Best lab supplies according to redditors

Also, the key is catching the bumps early. Again, while I'm not a doctor, I want to let you all know of your options for destructive methods of attacking the papuples. Please Google around before pursuing any of these. What's contained below is just anecdotal, and not medical advice.

The most common option is liquid nitrogen freezing. This works in killing the individual papules, but can be expensive (if you don't get it done at the STD clinic) and can leave postinflammatory hyperpigmentation for months (and up to a year, if you heal slowly). Nitrogen is the strongest, burn-it-to-the-ground approach, but at a cost. And, like all methods, it won't prevent the appearance of new bumps and spreading, also known as "autoinnoculation." Usually takes a few treatments (3 or more), separated by a week or two.

Cantharadin Plus is another option: the blistering solution. It can leave scars too, and some derms won't put it on the genitals, but patients give it high marks online and some believe the scarring isn't as bad as with nitrogen.

For home treatments, ask your doctor if he'll prescribe 5-FU (also called Efudex, the brand name) compounded with 17% salicylic acid (should be about $40). It is known as "Wartpeel" or "Actikerall". Or Veregen, if your insurance will cover it...otherwise it's $1,300+ per tube, yikes. Read about the studies on these and their effect on molluscum.

Many have PM'd me asking about Potassium Hydroxide, as studies indicate it can irritate and scab the molluscum, much like ACV. Pro tip: you can buy 10% KOH on Amazon and carefully apply it whenever a new bump appears (using a toothpick or tiny brush): https://www.amazon.com/Healthlink-72956-Potassium-Hydroxide-30ml/dp/B00KIW3UU2/ But be very, very careful with it, put vaseline around the surrounded area before applying, and only put a tiny drop on the papule. KOH can really burn the skin if you go overboard and scab badly, burning right through the skin.

Buying it on Amazon (link above) is basically a much cheaper version of MolluDab and at a more effective strength.

If you read the reviews for MolluDab or read about Potassium Hydroxide 10% solution, it's a very cheap and effective method that's been studied by doctors. It's basically just a dilute lye, a very "basic" solution that eats through the skin over time and creates irritation, precipitating an immune response. But some skin reacts poorly to it, and again, it leaves postinflammatory hyperpigmentation and scars, so be very precise in the application.

Computer freeze spray (MG-134) sprayed into a paper cup, and applied with a q-tip for 5-6 seconds is basically a "crappy home version" of nitrogen treatment. Wear nitrile gloves on both hands, point the spray can away from the face when spraying into the cup, spray lightly, allow the liquid to collect in the cup, and dip the q-tip in there. You can find this product at computer supply stores, and it's on Amazon too. But holy hell, be careful with this method, there are some knuckleheads in the Amazon reviews who really burned themselves by spraying it incorrectly. Like all methods, this one will leave some scars. And use antibacterial ointment on the papules after applying, to prevent infection from the chemicals.

70% DMSO+tea tree oil (and other oils like sandlewood and clove)+iodine is a promising treatment that doesn't scar, but can take up to 12 weeks to fully work. You can see my previous posts about it. There is a similar combination currently in Phase II FDA trials, but you can make a fake-o home batch. I look at this solution more as a preventative, rather than a perfect destructive method, but if you don't want scars/hyperpigmentation that take months to heal, and you can be patient, this is probably the best option other than just waiting for the papules to go away on their own. Because DMSO dissolves whatever it comes into contact with (and then puts it into the blood stream), you must be very careful and read up on how to do this.

Apple cider vinegar is too indirect and scars the adjacent skin (another problem that can happen with the freeze spray). Yes, it "works" by irritating the papules, turning them black, and then they fall off, but the resulting skin burns are as bad (or worse, I feel) than nitrogen. Some swear by this method, but I find it imprecise and brutal on the skin.

Aldara/Imiquimod might work slightly on very new papules, but plenty of larger studies suggest it doesn't help much, generally. Perhaps it's worth a shot because it stimulates the immune system, but it's not the best frontline approach.

Curettage is popular with younger patients it's basically just scraping them off with a curette instrument and removing the viral core. I'm skeptical about this approach, because I think it can lead to autoinnoculation (spreading), but some swear by it. More importantly: a few people on Reddit will foolishly tell you to try this on your own, using tweezer. Dear heavens, do not do this at home. I once tried this and it spread them everywhere. Never, ever do this. Even with sterile instruments, soaked in alcohol and iodine, it can still lead to infection. And the blood and pus spreading everywhere will lead to many more bumps.

Best of luck to all, no matter which solution you pursue. And consult with your doctor before doing anything by yourself.

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