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imple warts are benign (friendly) skin tumors in the top layers of the skin caused by a virus, the largest of all true viruses known to cause human disease. The scientific name for these growths is molluscum contagiosum. While similar to the common wart, they are caused by a different virus.
These warts occur most frequently in children and young adults. They do not itch, hurt, or burn, but they are highly contagious. They can spread indirectly (through towels, washcloths, and similar items) or directly from person to person as on wrestling mats and in swimming pools. Epidemics of these viral tumors are common among children and adolescents in schools, orphanages, and other institutions. In sexually active people it is considered a sexually transmitted disease.
Molluscum contagiosum are more common in tropical climates as warmth and humidity tend to favor the growth of the virus, and in people who are immunocompromised such as those with AIDS.
It usually takes about six weeks from the time of contact or exposure to the virus until the disease appears. The virus enters the skin through small injuries (scratches, insect bites, or puncture wounds). The tumors usually begin as pinhead-sized elevations that gradually enlarge to the size of a small pea. They may persist for years but usually stop growing once they reach this size.
The elevations – known as nodules – are smooth, round, dome-shaped, and either waxy or pearly in appearance. Older molluscums usually develop a dimple resembling a belly button (hence the name: dimple wart). The lesions are often confined to the abdomen, thighs, pubic area, and genitals, but can occur on any portion of the skin surface. When they occur on the eyelids of young children, they are very difficult to eradicate by surgical means. Non-sexual transmission of the condition is often seen in wrestlers.
When squeezed, dimple warts discharge a milky-white, curd-like substance. Left untreated, they usually disappear by themselves after months or years without leaving scars. Since they are contagious, however, there are some measures you should take.
Avoid touching the people you know have the virus, and practice good hygiene (keep clean!). A dermatologist can eradicate them quickly and almost painlessly by any of a variety of methods. One popular technique is to freeze them off with liquid nitrogen. They also can be burned off (cauterized) under local anesthesia, scraped off with a small curette (actually a “round knife”), or destroyed with various chemicals. All of these procedures are safe and effective.
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For further information about dimple warts, log on to: www.aad.org or phone: 1-888-462-DERM x22 |
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