Warts in Children
Warts in Children: What Ontario Parents Need to Know
Seeing bumpy growths on your child's skin can be worrying, but warts are incredibly common and usually harmless. These small, rough bumps are caused by a virus and will eventually go away on their own, though it might take months or even years. Most kids get warts at some point, and while they look concerning, they're really just a nuisance.
What's going on?
Warts are small growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). This virus is everywhere in our environment, and kids pick it up easily because they're always touching things and putting their hands in their mouths. The virus gets into tiny breaks in the skin, which is why warts often show up around fingernails where kids bite or pick, or on their feet where the skin gets small cuts.
Children's immune systems are still learning to fight off viruses, which is why kids get warts more often than adults. The good news is that having warts means your child's immune system is working to fight them off. Most warts disappear on their own as the immune system figures out how to beat the virus.
Warts aren't dangerous, but they can spread to other parts of your child's body or to other people through direct contact. They're most contagious when they're fresh and bumpy, but even older warts can still spread the virus around.
What you might notice
- Small, rough bumps that feel harder than the surrounding skin
- Tiny black dots in the center (these are actually small blood vessels)
- Bumps that are skin colored, white, pink, or slightly darker
- Growths that are round or oval shaped
- Warts that appear in clusters, especially on hands and fingers
- Flat, smooth warts on the face or legs
What helps at home
Keep the area clean and try to prevent your child from picking at the warts, since this can spread them to other parts of the body. Cover warts with a bandage if your child can't stop touching them, especially during the day at school.
You can try over the counter wart treatments from the pharmacy, but talk to your doctor or text Arlo first. Some treatments work better for kids than others, and you want to make sure you're using them safely. Duct tape is an old home remedy that some families swear by, though studies show mixed results.
Keep your child's hands clean and their fingernails short to reduce spreading. Don't share towels, socks, or shoes with other family members, and have your child wear flip flops in public pools or locker rooms.
When to worry
Head to the emergency room if the wart becomes very red, hot, swollen, or starts oozing pus, as this could mean a serious infection.
Call your doctor or text Arlo if the warts are painful, bleeding, or interfering with your child's daily activities. Also reach out if you're not sure whether the growth is actually a wart, if warts keep spreading despite treatment, or if your child has warts on their face or genital area.
The takeaway
Warts look scarier than they actually are, and your child's body is already working to get rid of them. You've got this, and most warts will disappear with time and patience.
You can always text Arlo and talk to a provider in 5 minutes!
References
- [Common skin conditions: Warts](https://caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/health-conditions-and-treatments/warts)
- [Warts](https://aboutkidshealth.ca/article?contentid=789&language=english)
- [Skin conditions](https://ontario.ca/page/skin-conditions)