Water Warts – Easily Spread among Children

Although water warts can heal on their own, but it may be undesirable for your child.  Furthermore, it easily spreads if not well-cared.  Parents should pay attention and know the correct way to care for it.

What Are Water Warts

Molluscum Contagiosum or Water Warts is a skin infection from a virus in the Molluscipoxvirus Genus.  Its incubation period ranges from 3-12 weeks and can be transmitted from one person to another through skin contact including sharing personal belongings, such as towel.  It can affect anyone, particularly children between the ages of 1-10 years old.  It can resolve on its own without treatment, but it will take about 6-12 months depending on severity in each person.  

What Do Water Warts Look Like?

• Half-circle blister
• White or pearly-colored blister
• Rather hard with smooth surface  
• May have dimple in the middle
• The skin will be white like cooked rice when popped or squeezed.
• Blisters may occur as a cluster or form a line  

How to Care for Water Warts

Currently, there is no direct medication to cure the infection as they will go away by themselves in a few months.  Treatment options to help stop spreading include:

1. Cryotherapy uses liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy the blisters, but may require several cycles of treatment.
2. Molluscum Extraction uses sharp needle to pierce and get rid of them.
3. Use ointments to destroy infected cells.

Warning!

Do not pick, remove, or scratch the blisters as it may be infected by other bacteria.  Immunocompromised patients may experience large or big clusters of water warts.

How to Prevent Water Warts

• Wash your hands often
• Avoid sharing personal belongings with others
• Avoid using public items that come in direct contact with your skin
• Do not touch a person with water warts

Taking care of water warts should be under supervision of specialist with experience to prevent your child from multiple complications and have quicker recovery.