Home / Medical dermatology / Warts and molluscum
Medical dermatology
Wart and molluscum treatment in Richardson, TX
In-office treatment for stubborn warts and molluscum bumps in children and adults, from a board-certified dermatologist who sees every patient herself.
Dr. Kelsie Riemenschneider
MD, FAAD · Board-certified dermatologist. You will see her at every visit.
Overview
What causes warts and molluscum
Warts and molluscum are both caused by common viruses that infect the top layer of the skin. Warts come from strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV) and are rough, firm growths. Molluscum contagiosum is caused by a different virus and shows up as small, smooth, dome-shaped bumps, often with a dimple in the center.
Both spread by skin-to-skin contact and by shared items such as towels, razors and pool gear, and both can spread to new areas through scratching or shaving. They are harmless and often clear on their own, but that can take months to years. Treatment can speed things up, ease discomfort and lower the chance of passing them to others.
When to see a dermatologist
Bumps are painful, bleeding, multiplying or spreading
Over-the-counter wart treatments have not worked after two months
Warts are on the face, around the nails or in the genital area
Your child is bothered by the bumps, or also has eczema
You are not sure the growth is a wart
Types of warts and bumps we treat
Common warts. Rough bumps on the hands, fingers and knees.
Plantar warts. Thick, tender warts on the soles of the feet that can make walking painful.
Flat warts. Small, smooth warts that appear in clusters on the face, hands or legs.
Warts around the nails. Stubborn warts beside or under the fingernails and toenails.
Genital warts. Soft growths in the genital area, treated privately and without judgment.
Molluscum contagiosum.Small, pearly bumps, most common in children.
Treatment
How we treat warts and molluscum
No single wart treatment is best for everyone, and most warts need more than one visit. Dr. Riemenschneider chooses a treatment based on the type, location and number of bumps, and on the patient's age and comfort.
Freezing. Liquid nitrogen applied in the office to destroy the wart, also called cryotherapy.
Blistering treatment. A liquid called cantharidin that is painless to apply and lifts the bump off the skin over several days. It is a common choice for children.
Prescription topicals. Creams and solutions used at home, such as salicylic acid, imiquimod or tretinoin.
Minor procedures. Gentle removal of the bumps in the office.
Your visit
What to expect at your visit
We confirm what it is. Dr. Riemenschneider examines the bumps, since corns, calluses and some skin cancers can look like warts.
Treatment usually starts the same day. Most treatments take a few minutes and are done in the exam room.
We plan follow-up. Warts often need treatment every few weeks until they clear, and you leave with home-care instructions..
In network with most major health plans. See every plan we accept
Questions
Common questions about warts and molluscum
Have a question that is not here? Call 214-833-5300.
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Yes. Warts spread by direct contact and by shared items such as towels and razors. Covering a wart, not picking at it and wearing sandals in locker rooms all lower the risk.
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Freezing stings for a few seconds and the area can be sore for a day or two. For young children or sensitive areas, we often choose a treatment that is easier to tolerate.
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Most warts need several treatments, spaced two to four weeks apart. Warts on the feet and around the nails are the most stubborn and usually take the longest.
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Either can be reasonable. Molluscum goes away on its own, usually within 6 to 18 months, but treatment is worth considering if the bumps are spreading, itchy, irritated or upsetting to your child. We will talk through both options with you.
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They can. The virus can stay in the skin after a wart clears, so a new wart sometimes appears in the same area. Treating warts early, while they are small and few, gives the best chance of clearing them.
Related care Pediatric dermatology Eczema Skin tag and benign growth removal Mole removal All medical dermatology
Reviewed by Dr. Kelsie Riemenschneider, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist. Last reviewed October 2026. Source: American Academy of Dermatology.
Address 702 W Arapaho Rd, Suite 104, Richardson, TX 75080
Hours Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM
Phone 214-833-5300