HOMEOPATHY FOR MOLLUSCUM CONTAGIOSUM

Molluscum contagiosum is a common viral skin infection of childhood that causes localized clusters of umbilicated papules.

Molluscum contagiosum mainly affects infants and young children under the age of 10 years. It is more prevalent in warm climates than cool ones, and in overcrowded environments. Adolescents and adults are less often infected.

Molluscum contagiosum tends to be more numerous and lasts longer in children who also have atopic dermatitis, due to deficiencies in the skin barrier. It can be very extensive and troublesome in patients with HIV infection or that have other reasons for poor immune function.

Molluscum contagiosum occurs in various sites in children; genital region in adults; disseminated and larger in size in atopic dermatitis or HIV/AIDS.

Etiology

Molluscum contagiosum is caused by a poxvirus, the molluscum contagiosum virus.

There are several ways the virus can spread:

·       Direct skin-skin contact

·       Indirect contact via shared towels or other items

·       Auto-inoculation into another site by scratching or shaving

·       Sexual transmission in adults

Transmission of molluscum contagiosum appears to be more likely in wet conditions, such as when children bathe or swim together. The incubation period is usually about 2 weeks but can be as long as 6 months.

Clinical features

·       Pearly white, dome shaped, 1-5 mm umbilicated papules, often arranged in groups or linear fashion. On extirpation, a ‘cheesy’ core can be expressed.

·       There may be few or hundreds of papules on one individual. They mostly arise in warm moist places, such as the armpit, behind the knees, groin or genital areas. They can arise on the lips or rarely inside the mouth. They do not occur on palms or soles.

·       When molluscum contagiosum is auto inoculated by scratching, the papules often a row.

·       Spontaneous remission often occurs within 6 to 9 months.

Complications

 Complications include, eczema, secondary infection, meibomianitis. Individual lesions can become secondarily inflamed and resemble furuncles.

Diagnosis

Molluscum contagiosum is usually recognised by its characteristic clinical appearance or on dermatoscopy. White molluscum bodies can often be expressed from the centre of the papules. Sometimes, the diagnosis is made on skin biopsy.

Management

General measures

·       Keep hands clean

·       Avoid scratching or shaving

·       Cover all visible lesions with clothing or watertight bandages

·       Dispose of used bandages

·       Do not share towels, clothing, or other personal effects

·       Adults should practice safe sex or abstinence

HOMOEOPATHY MEDICINES

Homoeopathy today is a growing system and is being practiced all over the world. Its strength lies in its evident effectiveness as it takes a holistic approach towards the sick individual through promotion of inner balance at mental, emotional, spiritual and physical levels. When   Molluscum contagiosum is concerned there are many effective medicines are available in Homoeopathy, but the selection depends upon the individuality of the patient, considering the mental and physical symptoms.

CAUSTICUM

A specific remedy. Itching. Warts seedy, jagged, bleeding easily, on tips of fingers, nose. Soreness of folds of skin. Skin dirty, white, sallow. Skin prone to intertrigo during dentition. Children slow to walk.

NITRIC ACID

Another specific remedy. Warts, large, jagged; bleed on washing. Sensitive skin. Splinter-like pains. Black pores on face.

CALCAREA CARBONICA

Molluscum contagiosum in fat, fair, flabby children. Unhealthy readily ulcerating flaccid skin. Glands swollen. Easily relapses, interrupted convalescence. Profuse perspiration, especially head. Craving for eggs. Also craving for indigestible things like chalk, dirt, coal, pencils. Catches cold easily. Sensitive to cold air.

DULCAMARA

Eruptions scaly, thick, crusty, moist, and bleeding. Warts large, smooth, fleshy, and flat. Pruritis. Thick crust all over body. Small furuncle on places hurt.

BROMIUM

Acne, boils, pustular. Boils on arms and face. Aggravation in evening till midnight, sitting in a warm room.

KALI IODIDE

Acne, small boils. Worse any covering, heat of body intense. Purple spots, worse on legs. Tendency to oedematous swellings of eyelids, mouth, uvula etc.

LYCOPODIUM CLAVATUM

Skin thick and indurated. Violent itching. Offensive secretions. Worse warmth. Prefers hot drinks and food. Craving for sweets. Flatulent abdomen.

NATRUM MURIATICUM

Oily, dry, harsh, yellow, unhealthy skin. Dry eruptions on margins of hair. Redness of old scars. Emaciation, especially in neck. Craving for salt and salty foods.

RANUNCULUS BULBOSUS

Vesicular and pustular eruption. Burning and intense itching. Worse contact. Hard excrescences. Itching in palms. Blister like eruption in palms.

SILICEA

Rose coloured blotches, umbilicated eruptions with offensive pus. Eruptions itch only in day time and evening. Every little injury suppurates. Delicate pale waxy skin. Scars suddenly become painful. Rachitic children with large head, open fontanelles and sutures. Distended abdomen. Chilly patient, wants plenty of warm clothing. Offensive sweat on feet, hands and axillae.

SULPHUR

Indicated in all sorts of skin eruptions, vesicular, pustular etc, especially in those who have been treated by medicated soaps and washes and suppressed by ointment and local medication. Dirty filthy look of skin with filthy odour. Dry scaly unhealthy skin. Worse from warmth of bed, covering, and night. Better from open air, and uncovering.

THUJA OCCIDENTALIS

Eruptions on covered parts and worse after scratching. Wart like eruption on anogenital region. Left sided affection. Chilly patient. Perspiration sweetish and strong. Has fixed ideas.