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Warts & Molluscum
What Are Warts?
Warts are raised, skin-colored growths that can develop almost anywhere on the body and may resemble a cauliflower or solid blister. Most warts are completely harmless, but people often consider wart removal for a variety of reasons, including embarrassment and wanting to avoid spreading them to others.
What Causes Warts?
A group of viruses called the human papillomavirus (HPV) causes warts. When your skin is infected with one of the viruses in the HPV family, it triggers the excessive growth of skin cells. This makes the outer layer of your skin appear thickened and hard in that specific area.
Types of Warts
There are several types of warts, and our Forefront dermatologists determine the type of wart you have based on its appearance and where it appears on your body. Here’s a closer look at some of the different types of warts.
Common wart: This type of wart is usually small and feels like a rough bump. They’re most often found on the fingers, the backs of hands, and the skin around your nails. A common wart is typically flesh-colored, but it can also have black dots that look similar in appearance to seeds. These are actually tiny blood clots, which can lead to bleeding.
Flat wart: Flat warts are typically smoother in appearance and smaller in comparison to other types, although they tend to grow in large numbers. It’s not uncommon to have 20–100 flat warts at a time. These warts are commonly found on women’s legs, children’s faces, and men’s beard areas.
Plantar wart: Plantar warts develop on the soles of your feet. They are flat in appearance and grow into your skin due to the pressure from walking and standing. This inward growth can make it feel like you have pebbles in your shoe. Like common warts, plantar warts can also have black dots, and they usually grow in clusters.
Filiform wart: These warts often grow quickly and typically develop around your mouth, eyes, and nose. Filiform warts have a spiky or thread-like appearance.
Periungual wart: Periungual warts develop under or around the fingernails and toenails. Although they start out small, they can grow to become a rough bump.
Treatment Options for Wart Removal
Most warts will go away without resorting to wart removal methods. This is especially true for children, but it can be more difficult for warts to disappear in adults. Without wart treatment, it can take between one to five years for them to go away.
If you have numerous warts, if a wart hurts, or if you can’t get rid of a wart on your own, you should see your Forefront dermatologist who will recommend the best wart removal method for you. Treatment depends on the type of wart you have and its location on your body. Our highly skilled Board-Certified dermatologists offer many treatment options for warts.
What is Molluscum Contagiosum?
Molluscum contagiosum is a viral infection of the skin that is mostly seen in children. The virus isn’t particularly harmful, though it can cause irritation. It is easily spread through skin to skin contact, and is highly contagious.
What are the symptoms of Molluscum Contagiosum?
The most prevalent symptom of molluscum contagiosum are small pearly or flesh-colored bumps. The bumps are painless and usually no larger than the size of a pencil eraser.
Owing to its highly contagious nature, molluscum contagiosum can be contracted by anyone. Skin-to-skin contact such as sexual contact or touching of the skin can help spread the virus. You can also be infected by touching an object that has been contacted by a person with molluscum contagiosum.
What are the treatment options for Molluscum Contagiosum?
There are several treatment options to treat this virus. A Forefront dermatologist can recommend freezing the bumps through cryotherapy, or simply scraping off the bumps (curettage). A chemical can also be applied to the bumps to help eliminate them.
Skin Care Concerns?
Our Board-Certified Dermatologists are ready to help you at two convenient locations in Upland and Chino.
Upland, CA
Suite B
859 E Foothill Blvd
Upland, CA 91786
Chino, CA
Suite 120
8401 Pine Avenue
Chino, CA 91708