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How Contagious is Molluscum?

Mollenol Help Desk30th Jul 2025

Molluscum spreading on a youngMolluscum contagiosum is caused by a poxvirus that spreads through several mechanisms[1][2]:

  • Direct skin-to-skin contact with infected bumps or lesions
  • Contaminated objects such as towels, clothing, bath toys, and swimming pool equipment[3][4]
  • Autoinoculation - spreading from one part of the body to another through scratching[5]
  • Shared bathing or swimming pool water[6][7]

The infection is particularly common in children aged 1-10 years, with an incidence rate of 12-14 episodes per 1000 children per year[8][9]. The virus thrives in warm, humid environments and spreads easily in settings where children have close contact[10].

Family Transmission Rates

Research indicates that household transmission of molluscum is actually higher than the "almost half" figure mentioned in your question:

  • 60% of caregivers in multi-child households reported spread of molluscum to at least one other child in the family[11][12]
  • 41% of cases showed transmission to other children in the household according to one study[13]
  • 40% of patients had a family history of molluscum contagiosum[14]
  • Household spread is described as "common" with direct skin-to-skin contact being a primary transmission route between family members[15][16]

Two strongly associated risk factors for transmission include skin-to-skin contact with affected family members (siblings, parents, other household members) and shared contaminated items like towels, bath sponges, clothing, and personal care items[16].

About Mollenol

Mollenol a natural topical product containing essential oils from clove and coconut, marketed.[17][18].

Key facts about Mollenol:

  • Contains eugenol, acetyl eugenol, and lauric acid as active ingredients[18]
  • having "anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties"[18]
  • Available in different formulations for different age groups and body areas[19][20]

Prevention Strategies

To reduce family transmission, healthcare providers recommend[6][7][25]:

  • Avoid sharing towels, washcloths, clothing, and bath toys
  • Bathe children separately rather than together
  • Cover lesions with waterproof bandages, especially during swimming
  • Practice good hand hygiene after touching affected areas
  • Avoid scratching or picking at bumps to prevent spread
  • Use separate towels for drying affected and unaffected skin areas

While molluscum typically resolves on its own within 6-18 months[25], many families seek treatment to prevent spread and address akin concerns. Consulting with a healthcare provider is recommended for proper diagnosis.

  1. https://www.cureus.com/articles/268163-an-atypical-presentation-of-molluscum-contagiosum-in-a-newborn
  2. https://www.cureus.com/articles/223124-eyelid-lesion-of-molluscum-contagiosum-a-case-report-and-literature-review
  3. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/molluscum-contagiosum/symptoms-causes/syc-20375226
  4. https://www.cdc.gov/molluscum-contagiosum/about/index.html
  5. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamadermatology/fullarticle/2547245
  6. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/molluscum-contagiosum-tips
  7. https://www.seattlechildrens.org/conditions/a-z/molluscum/
  8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24297468/
  9. https://academic.oup.com/fampra/article/31/2/130/452425
  10. https://publishing.emanresearch.org/Journal/Abstract/angiotherapy-879773
  11. https://verrica.com/key_publications/molluscum-contagiosum-background/
  12. https://verrica.com/keypublication_groups/molluscum-contagiosum/
  13. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1473309914710539
  14. https://escholarship.org/uc/item/308500hv
  15. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2065921/
  16. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/pde.16002
  17. https://www.mollenol.com/how-to-use/
  18. https://www.mollenol.com/forum/about-mollenol/
  19. https://www.mollenol.com/molluscum-home-treatment/
  20. https://www.mollenol.com/mollenol-sensitive/
  21. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/safely-treating-molluscum-common-skin-condition
  22. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/news-events-human-drugs/fda-approves-first-treatment-molluscum-contagiosum
  23. https://www.explorationpub.com/Journals/em/Article/1001266
  24. https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/15/12/2360
  25. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/molluscum-contagiosum/
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Local duties and customs fees are the responsibility of the purchaser. You do not need to be a PayPal member to pay with your credit card. Use the menu to select your currency. All prices are in US Dollar, Australia Dollar, Canadian Dollar, New Zealand Dollar or UK Pound at checkout. All other currencies are indicative and will be paid in US Dollar at checkout. ACTIVE INGREDIENTS: w.w - Clove Bud Oil, Coconut Oil, Santalum spicatum, Tea Tree. INDICATIONS: For adults and children 2 yrs and older. Relieves skin dryness. Traditionally used in Western herbal medicine to relieve minor skin eruptions, symptoms of mild eczema, skin inflammation, and as an antimicrobial and counterirritant. WARNINGS: For external use only. Keep out of reach of children. Avoid contact with eyes. If symptoms persist consult your healthcare practitioner. Use only as directed. Not to be taken. DIRECTIONS: Apply less than 1mg to affected skin/nails twice per day. OTHER INFO: Store out of sunlight at 10-30°C