Water Warts

What are Water Warts?

Water warts are among one of the most commonly known skin infections. In medical terms this condition is known as Molluscum Contagiosum.  This is a viral skin infection very common to children under the age of 15. Though most adults are resistant to this virus, it is important to be aware that in some instances, Molluscum Contagiosum can be transmitted to adults, especially those with a weak immune system.

How water warts are transmitted

Water warts are highly contiguous and can easily be transmitted from person to person through any skin contact or sharing of items (such as toys or items children may likely to play together with) with an infected child or person.

Molluscum Contagiosum virus (MVC) has an average incubation period of two to seven weeks. The incubation period greatly depends on the immune system of the infected person. Therefore, it will take a while before realizing a child or a person is infected with the virus, after contamination.

Water warts are not considered to be and are not treated as a serious medical case and most of the time, does not need much treatment to get rid of it. Over the counter products and natural remedies are often good enough to do the trick.  In fact, people with strong immune systems can usually fight it off given time.

Signs and symptoms of Water Warts

One of the first and most obvious signs that shows presences of this viral skin infection is painless small bumps that appear on a child or adult’s upper skin surface. They have an average diameter of 3 millimeters and a dome-like in shape with a dimple at the center. In addition, these bumps are firm and contains whitish waxy material inside. This small bump may be itchy at times, and often appears in clusters or groups of similar bumps. They can appear in any part of the body, but they most commonly appear around the legs, arms, chest and back area. 

It’s recommended that you don’t scratch these water warts, since that increases the chances for them to spread to other parts of the body. This is because Molluscum Contagiosum virus easily spreads to other parts of the body after scratching.

With teenagers and adults, water warts can be transmitted through sexual interactions with an infected person. Mollusca in sexually active teens and adults can be found within the genital areas, and inner thighs, and on some very rare occurrences they can be located around the mouth and eyes.

Conclusion

It is important to note that Water Warts/Molluscum Contagiosum have no long-term effects or consequences to an individual. The lumps which appear on the skin surface leave no marks after they disappear on their own, however, some treatment may at times leave marks on the skin. Any secondary infection caused can be treated easily by taking the prescribed antibiotics.

Home Remedies and Treatments for Water Warts

Water warts are a viral skin infection caused by the Molluscum Contagiosum virus. It causes lashes on the upper surface of the skin which appear as raised bumps, dome in shape, pink or red in color, painless, but at times itchy. Water warts cause embarrassment in our day to day interactions with other people. This has led people to venture into all kinds of treatment solutions for this viral skin infection. There are various treatment solutions which can be either done in the comfort of your home or through medical professionals. These treatments are highlighted below.  Any serious situation should always be reviewed by your doctor.

Home treatment for water warts

• Apple Cider Vinegar

The use of apple cider vinegars is one of the best and simplest ways to treat water warts without having to go see a dermatologist. Apple cider vinegar contain elements that work against the warts. The acidity creates conditions that forces the warts to dry off and kills the Molluscum Contagiosum virus. This simple home remedy on warts cannot be effective on sexually transmitted diseases which include the genital warts. For all other kinds of warts, it can be very quick for the warts to dry and peel off. At some instances it would require one to scrub it off gently. It is also important to give it time for the scar to disappear.

• Banana mash

Ripe bananas contain enzymes known as proteolytic which are very helpful in combating water warts by dissolving them. One needs to follow an easy procedure of crushing a ripe banana and applying it on the warts. This should at least be done twice a day and within no time, the wart should start to disappear.

• Lemon/Citric-Acid

Citric acid also has proven over the time to be useful when it comes to killing the Molluscum Contagiosum virus. Citric acid found in lemons contains vitamin C which work well in the restoration of a normal skin infected with warts. This home remedy is also easy to apply since it only requires one to squeeze the lemon juice on the water warts. This should be done at least twice a day until they all disappear.

Other treatments methods

• cryosurgery

Cryosurgery is a medical procedure which involves the use of nitrogen in its liquid form to freeze the warts. By doing this, it kills the water warts virus, but may cause small scars which will then disappear at an average time of 2-4 weeks.

• Antigens

There are various types of antigens which include trichophyton, mumps, and candida which are injected where the water warts are. These antigens are useful in helping the immune system combat the water wart virus by generating antibodies that will fight it.