Warts are small, rough bumps that appear on the skin. They are caused by a virus called the human papillomavirus (HPV), which enters the skin through tiny cuts or scratches. Warts are common in children and can show up on the hands, feet, or other parts of the body. While warts are usually harmless, they can be annoying or embarrassing. The good news is that they can be treated and removed.
Symptoms
Children with warts may notice:
- Small, grainy bumps that feel rough to the touch
- Bumps that may have black dots in them (these are small, clotted blood vessels)
- Flat or smooth warts that blend in with the skin
- Warts that are hard and may cause discomfort, especially on the feet (called plantar warts)
- Warts that grow in clusters or spread to other parts of the body
Causes
Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). The virus spreads through direct contact with the wart or by touching something that has been in contact with a wart, like towels or surfaces. Warts are more likely to appear if the skin is broken or moist, and they can spread easily in places like swimming pools or gyms.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing warts is usually simple and involves:
- A quick look at the bump by a doctor to confirm it’s a wart
- Sometimes, a doctor may use a small tool to scrape the surface of the wart to check for tiny black dots, which are a sign of a wart
- Rarely, a small sample may be taken for further examination if the wart looks unusual
Treatment Options
At Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital, we offer several ways to treat and remove warts, including:
- Topical treatments: Special creams or liquids that are applied to the wart to slowly dissolve it
- Cryotherapy: Freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen to remove it
- Minor surgery: Cutting or scraping the wart off, usually for stubborn or large warts
- Laser treatment: Using a laser to burn away the wart, often used for warts that are hard to treat with other methods
- Education and prevention tips: Advice on how to prevent warts from spreading or coming back
Why Choose Us
Experienced dermatologists
Skilled in treating warts in children, using the latest methods
Comfort-focused care
We make sure the treatment is as painless and stress-free as possible
Personalized treatment plans
Tailored to your child’s needs, whether they have a single wart or multiple ones
Preventive advice
Guidance on how to keep warts from spreading and how to protect other family members
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are warts contagious?
A: Yes, warts can spread from person to person through direct contact or by sharing items like towels or shoes. It’s important to avoid picking at warts or touching them unnecessarily.
Q: Will warts go away on their own?
A: Some warts may go away on their own over time, but this can take months or even years. Treatment can help remove them faster.
Q: Can warts come back after treatment?
A: Yes, warts can come back after treatment, especially if the virus is still present. Following preventive tips can help reduce the chances of them returning.
Contact
Please feel free to contact us with any general or medical enquiry by calling us.
