[bezoar (OP)]

Have a grandson with molluscum, which I am told is a form of pox virus.  Currently, he's being treated with some caustic chemical by the dermatologist.  Is there any alternative treatment?  Any truth to the use of duct tape with warts, and would that help?

Bezoar

[chris]

That's right, molluscum contagiosum is a pox virus and hence a relative of smallpox as well as vaccinia, which is used as the smallpox vaccine.

Molluscum is acquired by close personal contact with another infectious individual, including sexually, and may occasionally be spread by fomites ('things' capable of conveying infection).

The lesions are about 5 mm across, are raised with a central depression, and have a coppery hue. They may be single or multiple. Seen in cross section they are cup-shaped and consist of huge overgrowth of the skin cells (initiated by the virus to make them more permissive for viral replication) which are crammed with infectious virus. The lesions are infectious, and prodding them can encourage the expression of a caseous virus-laden cell debris.

The lesions themselves are usually painless but may become secondarily infected by bacteria if they are traumatised (e.g. by picking), and can persist for anything from a few months to a few years.

There is no cure nor surefire way to prevent re-infection (excepting never touching another living sole). However, they may be treated with desquamative agents which push up skin turnover and essentially push the virus out. Cryotherapy (nitrogen freezing) is a common treatment. Duct tape probably works the same way, but I doubt there's much in the literature about that !

chris

"I never forget a face, but in your case I'll make an exception"
 - Groucho Marx

[bezoar (OP)]

He's just about cleared now, but I guess I could try to duct tape on the few remaining lesions, just for the sake of science.  The dermatologist tells me that adults acquire an immunity to molluscum and it is rare in adults unless they are immunocompromised.


Bezoar

[tweener]

I don't know anything about molluscum, but duct tape on warts is very frustrating.  I've got a plantars wart on my foot that I've been trying to get rid of for two years.  I've had it frozen twice, used duct tape for a full year, and tried some of the salycilic acid otc treatments.  It gets smaller to a point, then just sits.

Any wart cures would be welcome!


----
John

[roberth]

While I don't want to gross everyone out, my father told me many years ago that urine will cure warts. He learned it while in the army. I, of course, didn't believe him until I tried it on a couple of warts that I'd had for some time. Urine in healthy humans is sterile when delivered, easily accessable and readily available. Dab it on once or twice over a couple of days and the wart will fall off within a week. I prefer to use my own, but I guess it's up to the individual. It works!
Urine also helps reduce scarring when applied to a burn, and adds a whole new dimension to the phrase "I wouldn't p!ss on him if he was on fire".
Someone with more chemistry experience may be able to give the reasons for these properties, because I can't.

[Donnah]

Interesting to learn that urine works for warts.  The only other remedy I know of is to mix spirits of camphor with baking soda into a paste, apply and cover with bandage. Change morning and night.  Used it once and it worked, but urine is probably easier.

[Quantumcat]

I have a small wart on the middle knuckle of my left hand but there's no way I'm going to pee on my hand to get rid of it =)

Am I dead? Am I alive? I'm both!

[chris]

quote:  The dermatologist tells me that adults acquire an immunity to molluscum and it is rare in adults unless they are immunocompromised.

I've seen quite a few adult cases in the GUM (genitourinary medicine) clinic.[]

chris

"I never forget a face, but in your case I'll make an exception"
 - Groucho Marx

[bezoar (OP)]

Are those warts molluscum or condyloma?

Bezoar

[tweener]

Is urine really sterile?  I've heard that and never believed it.  I may try it on my foot - it doesn't gross me out, but I have to admit that I'm doubting if it will work.


----
John

[roberth]

But when it does work, you will come back and tell all the doubters, won't you? And yes, urine is sterile. I guess it's to keep reproductive tracts clean, but the medicos may know a better reason.

[tweener]

I will certainly tell the unbelievers!  

If it works.

I'm definitely going to try it, but if this wart falls off in a week, it'll make me walk funny 'cause about half my foot will be gone. []


----
John

[chris]

Urine is an ultrafiltrate of blood. As blood is forced through capillaries in the kidney some of the fluid is squeezed out, taking bodily waste products - like urea, acids, or alkali with it. The renal axis (kidney - ureter - bladder - urethra) is sterile except when you get an infection and if that is the case you usually know about it.

Thus, golden showers are usually not a threat to health, but coprophilic practices might get you into trouble if you are not careful !

Chris

"I never forget a face, but in your case I'll make an exception"
 - Groucho Marx

[tweener]

I don't think trying to get rid of a wart qualifies as coprophilic.  But you never quite know, do you?

Thanks for the explanation Chris - it makes sense now.
----
John

[chris]

No John - I was trying to reinforce the sterile message with urine by highlighting coprophilia as an example of 'non-sterile' congress for which other (additional) precautions are appropriate.

Peeing on a wart would not really class as fetish behaviour (and hence is not a golden shower) unless you were specifically turned on by the process and hence actively sought out warts to pee on (your own or those of others) to achieve sexual gratification ! Which I'm sure you don't. Do you ?

"I never forget a face, but in your case I'll make an exception"
 - Groucho Marx

[Donnah]

Ya John, do you?  Enquiring minds want to know.[:0][:I]

[tweener]

Never tried it, but you never know......

[]


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John

[nightmare]

Hi, i think i may have molluscum contagiosum.I dont want to see a doctor, is there any medicine i can take?

[vickie]

my 7 year old daughter has molluscum contagiosum virus for a year and is spreading her friends wont play with her does anyone no any treatment for this

victoria mcintyre

[vickie]

anyone any ideas any home remedies for molluscum.