From the Guidelines
Water warts, also known as molluscum contagiosum, are small, flesh-colored or pink bumps on the skin caused by a virus. The most recent and highest quality study on this topic is from 2014, which provides guidelines for the management of cutaneous warts 1. According to this study, treatment options include waiting for them to resolve on their own (which can take 6-12 months), or seeking medical intervention. For faster resolution, a dermatologist can remove the bumps through cryotherapy (freezing with liquid nitrogen), curettage (scraping off with a special tool), or application of topical medications like cantharidin, podophyllotoxin, or imiquimod. Some key points to note about water warts include:
- They are highly contagious through direct skin contact or shared items, which is why they're common in children who play together and share toys.
- While usually harmless and eventually self-resolving, treatment can help prevent spread to other body areas or to other people.
- To prevent spreading, avoid scratching the bumps, don't share towels or clothing with infected individuals, cover the bumps with bandages during activities, and maintain good hygiene. It's also worth noting that over-the-counter options include tea tree oil or salicylic acid, though these are less effective than prescription treatments 1. Overall, the best course of action for managing water warts is to consult a dermatologist for proper diagnosis and treatment, and to take steps to prevent spreading the infection to others.
From the Research
Mucocutaneous Lesions
- Mucocutaneous lesions commonly referred to as water warts, also known as molluscum contagiosum, are not directly mentioned in the provided studies 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The studies primarily focus on the treatment of common warts, cutaneous warts, and plantar warts, which are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.
- There is no direct evidence or information provided about mucocutaneous lesions or molluscum contagiosum in the given studies.
Treatment of Warts
- The studies discuss various treatment options for warts, including salicylic acid, cryotherapy, topical vitamin A, and immunotherapy 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- These treatment options have shown varying degrees of success, but none are uniformly effective or virucidal.
- Further research is needed to determine the effectiveness of these treatments and to explore alternative therapeutic options.
Limitations of Current Studies
- The studies highlight the limitations of current research on wart treatment, including the lack of double-blind, controlled clinical trials and the potential for placebo effects 3, 4, 5.
- The safety and efficacy of many treatment options have not been fully assessed, making it difficult to evaluate their effectiveness and reproducibility.