What to Know About Warts in Children
As a parent, noticing a wart on your child’s hand, foot, or finger can be concerning. But rest assured—warts are common in children and usually harmless. Let’s break down what you need to know about warts, how to prevent them, treatment options, and when to check in with your pediatrician.
what to know
Warts are small, raised bumps on the skin caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). This virus enters through small cuts or breaks in the skin, leading to an overgrowth of skin cells. Although they are generally harmless, warts can be uncomfortable or embarrassing for your child.
Types of Warts in Children
Common Warts: Often on fingers, hands, and knees; have a rough, bumpy surface.
Plantar Warts: Found on the soles of the feet, can feel like a pebble under the skin.
Flat Warts: Smooth, smaller, and tend to appear in clusters on the face or hands.
Common Causes of Warts
Direct contact with HPV: Touching an infected surface, such as shared toys, towels, or public swimming pools.
Skin injuries: Cuts or scrapes make it easier for HPV to enter.
Weakened immunity: Children with less mature immune systems may be more prone.
what to do
Tips for Prevention
Encourage good hygiene: Teach your child to wash hands regularly and avoid touching warts (their own or someone else’s).
Keep skin protected: Cover cuts or scrapes with bandages.
Wear footwear: Use flip-flops or water shoes in public pools or locker rooms.
Avoid sharing personal items: Towels, socks, and nail clippers should be individual-use only.
Treatment Options
While many warts disappear on their own within a year or two, treatment can help speed up the process, especially if warts are painful, spreading, or bothersome to your child.
1. Salicylic Acid
How It Works:
Salicylic acid dissolves thickened skin cells and stimulates the immune system to fight the virus.How to Use:
Soak the wart in warm water for 5–10 minutes.
Gently file the top of the wart with a pumice stone or emery board (dedicated to wart care).
Apply salicylic acid (liquid, gel, or patch) daily, as directed.
Cover the area with a bandage.
Effectiveness:
Around 50–70% of warts clear within 12 weeks with consistent use.
2. Duct Tape Occlusion Therapy
How It Works:
Duct tape may irritate the wart and stimulate the immune system while cutting off oxygen to the virus.How to Use:
Cover the wart with duct tape for 6–7 days.
Remove the tape, soak the area, and gently file the wart.
Repeat the process for 4–6 weeks.
Effectiveness:
Results vary. Some studies find it as effective as salicylic acid, while others report less success.
3. Cantharidin (Applied by a Pediatrician)
How It Works:
Cantharidin causes a blister under the wart, lifting it from the healthy skin.What to Expect:
Applied in-office by your pediatrician and covered with a bandage.
A blister forms in 24–48 hours, and the wart peels off within a week.
Effectiveness:
This painless option is highly effective and well-suited for children.
4. Cryotherapy (Freezing the Wart)
How It Works:
Liquid nitrogen freezes the wart, destroying infected skin cells and triggering an immune response.What to Expect:
Performed in-office using a cotton swab or spray.
A blister forms, and the wart falls off in 7–14 days.
Multiple treatments may be needed.
Effectiveness:
Cryotherapy is effective but can be uncomfortable, making it ideal for older children or stubborn warts.
when to seek help
While most warts can be managed at home, you should seek medical advice if:
The wart is painful, bleeding, or interfering with daily activities.
It spreads rapidly or appears in clusters.
You notice signs of infection (redness, swelling, or pus).
Your child has a weakened immune system or a chronic skin condition.
Warts are a common part of childhood and usually resolve without complications. With patience and the right treatment, you can help your child feel more comfortable and confident.
If you’re unsure about the best approach or have concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician. We’re here to support you and your family every step of the way.