Warts in Children: Care Instructions

Overview

A wart is a harmless skin growth caused by a virus. The virus makes the top layer of skin grow quickly, causing a wart. Warts usually go away on their own in months or years. There are several types of warts. Common warts appear most often on the hands, but they may be anywhere on the body.

Warts spread easily. Children can reinfect themselves by touching the wart and then touching another part of their bodies. Your child can infect others by sharing towels or other personal items.

Most warts do not need treatment. But if warts cause pain or spread, your doctor may recommend that your child use an over-the-counter treatment. Or your doctor may prescribe a stronger medicine to put on warts or may inject them with medicine. The doctor also can remove warts through surgery or by freezing them.

How can you care for your child at home?

• Use salicylic acid or duct tape as your doctor directs. You put the medicine or the tape on your child's wart for several days and then file down the dead skin on the wart. You use the salicylic acid treatment for 2 to 3 months or the tape for 1 to 2 months.
• Have your child take medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think your child is having a problem with the medicines.
• Keep your child's warts covered with a bandage or athletic tape.
• Do not let your child bite their nails or cuticles. This may spread warts from one finger to another.