• Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
Water’s Edge Dermatology
  • Partner with Us
  • Pay Your Bill
  • Patient Portal
  • Services
    • Medical
      Dermatology

      Overview

      Skin Growths

      Skin Rashes

      Skin Infections

      Dry Skin & Related Conditions

      Facial Skin Conditions

      Hair & Nail Disorders

      Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)

    • Surgical
      Dermatology

      Overview

      Skin Growths

      Mohs Surgery

      Plastic Surgery

      Skin Conditions

      • Pediatric
        Dermatology

        Overview

        Acne

        Birthmarks

        Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)

        Hemangiomas

        Molluscum Contagiosum

        Warts

    • Cosmetic
      Dermatology

      Overview

      MediSpa & Aesthetic Skin Care

      Wrinkle Reducers & Fillers

      PRP Treatments

      Thread Lift

      Laser Treatments

      Body Contouring

      Intimate Health & Wellness

      Special Offers

      Ask the Cosmetics Experts

    • Skin Cancer
      Treatment

      Overview

      Mohs Surgery

      Electron Beam Therapy (Radiation)

      Skin Cancer Prevention

    • Plastic
      Surgery

      Overview

      Facial Procedures

      Breast Procedures

      Body Procedures

      Reconstructive
      Surgery

    • The Vein
      Center

      Overview

      Face & Hand Veins

      Leg Veins

      Before & After Gallery

      Our Vein Providers

      Find a Vein Center

      Insurances Accepted

      Compression Wear Products

  • Locations
  • Our Providers
  • Resources
    • Patient Education

      Patient Library

      WEderm Videos

      Insurances Accepted

      Patient Information

      Patient Care Instructions

    • For Patients

      Patient Portal

      New Patients: Info & Forms

      Patient Rights & Responsibilities

      Prescription Refills

      Pay Your Bill

    • Community

      Press Releases

      Blog

      Events

      Patient Stories & Reviews

    • Shop

      Special Offers

      Shop Skin Care Products

      Sign Up for Emails

  • Products
    • WEderm

      ZO Skin Health

      EltaMD

      SkinBetter Science

      DefenAge

      Silagen

      SkinCeuticals

      Dermaka

      Vein Compression Wear

  • Join Us
    • Careers

      Partner with Us

  • About
    • Our Story

      Our History & Care Philosophy

      Our Leadership

      Patient Stories and Reviews

  • Blog
  • Bill Pay
  • Services
    • Medical Dermatology
      • Overview
      • Skin Growths
      • Skin Rashes
      • Skin Infections
      • Dry Skin & Related Conditions
      • Facial Skin Conditions
      • Hair & Nail Disorders
      • Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
    • Surgical Dermatology
      • Overview
      • Skin Growths
      • Mohs Micrographic Surgery
      • Plastic Surgery
      • Skin Conditions
    • Cosmetic Dermatology
      • Overview
      • MedSpa & Aesthetic Skin Care
      • Wrinkle Reducers & Fillers
      • PRP Treatments
      • Thread Lift
      • Laser Treatments
      • Body Contouring
      • Intimate Health & Wellness
      • Special Offers
      • Ask the Cosmetics Experts
    • Skin Cancer Treatment
      • Overview
      • Mohs Micrographic Surgery
      • Electron Beam Therapy (Radiation)
      • Skin Cancer Prevention
    • Plastic Surgery
      • Overview
      • Facial Procedures
      • Breast Procedures
      • Body Procedures
      • Reconstructive Surgery
    • Vein Centers
      • Overview
      • Face & Hand Veins
      • Leg Veins
      • Before & After Gallery
      • Our Vein Providers
      • Find a Vein Center
      • Insurance Accepted
      • Compression Wear Products
    • Pediatric Dermatology
  • Locations
  • Our Providers
  • Resources
    • Patient Education
      • Patient Library
      • WEderm Videos
      • Insurance Accepted
      • Patient Information
      • Patient Care Instructions
    • For Patients
      • Patient Portal
      • New Patients
      • Prescription Refills
      • Pay Your Bill
    • Community
      • Press Releases
      • Blog
      • Events
      • Patient Stories & Reviews
    • Shop
      • Special Offers
      • Shop Skin Care Products
      • Sign Up for Email
  • Products
    • WEderm
    • ZO Skin Health
    • EltaMD
    • SkinBetter Science
    • DefenAge
    • Silagen
    • SkinCeuticals
    • Dermaka
    • Vein Compression Wear
  • Join Us
    • Careers
    • Partner with Us
  • About Us
    • Our Story
    • Our History & Care Philosophy
    • Our Leadership
    • Patient Stories & Reviews
  • Blog
  • Bill Pay
  • Water’s Edge Dermatology
  • The Vein Center



Call (877) 900-3223

  • Book an Appointment
  • Our Services
  • Find a Location
  • Meet Our Providers
  • Insurance Accepted

Viruses of the Skin

February 14, 2013

Common Viruses of the skin include Molluscum Contagiosum, Warts, and Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 and 2. These viruses are common because they are contagious with skin to skin contact. Although most are only an annoyance, some do have the potential to cause harm to the person affected. Our goal at Water’s Edge Dermatology is to educate and alleviate any possible concerns of our patients.

