wart in children

Overview

Warts are small, rough growths on the skin caused by a virus. They are very common in children and are usually harmless. They often go away on their own over time.

Yes, warts are extremely common in children. Many children will get at least one wart at some point during their childhood.

Warts can affect children of all ages, but they are most common between ages 5 and 15. Children who bite their nails, pick at hangnails, or have a weakened immune system may be more likely to get them.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• A small, raised, rough bump on the skin
• Skin-colored, white, pink, or light brown
• May have tiny black dots, which are small blood vessels
• Usually painless, unless on the sole of the foot, where it can feel tender

Symptoms in children

• Often appear on the hands, fingers, knees, or face
• Can be single or in small groups
• Plantar warts (on the bottom of the foot) can feel like a stone in the shoe
• May disappear and come back over time

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults are less likely to get new warts, but if they do, the warts may take longer to clear
• Any new skin bump in an older adult should be checked by a healthcare provider, because it could be something other than a wart

Causes

Main causes

• Infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus that enters the skin through tiny cuts or scratches
• Direct contact with a wart on someone else, or with surfaces where the virus can live, such as swimming pool floors or shared towels

Risk factors

• Biting nails or picking at skin around the fingers
• Walking barefoot in public showers, swimming pools, or changing rooms
• Having a weakened immune system due to illness or medication
• Living with someone who has warts
• Having other skin problems, like eczema, that cause breaks in the skin

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• The wart is on the genitals, anus, or mouth
• The wart is very painful or interferes with walking, writing, or playing
• You notice signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, pus, or fever

Book a routine appointment if:

• The wart does not go away after several months or gets worse over time
• The wart spreads to other parts of your child's body or to other people
• You want professional treatment to remove the wart more quickly
• You are a parent and you are worried or unsure about the diagnosis

Diagnosis

A healthcare provider can usually tell if a bump is a wart just by looking at it. They may use a magnifying glass and may gently scrape the surface to see its texture and look for tiny black dots.

Tests that may be done

• No tests are needed in most cases
• Rarely, a small sample of the wart (a biopsy) may be sent to a lab if the diagnosis is unclear

What to expect at your appointment

The appointment is usually quick and simple. Your healthcare provider will likely ask about the wart's history and any treatments you have already tried. They will then talk to you about the best next steps, which may simply be to leave the wart alone.

Treatment

Many warts in children disappear without any treatment. When treatment is wanted, the goal is to remove the wart gently and avoid harm to the skin. The right approach depends on the child's age, the location of the wart, and the family's preferences. Always talk to your child's healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting any treatment.

Self-care at home

• Wash the area gently and keep it dry
• Cover the wart with a bandage or waterproof plaster to reduce spreading
• Soak the wart in warm water and lightly rub it with a clean nail file or pumice stone – do not share these tools with others
• Use over-the-counter wart treatments from the pharmacy; ask the pharmacist for the most suitable product for your child's age
• Do not cut, burn, or pick the wart, as this can cause infection or scarring

Medical treatments

A healthcare provider may offer treatments such as freezing the wart (cryotherapy), applying a prescription cream or solution, or using a laser. These approaches work by destroying the wart tissue and can be done in the clinic. The provider will choose the safest and most effective option for your child.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed for warts. It may be considered if the wart is very large, painful, or has not responded to other treatments. A specialist can remove the wart through a minor procedure, but this is uncommon in children.

Living with this condition

Your child can go to school, play, and swim as usual. Cover the wart with a waterproof plaster when in the pool or shared changing areas. Encourage your child not to pick or scratch the wart, and remind them to wash their hands regularly.

Lifestyle tips

• Wash hands with soap and water before and after touching the wart
• Use a separate towel for your child's wart area, especially if it is on the face or hands
• Wear flip-flops in public showers and changing rooms
• Keep the skin healthy with regular moisturising, as dry or cracked skin may make it easier for the virus to enter

Diet and exercise

There is no specific diet that cures warts, but a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables helps support the immune system. Regular physical activity and plenty of sleep also help your child stay healthy and strong.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Warts can sometimes make children feel embarrassed or self-conscious, especially if they are on visible areas like the hands or face. Reassure your child that warts are common, harmless, and will eventually go away. If worry or teasing is affecting your child's mood, talk to your healthcare provider or the school nurse for support.

Prevention

There is no guaranteed way to prevent warts, but you can reduce your child's risk by teaching good hand hygiene, not sharing towels or shoes, and wearing footwear in public showers and pools.

Vaccines

Vaccination against the HPV virus is offered as part of the routine childhood immunisation programme in the UK. This vaccine mainly protects against cancer-causing types of HPV, not the types that cause most common warts, but it is an important part of overall health.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening for warts. You can check your child's skin occasionally and talk to your healthcare provider if you notice any new or changing bumps.

Complications

If left untreated

• Warts may spread to other parts of the body through scratching or picking
• They can become larger or more noticeable over time
• Picking at a wart can cause bleeding or a secondary infection
• Some warts may persist for years, though most eventually clear on their own

Long-term outlook

The outlook for childhood warts is very good. Most warts disappear without treatment within 6 months to 2 years. Even if they last longer, they rarely cause serious problems. With gentle treatment and patience, nearly all warts clear up, and most children have no lasting marks after they heal.

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