Monday 17 November 2014

Working Mum: My boy is a magnet for nasty critters

GUEST BLOG
By Tabitha Ronson

When I think we are safely over one thing where Master A's ailments are concerned along comes another.

I have spent hours researching Molluscum Contagiosum. It may sound like a spell cast by Harry Potter but this horrible little critter is not the stuff of fairytales.


Several weeks ago, I noticed he had a few little spots appear on his arm. They looked harmless enough so I ignored them. Fool! That's how I gained 7lb believing that innocent looking granola was a healthy breakfast alternative. When will I learn? Now, his whole tummy is covered in them.

According to my investigations, millions of British children suffer each year from this unsightly condition. It's as common as nits.

Further surfing revealed that the small, flesh-coloured lesions feed off a host and are caused by a double-stranded DNA poxvirus. It can last for between 12 and 18 months, in some cases even four years. Who needs the horror of Alien when you have a child of school age?

I booked an appointment with our GP, hoping that he'd have any answer. I was wrong. After inspecting the lesions, he diagnosed Molluscum Contagiosum and rubbing antibacterial soap into his palms and fingers quite literally washed his hands of us.

"It's a viral condition and will heal in its own time."

Despite Master A not seeming to be troubled by the Molluscum, I am. I'm not proud to say that I can't bear the look of them. The other day, I even flinched when he threw his arms around me.

My name is Tabitha Ronson, and I'm an uncaring, unfeeling mummy.

From reading blogs to watching YouTube videos, I could probably go on Mastermind with Molluscum Contagiosum as my specialist subject.

I have spent a small fortune on remedies including Colloidal Silver spray and amber balm; Thuja tablets and cream; MolluDab. I've even resorted to old wives' tales such as rubbing the growths with garlic and yet the spots keep on coming.

Working Mum, desperately wanting the horror to stop.