Warts and Molluscum
Conveniently located to serve Newport Beach and Orange County
Patients dealing with warts and molluscum in Newport Beach, California, find expert care at The Ocean Clinic Dermatology & Plastic Surgery. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Amy Reinstadler and board-certified physician assistant Sarah Baca offer specialized diagnosis and treatment for these conditions using proven medical approaches.
What Are Warts and Molluscum?
Both warts and molluscum contagiosum stem from viral infections that affect the skin’s surface. Warts are caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV), appearing as small, rough growths resembling a cauliflower, or as solid blisters or calluses. While they typically occur on the hands or feet, warts can also be found in other locations. There are as many as 10 varieties of warts, and even more strains of the HPV virus that can cause warts. Their duration varies — some disappear after a few months, while others can last for years and can recur.
Molluscum is a separate viral condition that creates distinctive bumps on the skin. These small, round bumps (papules) tend to develop in warm, moist places like the armpit, groin, or behind the knees. They range in size from 1 to 6 mm and may be white, pink, or brown in color. Although molluscum contagiosum is a harmless virus, it can persist for months or even years.
Both infections are spread by contact with someone infected with the virus. They usually enter the skin through a small cut or scrape.
Symptoms of Warts and Molluscum
Identifying these conditions involves recognizing their unique characteristics. Warts present with textured, raised surfaces and may develop individually or in groups. Plantar warts on the soles of the feet, for example, can cause discomfort when walking.
Molluscum bumps often have a waxy, pinkish look with a small central pit (umbilicated). The number of lesions varies significantly; there may be a few or hundreds of spots on one individual. As they resolve, they might become inflamed, crusted, or scabby, signaling the body’s immune response.
Diagnosing Warts and Molluscum
Our team performs thorough evaluations to accurately identify your condition, including:
- Visual inspection of the affected areas
- Discussion of symptom duration and progression
- Assessment of potential exposure and transmission patterns
- Evaluation of previous treatment attempts (if any)
Most diagnoses are straightforward based on appearance alone, though laboratory testing may occasionally be recommended.
Our Orange County Treatment Options
Amy Reinstadler, MD, or Sarah Baca, PA, will determine the best treatment approach for you, as there are many protocols associated with wart removal. Options range from topical therapies to in-office procedures like freezing, laser treatment, or careful excision.
For molluscum contagiosum, removal can prevent further spread of the lesions on yourself or to others. Treating them promptly helps limit transmission, especially important for children in school or daycare settings.
The Recovery Process
Following treatment, most patients return to their normal activities quickly. Treated sites may briefly need bandaging and require gentle care during recovery. Multiple sessions might be necessary for extensive cases.
Benefits of Wart and Molluscum Treatment
- Eliminates unsightly skin growths
- Stops viral spread to family members and others
- Reduces risk of additional lesions
- Addresses any associated discomfort
- Restores smooth, clear skin
How Much Does Wart and Molluscum Therapy Cost?
Treatment costs vary based on the number of lesions, their locations, and which removal methods are appropriate for your case. During your consultation, we’ll provide a detailed price estimate and review insurance benefits that could apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Never scratch, pick, or attempt to remove warts or molluscum yourself, as this can spread the virus to other areas of your body and increase the risk of infection. Picking at the lesions can also cause scarring and may make professional treatment more difficult.
Covering warts and molluscum with bandages or clothing can reduce the risk of transmission to others and prevent you from touching and spreading them. However, this is a temporary measure and does not treat the underlying viral infection.
Contact Us to Learn More
Are you ready to eliminate your troublesome warts or molluscum in Newport Beach? Schedule your consultation with our Orange County team. Amy Reinstadler, MD, or Sarah Baca, PA, will develop an individualized treatment plan based on your condition and preferences.