What are Viral Warts?
Benign growths known as viral warts are caused by specific strains of human papillomavirus (HPV). They often appear on the legs, hands and other parts of the body. These warts can vary in size and shape and are characterized by a rough feel. A wart is the result of an infection of the epidermis with HPV, which causes rapid cell proliferation.
What is Molluscum Contagiosum?
Molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) is the source of molluscum contagiosum, a skin disease. It looks like tiny, dome-shaped, pearly pimples with a central pit. Although they can occur anywhere on the body, these flesh-colored lesions are most often seen on the arms, legs, and chest. The highly infectious molluscum contagiosum is spread by direct skin-to-skin contact.
How are Viral Warts and Molluscum Treated?
- Topical therapy: Topical therapies are useful for both molluscum contagiosum and viral warts. Treatment with salicylic acid or prescription medications can help dissolve warts. Topical medications such as imiquimod can help boost the body’s defenses against the virus that causes molluscum contagiosum.
- Laser therapy: Using lasers, precise targeting and destruction of wart or molluscum tissue is possible. This is particularly useful in situations that are chronic and do not improve with conventional therapies.
- Curettage: Using a surgical instrument, wart or molluscum lesions are scraped off during this treatment. It is often used for more complex or difficult problems.
- Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy can be used to boost the immune system’s ability to fight the virus more successfully in cases that are severe or recurring.
Benefits of Treatment
- Symptom Relief: When warts and molluscum lesions are effectively treated, they disappear and relieve discomfort and cosmetic problems.
- Prevention of spread: In the case of infectious diseases such as molluscum contagiosum, treatment of these diseases reduces the possibility of the virus infecting someone else.
- Better appearance: A successful course of therapy improves the appearance of the skin, increases self-confidence and reduces anxiety about noticeable lesions.
- Avoiding complications: Prompt therapy averts certain disadvantages including recurrent bacterial infections or tissue damage.