Molluscum Contagiosum vs Warts: Symptoms and Treatment

Molluscum Contagiosum:

Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a viral skin infection caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV). MC primarily affects children and can sometimes occur in adults with weakened immune systems. It causes small, rose-coloured or pearly bumps on the skin, commonly found on the face, neck, armpits, arms, and hands. Itching and scratching can spread the bumps.

Treatment options include:

Wait and Watch:

The condition often resolves on its own within months or a couple of years.

Topical Medications:

Prescription creams containing imiquimod or tretinoin can stimulate the body’s immune response to fight the viral infection.

Chemical Treatment:

Another treatment method involves using over-the-counter wart removal products containing salicylic acid or similar ingredients. These products work by removing the dead cells on the surface of the wart. They are typically applied once a day and may take up to twelve weeks to show results.

Cryotherapy Treatment

If simple treatments are ineffective, cryotherapy or pulsed dye laser treatment can be considered. Cryotherapy involves using liquid nitrogen to freeze the wart tissue, which may result in blistering and scabbing. The wart typically subsides within one to two weeks. Laser treatment, on the other hand, cuts off the wart’s blood supply, leading to its “starvation”

Warts

Warts, on the other hand, are caused by the human papillomavirus or otherwise known as HPV. These viral warts are usually benign skin growth and can be found on the hands, fingers, feet, and face with the appearance of a small flesh coloured cauliflower.

Treatment options include:

Over-the-Counter Medications:

Salicylic acid preparations which can be applied directly to the warts.

Cryotherapy:

Freezing the warts with liquid nitrogen, which causes them to blister and fall off.

Immunotherapy with immunomodulator solution