Molluscum Contagiosum is a common skin condition, especially in children, that comes from the Poxvirus. The virus presents as small umbilicated blisters and is usually diagnosed by a trained eye but can be confirmed with a biopsy. Contagiosum is an adjective that well describes the condition because it is so contagious. Children have more skin-to-skin contact and a lower immunity than adults, explaining why it is more commonly seen at a younger age. There are treatments such as liquid nitrogen or Cantharone (a topical agent) that are often used if the condition is bothersome or spreading. Treatment is not necessary because Molluscum Contagiosum is not harmful and with time should go away on its own. This condition can be sexually transmitted, but more commonly is spread by touching or scratching the area.  Helpful tips for prevention include: avoiding direct skin-to-skin contact, avoid sharing towels with someone who is infected, frequent hand washing and protecting the skin’s barrier by keeping it well moisturized.

Warts are caused by a virus called the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), which is easily transmitted. Warts are also more common is children because their immunity is lower than adults. Most often, warts are diagnosed by a trained eye but can also be confirmed by a biopsy. There are different types of warts including; common warts, flat warts, plantar (under the surface of the foot) warts, and genital warts. Treatment may be the same as for Molluscum Contagiosum and is also a condition that may resolve on its own. Warts are typically raised but can be flat as in the flat warts or on the plantar surface of the foot. If warts are found in the genital region, they are usually considered to be sexually transmitted. However, common warts can also be transferred to the genitalia. Warts can be eradicated with treatment but they can return. Women who have a partner diagnosed with genital warts are at a higher risk for cervical cancer and should have regular pap smears. Helpful tips for prevention include: frequent hand washing; avoiding skin-to-skin contact with affected areas; wearing shoes in locker rooms, water parks, public pools and public showers to protect the feet; and protecting the skins barrier by keeping it well moisturized.

Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) has two types (I and II), that when active, present with blisters or sores that can be painful. Type I is the cold sore virus and is generally found on the face, and type II is the sexually transmitted virus that is typically found in the genital area. However, type I has been found in the genitalia and type II has been found in other parts of the body. Once exposed to the virus, it may lay dormant for a long period of time, or may be such a mild case making it difficult to identify the source of infection. Stress and sun exposure can activate the dormant virus. HSV is contagious during flares but can also be contagious when no lesions are present. HSV is most commonly diagnosed by a trained eye, but a viral culture or blood work can be taken to confirm the diagnosis. HSV is treatable but there is no cure. Symptoms that may indicate the virus is active include tingling, itching, tenderness or burning sensation in the affected area. The treatment is antiviral medications like acyclovir or valacyclovir. If the medication is taken at onset, the symptoms may be minimized and the duration may be shortened. The symptoms will go away on their own with no treatment but may take longer than with the medication. Tips for prevention include: avoiding skin to skin contact to the affected area of a person with known HSV and avoiding sharing drinks, towels, lip balms or other products that may come in contact with the affected area.

These are some of the most common viruses of the skin but certainly not all of them. The key is early diagnosis and prompt treatment for any condition. Proper hand washing may not prevent these conditions, but is the number one way to avoid spreading infections. If you have any questions, please fill free to contact any of our offices. We are happy to help you in any way we can.

Footer

Schedule an Appointment:
(877) 900-3223

  • Water’s Edge Dermatology.
  • The Vein Center
    • Contact Us Call (877) 900-3223

Sign Up For Special Offers

© 2021 Water's Edge Dermatology | All Rights Reserved | Privacy & Legal Information
  • Special Offers
  • Patient Portal
  • Pay Your Bill
  • Services
  • Sitemap
  • The Vein Center Overview
  • Patient Resources
  • Blog
  • Schedule an Appointment
  • Skin Care Products
  • Locations
  • Find a Vein Center
  • Our Vein Providers
  • Our Providers
  • Insurance Accepted
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Join Us
© 2021 Water's Edge Dermatology | All Rights Reserved | Privacy & Legal Information

Water’s Edge Dermatology is a leading full service dermatology practice providing medical dermatology, surgical dermatology, pediatric dermatology, cosmetic dermatology, skin cancer treatment, and plastic surgery, and Vein Centers. Water’s Edge Dermatology has 37 office locations throughout Florida.

Water's Edge Dermatology is a proud member of the AQUA family of practices.
Aqua Dermatology Footer Logo