Water Wart Removal In Gainesville, FL
Water warts present as small, benign, skin-colored growths throughout the body. These warts can appear in clusters, lines, or on their own and will grow anywhere on the body except for the soles of the feet and the palms of the hands.
Contrary to popular belief, water warts do not only affect children. These warts are a year-round, highly contagious affliction that spreads rapidly through shared surfaces and direct skin-to-wart contact. While most water warts don't cause any pain or discomfort, their spread can be difficult to control, making prompt removal desirable for many of our patients. If you're looking for a safe, effective way to treat stubborn water warts, Gainesville Dermatology & Skin Surgery offers a range of cosmetic wart removal options designed to help restore clear, healthy-looking skin. Contact us to schedule a consultation today.
What Is A Water Wart?
Water warts, also known as molluscum contagiosum, are a type of viral infection that originates from a strain of the poxvirus. Unlike other viruses in this family, there is no routine vaccine for molluscum contagiosum, and having had it before does not guarantee you won't get it again.
Depending on the positioning and age of the wart, some discomfort and itchiness are possible, though the majority of cases seen by our Gainesville dermatologists are completely asymptomatic. When left untreated, these warts tend to resolve on their own over the course of a few months to a year.
Removal may be recommended if your water wart(s):
- Begin to itch, bleed, or spread rapidly
- Develop near the eyes, mouth, nose, or other sensitive areas
- Change in shape, color, or size
- Persist for longer than a year
How Do Water Warts Spread?
Molluscum contagiosum thrives in warm, humid environments, such as pool decks, locker rooms, and public bathrooms, and spreads through contaminated objects and direct skin-to-skin contact. As such, these warts surge in the summertime, when people (particularly children) are more likely to be outdoors or in public spaces, touching contaminated surfaces and objects.
To prevent the spread of molluscum contagiosum, wash your hands frequently and avoid touching shared surfaces where the virus is likely to hide. Wipe down all gym equipment before using them, and avoid sharing items such as razors, sponges, and fabrics. If you have an active water wart infection, cover them with bandages whenever possible. Avoid scratching or touching existing bumps, as this can spread the virus to other areas of your body.
When To See A Dermatologist
In general, water warts are harmless growths that go away on their own over time. If your wart is spreading aggressively, located near your eyes, mouth, or nose, or is negatively impacting your day-to-day life, our dermatologists in Gainesville, FL, can help.
Water Wart Treatments
There are a number of over-the-counter and prescribed treatments available for molluscum contagiosum. Depending on the age, location, and severity of your infection, the following treatments may be recommended.
Topical Ointment
A topical ointment is typically the first course of action for water wart removal. In-office, our dermatologists can apply Cantharidin treatment, a potent ointment that encourages healing by prompting a blister to form over the affected area.
Less invasive, at-home treatments we can prescribe include Berdazimer gel, which acts to stimulate the immune system and fight the molluscum contagiosum virus. To learn more about the various topical treatments available, reach out to schedule a consultation today.
Laser Therapy
Laser therapy is typically reserved for more widespread or stubborn cases of molluscum contagiosum. This kind of treatment uses targeted lasers to break down warts without damaging the surrounding tissue, and is ideal when an infection covers a wide area and/or has not responded well to other treatment options.
Excision
The most invasive out of the treatment options we offer, excision is an effective way to remove and prevent regrowth of molluscum contagiosum. Using a curettage, our dermatologists are able to remove the bump and entirety of the virus surgically. While effective, this treatment is typically avoided due to the possibility of discomfort and scarring.
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy may be used for some lesions, especially when fast in-office treatment is appropriate. It can cause temporary discomfort, blistering, pigment changes, or irritation. By applying liquid nitrogen to the affected area, cryotherapy freezes and kills the infected cells, targeting the virus at its source.