Something new to wear every day
In the worst phase, I was afraid that the molluscum would keep coming back through my own laundry. So I bought loads of new underwear and other clothes so that I could wear something new every day. I still washed the old laundry, separately and at a particularly high temperature. I just wanted to be completely sure.
All in all, I spent several hundred euros this way. New spots appeared anyway.
“I spent several hundred euros on new laundry, just to be sure. New spots appeared anyway.”
What I later read about laundry
Health sources such as the CDC and the NHS name towels, flannels and clothing as a possible route of transmission. That is why they advise not sharing these things with others.
I didn’t find any reliable study on how long the virus survives on fabric. Nor did I find any reputable source that specifies a particular washing temperature or advises replacing laundry. Most of what I read along those lines was in forums or on sites without any sources.
From today’s perspective, much of it was fear and not necessity. But I understand well why people act this way in that situation. When new spots keep appearing, you want to do something that is in your own hands.
Immune-support courses
Towards the end of those two years, I got to the point of doing immune-support courses. I hoped that my body would fight the virus better if I supported my immune system.
What I read about this later: for products that are supposed to strengthen the immune system against molluscum, I only found very small studies and individual case reports. I didn’t find a large, carefully controlled study that proves an effect. For the treatments it examined, the Cochrane review from 2017 concluded overall that none was convincingly effective. More on this in the article Molluscum and the immune system.
Anyone thinking about something like this can discuss it with a doctor first. Such products are not suitable for everyone.
Creams, liquids, doctor visits
On top of that, over two years, came the creams, liquids and disinfectants I tried, and the trips to doctor appointments. Individually, much of it wasn’t expensive. But in total, quite a lot added up.
What can’t be measured in euros
I gave up holidays completely during that time, because of hotel towels and other things that many people use. I write about this in the article Molluscum and holidays.
And then there is the time: checking, washing, reading, brooding. Looking back, for me that was more expensive than any bill.
How things went on for me
After two years it was over for me. In the last month before that, I did some things differently. I have written down exactly what. Was it coincidence? I don’t know.