Molluscum contagiosum is a viral skin infection that is usually found in children but can be contracted by adults on occasion. Even though the infection usually resolves within a few months, there are multiple treatment options available. These treatments are not always effective, so some people have used beta carotene to treat the skin lesions and prevent the spread of the virus. Consult with a physician before beginning any new treatments.
Molluscum
Molluscum contagiosum is a viral infection spread by skin-to-skin contact. The virus that causes this disease is a member of the family of pox viruses. The infection is diagnosed by small dome-shaped lesions on the skin that are usually found on the trunk, arms and legs. It most commonly found in children but can be contracted by adults or patients who are immune deficient. Most of the time, treatment is not necessary because the lesions are not usually painful and go away on their own in a few weeks to a few months. There are several treatments that can be used if the case is particularly severe.
Complications
Even though the molluscum lesions typically resolve without treatment, there are situations in which considering treatment may be advised. Sometimes the lesions may become painful, itchy and begin to bleed, especially in children who may scratch. In this situation, secondary infections of the lesions can occur and delay healing. Also, in severe cases, an abundance of lesions may develop, possibly in visible locations, such as the forearms. The April 2006 issue of the "Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews" summarized treatment options for molluscum and concluded that there are no reliable treatments that work for everyone.
Using Beta Carotene
Beta carotene is a compound found in several fruits and vegetables and is metabolized by the body into vitamin A. You can either take oral supplements or apply them topically to the lesions. You may also topically apply carrot juice to the lesions which is high in beta carotene. Overuse of beta carotene, especially taken orally, may result in temporary pigmentation of the skin, according to the May 1998 issue of the "Journal of Nutrition." Treatment with beta carotene is safe, but according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, there are no published studies showing the direct effects of its treatment for molluscum.
Other Treatments
Some physicians recommend cryotherapy to treat molluscum, which uses a pressurized spray of liquid nitrogen to the lesions to kill the virus. The July 2007 issue of the "Dermatology Online Journal" reports that other chemical compounds can be topically applied to the lesions to kill the virus and prevent their spread, such as phenol, potassium hydroxide and trichloroacetic acid. However, none of these methods can reliably cure the infection. These facts suggest that treatment of molluscum with less harsh compounds such as beta carotene could be a good starting point before beginning other therapies.
References
- "Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews"; Molluscum Contagiosum; J.C. van der Wouden et al.; April 2006
- "Journal of Nutrition"; Increased Dermal Carotenoid Levels; W. Stahl et al.; May 1998
- National Center for Biotechnology Information
- "Dermatology Online Journal"; Treatment of Molluscum Contagiosum; N. Scheinfeld; July 2007
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