Kids Warts: Why They Form and How to Treat Them?

Why Do Kids Get Warts?

If you’ve noticed warts on kids, you’re not alone! Warts in children are quite common because their skin is more exposed to the virus that causes them. But why do kids get warts more often than adults? Here are some key reasons:

1. Exposure to HPV Everywhere

Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), and this virus is all around us. Kids touch everything—school desks, playground equipment, toys, and even doorknobs. Since HPV can live on surfaces, it’s easy for children to pick it up just by touching something contaminated.

2. Developing Immune Systems

Children’s immune systems are still learning how to fight off different viruses. While adults may come into contact with HPV and never develop warts, kids are more susceptible because their bodies haven’t built strong defences against it yet.

3. Small Cuts and Scrapes Let the Virus In

Warts love to sneak in through tiny breaks in the skin. Scraped knees, paper cuts, or even nail-biting create openings for HPV to enter. Once inside, the virus causes the skin cells to grow faster than normal, forming a wart.

4. Warts Spread Easily Through Contact

Warts are contagious, meaning they can spread from one person to another. Kids often share items like towels, socks, and toys, which can carry the virus. Even something as simple as walking barefoot in a public area (like a swimming pool or gym locker room) can increase the risk of developing warts.

While warts in children are common, they’re usually harmless. However, teaching kids good hygiene—like washing their hands regularly and avoiding picking at their skin—can help lower the chances of getting warts or spreading them to others.

Types of Warts

Warts on kids can look different depending on where they appear and how they grow. Some are rough and bumpy, while others are smooth or flat. Here are the most common types of warts in children and what makes them unique:

1. Common Warts

These are the warts you’ll most often see on kids. They usually show up on the fingers, hands, or knees and have a rough, grainy texture. Common warts can look like tiny bumps with black dots inside (which are small blood vessels). While they don’t usually hurt, they can be annoying, especially if they appear in places where kids frequently use their hands.

2. Plantar Warts

Unlike other warts, plantar warts grow on the bottom of the feet. Since kids are always running around, these warts can be painful because they get pressed into the skin when walking or standing. They might look like thick, calloused spots and sometimes have little black dots in the centre. Many kids mistake them for blisters or splinters at first.

3. Flat Warts

Flat warts are smaller and smoother than other types. They often appear in clusters, usually on the face, or hands. They can spread quickly, especially if kids scratch or rub them.

4. Filiform Warts

Filiform warts are long, thin, and stick out from the skin like tiny threads. They commonly appear on the face, around the mouth, nose, or eyes. These warts grow fast and can look a bit unusual, but they are usually harmless.

Since warts come in different shapes and sizes, recognizing the type of wart can help in choosing the best treatment. Most warts go away on their own, but if they become painful or start spreading, it’s a good idea to see a doctor.

How to Treat Warts in Kids

Warts on kids might be harmless, but they can be bothersome, especially if they spread or cause discomfort. Luckily, there are several ways to get rid of warts in children, from simple at-home remedies to medical treatments.

At-Home Remedies

Many warts will eventually go away on their own, but if they’re persistent, parents can try these home treatments:

• Over-the-Counter Wart Treatments: Salicylic acid patches or gels can gradually break down the wart layer by layer. Applying them daily can help speed up the healing process.
• Keeping the Area Clean and Dry: Warts thrive in moist environments, so keeping the skin dry can help prevent them from spreading or getting worse.

Medical Treatments

If at-home remedies don’t work or if the wart is painful, a doctor may recommend one of these treatments:

• Cryotherapy (Freezing the Wart): This involves applying liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy the wart. The skin may blister before the wart falls off, but the process is quick and effective. Cryotherapy can cause pain, blistering, and scarring. Due to its discomfort, this method is generally not recommended for treating warts in young children.
• Prescription-Strength Topical Treatments: If over-the-counter solutions aren’t strong enough, a doctor might prescribe a more potent medication to break down the wart.
• Laser or Minor Surgical Removal: For stubborn or painful warts, doctors can use laser therapy or minor surgery to remove them. This is usually a last resort if other treatments don’t work.

When to See a Doctor

Most warts in children are harmless, but in some cases, medical attention is needed. Parents should consult a doctor if:

• The wart is causing pain or discomfort.
• It spreads quickly to other areas of the body.
• It changes in colour, size, or shape.
• Home treatments have been tried for several weeks without success.

While warts on kids can be frustrating, they are treatable. With the right approach, whether at home or with medical help, kids can get back to wart-free skin in no time!

Preventing Warts in Children

Since warts in children spread easily, prevention is key! While it’s impossible to entirely avoid the human papillomavirus (HPV), taking a few simple precautions can help lower the chances of warts in kids.

1. Encourage Regular Handwashing

Handwashing is one of the best ways to keep germs away, including the virus that causes warts. Teach kids to wash their hands thoroughly, especially after playing outside, using shared toys, or touching public surfaces.

2. Teach Kids Not to Pick at or Scratch Warts

If your child already has a wart, it’s important to remind them not to pick, scratch, or bite at it. Touching a wart and then another part of the body can spread the virus, leading to more warts. Plus, picking at warts can cause small cuts, making it easier for infections to develop.

3. Avoid Walking Barefoot in Public Places

Plantar warts, which grow on the soles of the feet, are commonly picked up in warm, damp areas like pools, locker rooms, and public showers. Encourage kids to wear flip-flops or water shoes in these places to reduce their risk of exposure.

4. Do Not Share Personal Items

Warts can spread through direct contact, so sharing personal items like towels, socks, shoes, or nail clippers can increase the risk of infection. Teach kids to use their own belongings and avoid borrowing items from others.

By following these simple habits, parents can help protect their children from warts and keep their skin healthy. While warts in children are common, taking these precautions can make a big difference! Additionally, clinical trials for warts are available for children aged 12 and above—consider participating to explore potential treatment options.