Warts

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When to see the doctor

Take your child to the doctor if:

• there are warts on the face, feet or genitals
• the wart looks infected or very red
• you are in any doubt whatsoever that it is in fact a wart
• the wart has been there for a long time
• the wart is not responding to treatment, or if new warts appear
• your child is being teased about their warts.

What causes them?

Warts are caused by a virus called the human papilloma virus. They are spread by direct skin contact with others who are already infected.

What are the symptoms?

Warts usually appear gradually and are generally painless. The exception are plantar warts which may be painful because they grow on the sole of the foot. Common warts are usually pinkish or flesh-coloured, and have a raised rough appearance. They form a distinct border with the skin and may have tiny dark dots inside them.

How are they treated?

Most warts will disappear in time, even without treatment. It may take a couple of years, but often it is worth just waiting for them to disappear naturally. If your child is bothered by the appearance of warts, then consult your doctor who will advise you on the most appropriate method of wart removal.

Liquid nitrogen is often the most effective method of removing warts. Your doctor applies the solution directly to the wart, using a cotton bud or spray gun, and this freezes the top layer of the wart and releases virus into the bloodstream, so that the body’s own immune system can fight the infection. The area treated may sting a little for 10 minutes, and a blister usually forms and drops off within a week. The only disadvantage of this method is that several applications are usually needed.

Various other methods of removing warts are available, ranging from special wart paint which can be applied at home, to having them burnt out (diathermy) under local anaesthetic. Most of these methods are fiddly and unpleasant for the child, and it may be better to just wait and see if the wart drops off itself with time. Some commercially available preparations, which contain salicylic acid, may also be an option for your child.

How can I prevent them?

Explain to your child that picking at the wart will only increase the risk of spreading and infection. Chewing on a wart may lead to warts of the lips or face a few months later. Unless your child repeatedly touches another child’s warts, they are not likely to be infected. Take care that your child wears thongs or sandals in public showers or changing rooms, as this may be a source of catching plantar warts.

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