Genital Warts and Molluscum Treatments: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Methods

Genital warts and molluscum are viral infections that cause lesions on the skin. These infections are contagious and tend to spread, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems. The treatment for both infections aims to remove the skin lesions and manage symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent the spread of these infections and improve the patient’s quality of life.

What Are Genital Warts?

Genital warts are small, raised lesions in the genital area caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Genital warts usually appear as soft or firm, small bumps in the genital region, anus, or surrounding areas. This infection is sexually transmitted and has several types.

Symptoms of Genital Warts:

• Small, flesh-colored or gray bumps in or around the genital area
• Raised lesions that may merge to form larger growths
• Itching or discomfort
• Rarely, pain

What is Molluscum?

Molluscum is a skin infection caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus, commonly seen in children or individuals with weakened immune systems. It appears as small, round, pearl-like or pink-colored lesions. Although it can be sexually transmitted, molluscum can also spread through shared items, close contact, or skin contact.

Symptoms of Molluscum:

• Small, soft, round bumps on the skin
• Usually skin-colored, pink, or white lesions with a small dimple in the center
• No pain, but scratching the lesions may lead to infection

Treatment Methods for Genital Warts and Molluscum

Treatment for these infections may vary depending on the size and extent of the lesions and the patient's overall health. Due to the contagious nature of these infections, treatment options often focus on removing the lesions.

Genital Wart Treatments:

• Cryotherapy (Freezing Method): A treatment method using liquid nitrogen to freeze the warts, helping to reduce their size and gradually fall off.
• Laser Therapy: Laser beams are used to destroy warts. It is an effective treatment method, especially for widespread or large warts.
• Electrocautery (Burning): This procedure uses electric currents to burn warts, helping reduce the size of lesions.
• Topical Creams: Certain creams prescribed by a dermatologist suppress the HPV virus, helping reduce the size of warts.

Molluscum Treatments:

• Curettage: A procedure where the lesions are scraped off with small surgical instruments. This is performed under local anesthesia and can help the lesions heal faster.
• Cryotherapy (Freezing Method): Freezing the molluscum lesions with liquid nitrogen can help reduce their size.
• Topical Treatments: Some topical solutions recommended by dermatologists may help reduce the size and prevent the spread of lesions.
• Laser Therapy: Laser treatment may be used, especially in widespread molluscum cases.

Prevention and Important Considerations

To prevent genital warts and molluscum and to avoid spreading these viral infections, it is important to take certain precautions:

• Protected Sexual Contact: Using condoms can reduce the risk of contracting genital warts, although it does not provide complete protection.
• Personal Hygiene: Molluscum can be transmitted through shared items; therefore, avoiding sharing personal hygiene products is important.
• Strengthening the Immune System: Maintaining a strong immune system with healthy eating, regular sleep, and stress management can reduce the risk of spreading infections.

Consult Your Dermatologist

Since genital warts and molluscum lesions are contagious, it is important to consult a dermatologist rather than waiting for them to heal on their own. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent the spread of lesions and ensure faster healing. To learn more about genital warts and molluscum treatments and discover the best treatment options for you, consult a dermatologist.