Warts are common in children, but that does not mean every bump on the skin should be treated the same way.
If your child has a wart that is painful, bothersome, spreading or simply has you wondering what to do next, our pediatric team can evaluate the area and discuss appropriate treatment or follow-up.
Many childhood warts eventually go away on their own, while others may benefit from treatment. The best approach depends on the wart’s location, size, symptoms and your child’s individual circumstances. The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that warts are especially common in school-age children and are caused by viruses in the human papillomavirus family.
Pediatric Evaluation
Start by making sure the skin growth is actually a wart.
Treatment Guidance
Discuss whether observation, home treatment or an office procedure may be appropriate.
Referral When Needed
Some warts are better evaluated or treated by a dermatologist.
Warts are small skin growths caused by human papillomaviruses, or HPV. They can occur in many places but are commonly seen on children’s hands, fingers, toes, knees and other areas of exposed skin. Common warts often have a rough surface. Warts on the bottom of the foot are known as plantar warts and can sometimes become uncomfortable because of pressure from standing or walking.
Warts can spread through direct contact or through shared objects, particularly when the virus enters through small breaks in the skin. Picking or biting at a wart can also help spread it to other areas.The good news is that many warts are harmless and may eventually disappear without treatment.
Often rough bumps found on areas such as the hands, fingers, knees or toes.
Warts on the bottom of the foot can become flattened from pressure and may hurt with walking.
Direct contact and picking at warts can help spread the virus to other skin.
Some childhood warts eventually resolve on their own without treatment.
Not every wart requires an office visit, but there are times when having the area examined is a good idea.
If you are unsure what the growth is, a healthcare professional can evaluate it before you begin treating it at home.
A painful wart—particularly one on the bottom of the foot—may interfere with walking, sports or everyday activities.
Warts that repeatedly return after treatment may need a different approach or specialist evaluation.
Multiple warts in several areas are one reason the AAP notes that dermatology referral may be considered.
Warts involving the face or genital area should be discussed with a healthcare professional rather than treated like an ordinary wart at home.
A skin growth that changes, repeatedly bleeds, burns, itches or otherwise seems unusual deserves evaluation rather than assuming it is a routine wart.
Not every wart needs to be removed immediately.
Many warts in children eventually disappear without treatment. Whether to treat may depend on how long the wart has been present, where it is located, whether it hurts, whether it is spreading and how much it bothers your child.
Treatment may make more sense when a wart is uncomfortable, interfering with activities, spreading or particularly bothersome to the child.
Your pediatric provider can help your family weigh the benefits of treatment against the discomfort, time and potential skin changes associated with different options.
Salicylic-acid products are commonly used for certain common, plantar and flat warts. Treatment generally works gradually by removing layers of the wart over time.
Before beginning an over-the-counter wart treatment on your child, particularly if you are unsure whether the growth is actually a wart, ask your pediatric provider what approach is appropriate.
Some warts may be treated with an office-based procedure such as freezing, while others are better managed with a different approach or referral. The right option depends on the wart’s location, symptoms, your child’s age and the services appropriate for that child.
Dermatologists have additional treatment methods available for stubborn or complicated warts, including prescription medications and office procedures. Which approach is appropriate depends on the type and location of the wart and the individual patient.
The experience depends on which treatment is recommended. Some treatments are performed gradually at home, while others may involve an office procedure.
Families should know that freezing can sting or hurt during treatment. A blister or crust may develop afterward as the treated area heals.
Some warts require more than one treatment session, and no treatment can guarantee that a wart will never return.
Your provider examines the area and considers whether it appears consistent with a common wart.
Treatment recommendations depend on location, symptoms and your child’s individual needs.
If an office treatment is appropriate, your provider can explain what your child should expect before beginning.
Some warts need additional treatment or reassessment if they persist.
Aftercare depends on the treatment your child receives, so follow the instructions provided by your pediatric team. Some treatments can cause temporary tenderness, crusting, blistering or changes in skin color while the area heals. Call your office if you are unsure whether the treated area is healing as expected.
A little information can help your pediatric provider understand what has been happening.
Bring or be ready to discuss:
Avoid aggressively cutting, scraping or attempting to remove the wart yourself before the appointment.
Some childhood warts are straightforward. Others may benefit from evaluation by a dermatologist or pediatric dermatologist.
The American Academy of Pediatrics identifies several situations where referral may be considered, including multiple warts in many locations, warts on the face or genital area, large or painful plantar warts, warts that repeatedly return after treatment, and warts that are especially bothersome to the child.
A referral does not necessarily mean something serious is wrong. It may simply mean that your child would benefit from additional treatment options or more specialized skin expertise.
Warts that do not respond to reasonable treatment may need another approach.
Numerous warts or widespread involvement may warrant specialist care.
Facial, genital or certain other sensitive areas may require different management.
Large, deep or painful plantar warts may be appropriate for dermatology evaluation.
The exact cost of wart treatment can depend on the type of service performed, the number of treatments needed and your insurance coverage.
Common skin warts are caused by viruses in the human papillomavirus family. The virus can spread through direct contact or shared objects and can enter through small breaks in the skin.
Yes. Warts are particularly common in school-age children, although they can occur at any age.
It may. Many warts eventually disappear on their own, although this can take months or even years.
Have it evaluated if you are unsure whether it is actually a wart, if it is painful or changing, if your child has many warts, if it is on the face or genital area, or if treatment has not been successful.
Some common warts can be treated with over-the-counter products such as salicylic acid. Before treating a child, follow product instructions carefully and talk with your healthcare provider if you are uncertain about the diagnosis or appropriate treatment.
Cryotherapy can be painful or cause stinging, which is one reason the AAD notes that it is used primarily in older children and adults. Blistering or crusting afterward can occur.
Not always. Some warts require repeated treatment, and a wart can sometimes return even after it appears to have cleared.
Some treatment methods can leave a scar or temporary skin-color changes. The risks vary with the treatment and individual child.
A referral may be considered for multiple warts, facial or genital warts, large or painful plantar warts, recurring warts or warts that remain particularly troublesome despite treatment.
Coverage varies by insurance plan, procedure and medical circumstances. Contact your insurance company and pediatric office if you want to understand potential costs before treatment.
No.
Many childhood warts eventually resolve without treatment.
Treatment may be considered when a wart is:
Let your pediatric team take a look and help you understand whether treatment, observation or additional evaluation makes sense.
With offices in Sylacauga, Chelsea, and Birmingham’s Valleydale area, families can choose the pediatric office most convenient for them. Select a location below to call, get directions, or view complete office information.
115 West Clay Street
Sylacauga, Alabama 35150
134 Foothills Parkway
Chelsea, Alabama 35043
1200 Providence Park, Suite 100
Birmingham, Alabama 35242
Providing compassionate comprehensive pediatric care for infants, children, and adolescents at three convenient locations in Alabama.
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Sylacauaga, Alabama 35150
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