Molluscum Contagiosum & Warts Treatment
Molluscum contagiosum and warts are both contagious, benign, unsightly conditions that are common among children, and are both treatable and preventable. If your child is experiencing warts or molluscum contagiosum, we recommend scheduling an appointment right away, before it can affect the entire family. Like many conditions, these are more easily treated when caught early.
Molluscum Contagiosum
Molluscum contagiosum is a common, benign skin disease that primarily affects children. Caused by a poxvirus, molluscum contagiosum may appear anywhere on the skin. It is highly contagious and may be spread through skin-to-skin contact, and it may also be spread on surfaces such as gymnasium mats, clothing, towels, and toys.
Mollusca are generally painless, but they may be sore, swollen or itchy in some individuals. An outbreak may be as many as 100 growths or fewer than 10.
- Generally smaller than a pencil eraser (2-5 millimeters in diameter)
- Pink or fleshy color
- Smooth and firm
- Dome shape. May have a white core or a dimple in the center
- May be found on the chest, abdomen, face, eyelids, buttocks, or folds in the groin or arm
While molluscum may resolve itself, treatment is generally recommended because it is highly contagious and the patient may spread the molluscum to many different areas.
Warts
Warts are benign skin growths commonly found on the fingers, hands, or feet. Warts occur when the human papillomavirus (HPV) causes an infection in the top layer of the skin. Warts are contagious and may be spread by touching a contaminated surface. They may feel smooth or rough, and may or may not cause pain.
Common warts are generally raised, painless, and found on the hands. Plantar warts are usually found on the soles of the feet (plantar area) and may grow in clusters. They often cause pain because walking pushes them into the foot, which is a very sensitive area.
Warts may go away on their own, but because they are contagious and unsightly, and because they can grow in clusters, they are often treated. The Children’s Skin Center offers different treatments for warts, depending on the type, location, and patient.
With offices located in Miami (Nicklaus Children’s Hospital main campus), Coral Gables, Doral, Miami Lakes, Miramar, Kendall, Palm Beach Gardens, and Pinecrest, getting kid-friendly dermatology care with a board-certified dermatologist has never been easier or more convenient.
We look forward to welcoming you to our practice. To schedule your appointment, please call (305) 669-6555 or use our secure online appointment request form.
