Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

General Questions About Molluscum Contagiosum

Q1. What is molluscum contagiosum?
A1. Molluscum contagiosum is a mild skin disease caused by a virus (MCV). In healthy individuals, the virus only affects the outer layer of the skin and does not circulate elsewhere in the body. MCV causes bumps called papules or lesions to grow. They range in size from the head of a pin to 5mm in diameter. They are firm, smooth, and often have a dimple in the centre. They can appear almost anywhere on the body either alone or in a cluster. They can become red, sore, swollen, and itchy, though they are usually painless. The papules usually disappear on their own and without scars within six to twelve months, but some may remain for up to four years.

Q2. Who can get molluscum contagiosum?
A2. Molluscum is quite common in North America and anyone can get it, though children, sexually active adults, and people with weakened immune systems are at greater risk.

Q3. How are you infected with the molluscum contagiosum virus?
A3. The molluscum contagiosum virus is spread by touching infected skin or a surface that has been in contact with the skin, such as toys, towels, and clothing. The virus can spread itself if someone scratches a papule then touches another part of his or her body. It can easily be spread by sexual contact. It is also possible that it is spread in saunas, swimming pools, by sharing baths, or in other warm and wet environments, but more likely that it is spread by water toys and towels associated with these activities.

Q4. How do I know if I have molluscum contagiosum?
A4. Of course, the best course of action when you have a blister, skin irritation, bump, or rash that persists more than a few days is to visit a medical professional. Only he or she can diagnose the condition. If you have molluscum contagiosum you will have one or more small (the size of the head of a pin to 5mm in diameter) bumps with a dimple in the centre. They are firm, smooth, and usually painless, but they may become swollen, itchy, red, and/or sore. They occur alone or in groups anywhere on the body, except (usually) the palms of the hands or the soles of the feet.

Q5. What should I do if I think I have molluscum contagiosum?
A5. If you think you have molluscum contagiosum, you should visit a healthcare professional. Only he or she can diagnose the condition and will be able to explain your treatment options.

Q6. How can I avoid infection with the molluscum contagiosum virus?
A6. Wash your hands frequently and do not touch, scratch, or pick at any skin bumps, whether they are on you or someone else. The molluscum contagiosum virus spreads through physical contact.

Q7. How do I prevent spreading the molluscum contagiosum virus to others?
A7. Do not share clothing, towels, or other personal items; do not have electrolysis on or shave areas with bumps; do not have sex until you have seen a healthcare professional if you have any bumps in the genital area; keep the areas with bumps clean; and if you are going to be in public or having physical contact with others, keep the bumps covered by clothes or a watertight bandage (you can leave them uncovered when there are no chances of someone coming into contact with your skin).

Q8. How long does the molluscum contagiosum virus stay in my body?
A8. Since the virus only lives in the skin, once the bumps disappear you no longer have the virus (unless you contract it from someone else again).

Q9. How is molluscum contagiosum treated?
A9. Treatments are varied and few work well for most people. Those with weakened immune systems (HIV-positive individuals, persons having received an organ transplant, those undergoing cancer treatments) may have a more difficult time bringing molluscum contagiosum under control and should speak with a healthcare professional about treatments to strengthen their immune system first. Medical professionals can freeze the lesions, scrape them off, squeeze virus-bearing centres out, or destroy them with lasers; or prescribe topical ointments (often acids or blistering agents) or oral medications. Many of these options are painful, however, and present a risk of scarring, so many medical professionals will not treat most cases of molluscum contagiosum. Our treatment can be done cheaply, quickly, and without risking scarring, in the privacy of your home.

Q10. Once I've recovered from molluscum contagiosum, can I get it again?
A10. Being infected with and recovering from molluscum contagiosum does not confer immunity from future infections. Once the bumps clear, however, the virus has been cleared from your body. If you find bumps after the clearing, you must have contracted the virus again from someone else. This is why it is important not to touch other people's bumps.

Q11. Are there any complications associated with molluscum contagiosum?
A11. Physically removing the bumps by any means can cause scarring, but the most common complication associated with molluscum contagiosum is a bacterial infection of the skin, usually after scratching.

Q12. Should I keep my child home from daycare or school if he or she has molluscum contagiosum?
A12. Children should continue to attend daycare or school with reminders to wash their hands frequently and properly. Any bumps not covered by their clothes should be covered by a watertight bandage, including any in the genital area if they need diaper changes or assistance using the washroom. Keeping the bumps covered prevents transmission to others as well as further spread when a child scratches him- or herself.

Q13. Is molluscum contagiosum a sexually transmitted infection (STI)?
A13. When found in adults, mollsucum contagiosum is usually an STI. Bumps in the genital area should be treated to prevent sexual transmission and you should ask a medical professional about STI testing, to rule out the possibility of the presence of any other infections acquired via sexual activity.

Q14. I'm HIV-positive, so what do I need to be aware of concerning molluscum contagiosum?
A14. HIV-positive individuals are more likely to contract molluscum contagiosum, and the bumps are likely to be larger (from the size of a dime to 15mm in diameter) and are unlikely to resolve on their own. They also tend to cluster on the face. Usually, the best treatment is to take antiretrovirals (medication used to fight HIV) to strengthen the immune system. You are also at a greater risk for bacterial infection. For these reasons, it is especially important that you see a healthcare professional.

Q15. I have a weakened immune system, so what do I need to be aware of concerning molluscum contagiosum?
A15. Persons with weakened immune systems are more likely to contract molluscum contagiosum, the bumps are likely to be larger (from the size of a dime to 15mm in diameter) and are unlikely to resolve on their own. They also tend to cluster on the face. Usually, the best treatment is immunotherapy. You are also at a greater risk for bacterial infection. For these reasons, it is especially important that you see a medical professional.

Questions about the Natural Molluscum Treatment

Q16. Does the treatment involve any medicinal ingredient?
A16. The treatment does not contain any medicinal ingredients. It is all natural.

Q17. Is the treatment natural?
A17. The treatment is 100% natural.

Q18. Are there any side effects?
A18. There are no side effects.

Q19. Is it safe for children?
A19. It is safe for children.

Q20. Can it be used on lesions in the genital area?
A20. It can safely be used on all areas, except those near the eyes.

Q21. How long will it take to see results?
A21. You will see results in one to two weeks.

Q22. Does the treatment cause scarring?
A22. It does not cause scarring.

Q23. What if it does not work?
A23. If it does not work, we will refund your purchase (please see the Guarantee).

Q24. How many applications will I need?
A24. In most cases, you will need only one application. Sometimes, if the treatment is not applied properly, you may need to repeat it.

Q25. Is the treatment taken internally, or is it applied to the lesions?
A25. It is a topical treatment. You apply it to your lesions.

Q26. Does the treatment hurt?
A26. The treatment may sting a little.

Q27. Will the treatment stain my clothing or skin?
A27. It will not stain clothing or skin.