Why We Didn’t Laser: How a Functional Medicine Approach Helped a Child’s Molluscum and Eczema Disappear

When a concerned mother brought her 9-year-old daughter into my office, she was desperate for answers. Her daughter had been dealing with chronic eczema for years, and now a new problem had emerged: spreading molluscum contagiosum lesions.

They’d already seen two local dermatologists. Both had recommended topical steroids—a treatment the mother was hesitant to pursue. She wasn’t looking for another prescription. She was looking for a different perspective.

And that’s exactly what we offered.

The Clinical Picture: Eczema Meets Molluscum

At the time of her visit, the young girl had multiple small, raised skin lesions, classic for molluscum contagiosum—a viral skin infection commonly seen in children. Originally confined to her left leg, the lesions had recently begun to spread down both arms, which alarmed her mother.

The child also had a long-standing history of eczema, which had caused her to scratch chronically, possibly creating microtears in the skin—prime opportunities for viral spread. This is a common scenario: eczema compromises the skin barrier, while molluscum, being highly contagious, exploits that vulnerability.

Why We Didn’t Reach for the Laser

Many clinics—including ours—offer laser therapy as an option to remove molluscum lesions. And yes, we could have lasered them that day.

But here’s the truth I shared with her mother:

“Molluscum is viral. You can remove the lesions, but if the immune system isn’t optimized, they’ll just come back—or spread elsewhere.”

In other words, lasering would’ve treated the symptom, not the cause.

This family had already spent time, energy, and resources seeking quick fixes. What they needed now was a root-cause approach. So instead of reaching for a device, I offered a different solution—one that involved no procedures or prescriptions.

The Gut–Skin–Immune Connection in Children

Functional medicine looks at the body as an integrated system, not isolated parts. When I hear about a child with:

• Recurrent eczema
• Chronic skin infections
• Poor response to topical treatments

...I immediately think of one key system: the gut.

The gut microbiome plays a central role in regulating immune function. When that system becomes imbalanced—something we refer to as gut dysbiosis—the immune system can overreact (as in eczema) or underperform (as in viral infections like molluscum).

In this case, the child’s eczema and molluscum were likely two sides of the same coin—both symptoms of gut and immune dysregulation.

What We Recommended Instead

I shared with the mother that instead of suppressing her daughter’s skin symptoms, we should support the body’s natural ability to heal and defend itself.

Here was the plan:

1. Address Potential Gut Dysbiosis

We advised a simple but targeted approach to balance her daughter’s gut flora:

• Daily probiotic containing Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains
• Prebiotic fiber (from food or supplement) to nourish healthy bacteria
• Emphasis on a diverse, unprocessed, whole food diet, limiting sugars and processed carbs

2. Replenish Key Micronutrients

Chronic eczema and viral skin infections may reflect underlying nutrient deficiencies. We recommended:

• Zinc (for skin healing and immune modulation)
• Vitamin D (crucial for both innate and adaptive immunity)
• Vitamin A (essential for skin and mucosal integrity)
• Omega-3 fatty acids (to calm inflammation)

All were dosed appropriately for her daughter’s age and weight.

3. Topical Skin Support

While we didn’t laser, we did suggest natural skin-soothing topicals to reduce itching and support the skin barrier:

• Colloidal oatmeal baths
• Fragrance-free moisturizers
• Avoidance of common skin irritants, including scented soaps and bubble baths

The Follow-Up We Didn’t Expect—But Were Thrilled to Receive

We didn’t see them back for a formal follow-up. But about a month later, the mother reached out with a heartfelt message:

“I just wanted to thank you. After following your recommendations, my daughter’s eczema has completely cleared up. Even the molluscum is gone—and it hasn’t come back.”

She admitted that she had initially felt disappointed. After all, she had driven almost two hours expecting a laser procedure, only to leave with supplement advice and gut health education.

But with results in hand, she told us she was now grateful for that long drive, and grateful for a doctor who took the time to look beyond the skin.

Why This Story Matters

This case is a beautiful example of how functional medicine can change lives—even when it starts with something as simple as an itchy rash or some bumps on a child’s leg.

Key Takeaways:

• Molluscum is not just a skin problem
  It’s a reflection of the immune system. Address the root, and the symptoms often resolve.
• Chronic eczema is often a clue to deeper dysfunction
  Especially in children, eczema may signal gut microbiome imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, and even food sensitivities.
• Topical steroids are not the only option
  While sometimes helpful short-term, they don't address the underlying issue and can cause long-term skin thinning and immune suppression.
• Parents are right to trust their instincts
  This mother knew there had to be another way—and she was right.

The Bigger Picture: Empowering Parents with Information

At our clinic, we believe in educating and empowering parents to understand their children’s symptoms through a whole-body lens.

Whether it’s eczema, molluscum, frequent infections, or behavioral issues, the gut often plays a central role. Supporting it with food, nutrients, and microbiome balance can lead to transformations far beyond the skin.

Final Thoughts

This 9-year-old didn’t walk away with a laser treatment—but she did walk away with something far more powerful: a functional healing plan tailored to her body’s needs.

And today, her skin is clear.

Is your child struggling with chronic eczema or skin infections?
We’d love to help you explore root-cause solutions. Call 314-842-1441 to schedule a functional medicine consultation with Dr. Sheen—virtually or in person.

Sometimes the best treatment isn't what's on the surface.

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