZOnline clinical resource website written and run by dermatologists providing evidence-based information about dermatology and skin healthGo to source}

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Maintaining Good Hygiene

Perhaps the easiest and more effective way of preventing the spread of Molluscum contagiosum is to make sure you wash your hands after using the bathroom and after touching items or areas in public spaces. You should try to get in the habit of washing your hands often, as this will prevent the spread of viruses and diseases, such as Molluscum contagiosum.^{[2]XResearch source}
2
Do not share towels or clothing. You should avoid sharing personal items like towels and clothing with others. This will prevent you from coming into contact with the virus, as it lives in skin cells and can be passed through towels or clothing.^{[3]XTrustworthy SourceDermNet NZOnline clinical resource website written and run by dermatologists providing evidence-based information about dermatology and skin healthGo to source}
- If you know someone who has had Molluscum contagiosum before, you should take extra care not to share towels or clothing with them. Molluscum contagiosum usually disappears within a year with the right medical treatment but it can recur and you can be infected by the disease again.
3
Avoid sharing hair brushes and bar soap with others. You should also make an effort not to share hair brushes and bar soap with others, as Molluscum contagiosum can be spread through these items.^{[4]XResearch source}
- You should be careful when sharing jewellery, especially wrist watches, as the skin cells that contain Molluscum contagiosum can be spread through jewellery.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Preventing the Spread of Molluscum Contagiosum

1
Keep the mollucum lesions covered. If you discover you have Molluscum contagiosum, you should make every effort to keep the lesions covered and protected. This will prevent the spread of the disease and allow the lesions to heal properly. Cover the lesions with a bandage so no one can touch the lesions or come in contact with them. You should always keep the affected skin clean and dry to encourage healing.^{[5]XResearch source}
- You should make an effort to not pick, scratch, or touch the lesions on your skin. Scratching and picking at the lesions can spread the virus to other parts of your body and to others.
- Do not shave over the area with the lesions. This will only irritate them further.
- You do not need to wear bandages over the mollucum lesions when there is no risk of coming in contact with others, such as you are sleeping or when you are alone at home. Keeping the lesions uncovered can help to keep your skin healthy.
2
Avoid contact sports and swimming. To prevent the spread of Molluscum Contagiosum you should avoid sports where you must have skin to skin contact with others, such as wrestling, basketball, and football. Cover the lesions with bandages or clothing if you do play contact sports to prevent the spread of the disease.^{[6]XResearch source}
- Make sure you do not share any sports gear like helmets, baseball gloves, and balls with others. If you do share these items, only do so when your lesions are covered and protected with bandages.
- You should also avoid swimming unless you can cover the lesions with watertight bandages. Avoid sharing personal items for swimming, such as towels, goggles, and swimsuits.
3
Do not have sexual intercourse until the lesions are treated. Many adults contract Molluscum contagiosum due to having sexual intercourse with someone who has the disease. If you suspect you have Molluscum contagiosum, you should avoid having sex until your lesions have been treated by a doctor.^{[7]XResearch source}
- Lesions that are in the genital area, such as the penis, the vulva, or the anus, should be treated by a medical professional. Leaving these untreated could lead to other health issues.
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Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Identifying Molluscum Contagiosum

1
Look for bumps that are raised, round, and flesh colored. Molluscum contagiosum often appears on your skin in the form of bumps that are raised, round, and flesh colored. These bumps are often small, about ¼ inch or less than 6 millimeters in diameter. There may also be a small indentation or dot in the center of the bumps.^{[8]XTrustworthy SourceNational Health Service (UK)Public healthcare system of the UKGo to source}
- These bumps may appear as a rash, with multiple bumps appearing in one area of your body or several areas on your body. They may form in clusters on your body.
Molluscum contagiosum bumps may also be itchy and turn red or become inflamed when you itch them. They may bust open or “pop” when you scratch or rub them, which will then spread the virus to the surrounding skin.^{[9]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source}
Often, these bumps appear on your neck, face, armpits and the tops of hands, especially in children. But the Molluscum contagiosum bumps can also develop in the genital area, particularly in adults. You should check your genital area as well as your lower abdomen and upper inner thighs for these bumps, as they often form in these areas when the disease is contracted during sexual intercourse.^{[10]XTrustworthy SourceMedlinePlusCollection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of MedicineGo to source}
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Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Getting Medical Care for Molluscum Contagiosum

1
Be aware that the lesions may resolve on their own. Research has not indicated that treatments for molluscum are any more effective than just letting the lesions go away on their own. However, you should discuss your personal situation with your doctor to find out what they recommend.^{[11]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source}
2
Ask your doctor about physically removing the lesions. The Molluscum contagiosum bumps or lesions can be removed using cryotherapy, where the lesion is frozen with liquid nitrogen, and laser therapy. Your doctor may also recommend piercing the core of the lesion and scraping out the pus like material inside, a process known as curettage. These treatments may be done under local anesthesia and may result in some skin irritation or scarring.^{[12]XTrustworthy SourceCenters for Disease Control and PreventionMain public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human ServicesGo to source}
- You should never try and remove the lesions or the fluid inside the lesions on your own. Doing this can lead to spreading the disease to other parts of your body and to others. It also puts you at a higher risk of a bacterial infection.
3
Talk to your doctor about oral therapy. Your doctor may also recommend oral therapy for the lesions to avoid scarring and pain. Children are often prescribed oral therapy as it is safe, painless, and easy to administer. Your doctor may prescribe oral cimetidine for your lesions, to be taken at home according to your doctor’s dosage recommendations.^{[13]XTrustworthy SourceCenters for Disease Control and PreventionMain public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human ServicesGo to source}
- Keep in mind oral cimetidine may not work as well on facial lesions as it will on lesions elsewhere on your body.
4
Get a medicated cream from your doctor. Your doctor may prescribe podophyllotoxin cream for your lesions, which must be applied on each lesion on your body. This is a good home therapy for men but it is not recommended for pregnant people.^{[14]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Academy of DermatologyProfessional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologistsGo to source}
- Your doctor may also prescribe other medicated creams that contain iodine, salicylic acid, potassium hydroxide, tretinoin, cantharidin, and imiquimod.
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