Molluscum Contagiosum (Water Warts) Treatment in Layton, Utah

Introduction

Has your child come home with small, shiny bumps on their arms, legs, or chest? Have you been told by other doctors to “just ignore them” because they will go away eventually?

These are likely Molluscum Contagiosum (commonly called “water warts”). While it is true that they will eventually go away on their own, “eventually” can mean 2 to 4 years.

At my clinic in Layton, I take a proactive approach. I believe in treating Molluscum, not just watching it spread. As a board-certified dermatologist, I offer gentle, effective treatments to clear the virus quickly and prevent long-term damage to your child’s skin.

Why We Don’t “Just Wait” (The Scarring Risk)

The most common myth about Molluscum is that you should leave it alone to avoid scarring. In my experience, the opposite is true.

• The Pitted Scar: When a Molluscum bump sits on the skin for years, it creates chronic inflammation that destroys the local collagen. When the bump finally disappears, it often leaves behind a permanent, pitted scar (like a small crater).

• The Solution: By treating the bumps early and quickly, we remove the virus before it can damage the deeper layers of the skin. Treating them is the best way to prevent scarring.

Our Preferred Treatment: Cantharidin (“Beetlejuice”)

Because Molluscum is most common in young children, we need a treatment that doesn’t hurt. I use Cantharidin, a naturally occurring solution derived from the blister beetle.

• It’s Painless in the Office: We simply paint a tiny drop of the liquid onto each bump. There are no needles, no freezing, and no cutting. Your child leaves the office without any tears.

• How It Works: You wash the medicine off at home a few hours later. Over the next 24 hours, a small blister will form under the bump.

• The Cure: This blister lifts the virus off the skin. When the blister heals (usually in a few days), the bump falls off with it. Sometimes it takes multiple treatments to get rid of all of them.

• Is it Tolerable?: While the blister can be slightly tender or itchy, most children tolerate it extremely well—certainly better than the pain of freezing or scraping.

Stop the Spread

Molluscum is highly contagious. It spreads through shared towels, baths, and skin-to-skin contact. The longer the bumps remain, the higher the risk of spreading them to siblings or classmates. Treating them now protects the rest of your family.

Schedule a “Tear-Free” Consult

If you are tired of waiting years for “water warts” to disappear, bring your child in. We can help them get clear skin again safely and quickly.

Call 801-773-4840 to schedule a consultation

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