The virus is extremely contagious and easily spread through contact and even sharing household items. Here are some ways to minimize the chances of spreading the virus to family members.
We’ll discuss two of the most common scenarios:
- What to do if you’re a parent with Molluscum Contagiosum and you want to prevent your children from being infected…(and)
- What to do if it’s your child who has contracted the virus.
Preventing the Spread of Molluscum Contagiosum to Your Children
Many people are ashamed to talk about Molluscum Contagiosum. While you can catch it in many ways, in adults, it’s often spread through sexual contact. This causes many people to be too embarrassed to get treatment, let alone talk to their children about it. Regardless of how you were infected, it’s important to protect others from catching it. So, follow these simple guidelines:
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Cover the Affected Areas:
If the lesions from the virus are in a place your child may touch, like your hands or arms, cover the bumps with a gentle gauze or bandage to prevent your child from getting the lumps too.
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Wipe down common surfaces:
Molluscum Contagiosum is so easily spread that it may be contracted by just touching areas you share as a family, like toys or counters. Scrub them down with disinfectant wipes to make sure it’s virus-free.
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Separate your laundry:
The lumps can be spread by sharing towels or washcloths. Make sure you keep your used towels away from where your child may pick them up and have them use different towels to be safe.
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Don’t scratch or pick at molluscum lesions:
It is important not to touch, pick, or scratch skin that has lesions, that includes not only your own skin but anyone else’s. Picking and scratching can spread the virus to other parts of the body and makes it easier to spread the disease to other people too.
What if My Child is the One with Molluscum Contagiosum?
Children get Molluscum Contagiosum very easily.
Once your child has it, it can easily spread to you or to other family members. Taking these steps will help it heal quickly, minimizing the discomfort for your child and keeping it from spreading:
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Keep your child from scratching:
While the bumps from Molluscum Contagiosum are usually harmless and painless, they can get itchy or irritated if your child scratches them. Besides covering the bumps with bandages, you may also try putting soft gloves on your child’s hands while they sleep so they can’t scratch them at night.
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Clean toys and linens:
Just like you would wipe down common surfaces, you should also be sure to keep toys clean with disinfectants and wash bed linens often.
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Encourage regular hygiene:
Regular soaps and body washes can irritate or worsen Molluscum Contagiosum. Be sure to use mild non-abrasive soaps. If you are interested in a soap that has been specially formulated for use with Molluscum, have a look at our sponsor’s website at www.conzerol.com
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Be careful during sports activities:
Do not share towels, clothing, or other personal items. People with Molluscum should not take part in contact sports like wrestling, basketball, and football unless all lesions can be covered by clothing or bandages. Activities that use shared gear like helmets, baseball gloves and balls should also be avoided unless all lesions can be covered. Swimming should also be avoided unless all lesions can be covered by watertight bandages. Personal items such as towels, goggles, and swim suits should not be shared. Other items and equipment such as kick boards and water toys should be used only when all lesions are covered by clothing or watertight bandages.
While Molluscum Contagiosum can be annoying and bothersome, it can be managed. With just a few steps and precautions, you can prevent it from spreading to the rest of your family.
