Can Telemedicine Treat Warts (Verruca)?

Audience: pediatric

Warts, also called verrucae, are common skin growths caused by certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). They often appear on the hands, feet, or other parts of the body and are usually harmless. In children, warts can be bothersome but often go away on their own over time. Telemedicine can be a helpful way to get advice about warts, especially when in-person visits are difficult. Through video or photo consultations, healthcare providers can often identify warts and suggest treatments or home care tips. However, some warts may need a closer look or treatment that requires an in-person visit. It is important to watch for warning signs like rapid growth, pain, bleeding, or changes in appearance. This guide explains what telemedicine can and cannot do for warts in children and how to prepare for and follow up after a telemedicine visit.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Wart is rapidly growing or changing shape or color — seek in-person medical evaluation promptly.
• Wart is painful, bleeding, or causing significant discomfort — arrange for an in-person visit.
• Child has a weakened immune system or other health conditions and develops warts — consult healthcare provider urgently.

What telemedicine can do

• Identifying common warts through video or photos.
• Providing guidance on home care and over-the-counter treatments.
• Answering questions about wart prevention and transmission.
• Determining if in-person evaluation is needed.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical removal or procedures on warts.
• Diagnosing unusual or suspicious skin lesions that may mimic warts.
• Managing complications like infection or severe pain.
• Providing treatments requiring direct application or specialized equipment.

What Are Warts (Verrucae)?

Warts are small, rough lumps on the skin caused by a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV). They can appear anywhere but are most common on hands and feet. Warts are not dangerous but can spread to other parts of the body or to other people through direct contact. Children often get warts because their immune systems are still developing.

How Telemedicine Can Help With Warts

Telemedicine allows you to show a healthcare provider the wart using video or photos. The provider can usually recognize warts and give advice on how to treat them at home or whether to see a doctor in person. They can also answer questions about how to prevent spreading warts and discuss over-the-counter treatments that may be safe for children.

When In-Person Care Is Needed

Some warts may need a physical exam or treatment that cannot be done remotely. This includes warts that are painful, bleeding, rapidly growing, or changing in appearance. Also, if warts do not improve with home care or over-the-counter treatments, a doctor may need to remove them or perform special tests. Children with weakened immune systems or unusual skin changes should be seen in person.

Preparing for a Telemedicine Visit

Before your telemedicine appointment, clean the area with the wart and take clear photos if possible. Write down any questions or concerns you have. Make sure your device’s camera works well and that you have good lighting. Be ready to describe how long the wart has been there and any symptoms like pain or itching.

After Your Telemedicine Visit

Follow the treatment advice given by your healthcare provider. This may include applying topical medicines, keeping the area clean, or avoiding picking at the wart. Schedule a follow-up visit if the wart does not improve or if new symptoms develop. Contact your provider immediately if you notice signs like increased pain, bleeding, or spreading of warts.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Clean the skin area with the wart before the visit.
• Take clear, close-up photos of the wart if possible.
• Ensure good lighting for the video call.
• Prepare a list of symptoms and questions.
• Have your device charged and connected to a stable internet.
• Be ready to describe how long the wart has been present and any changes.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the treatment plan or advice given during the telemedicine visit.
• Use recommended over-the-counter treatments carefully as directed.
• Keep the wart area clean and avoid picking or scratching.
• Monitor the wart for changes in size, color, or symptoms.
• Schedule a follow-up telemedicine or in-person visit if the wart does not improve.
• Seek immediate care if red flags or warning signs develop.

FAQs

Are warts contagious to other family members?

Yes, warts can spread through direct skin contact or sharing personal items like towels. It is important to avoid touching warts and to keep them covered if possible to reduce spreading.

How long do warts usually last in children?

Warts often go away on their own within months to a couple of years as the immune system fights the virus. However, some warts may persist longer and require treatment.

Can I treat my child's warts at home?

Many warts can be treated at home with over-the-counter treatments like salicylic acid. Always follow instructions carefully and consult a healthcare provider via telemedicine if unsure.

When should I seek in-person care for my child's warts?

Seek in-person care if the wart is painful, bleeding, rapidly growing, changing in appearance, or if your child has a weakened immune system. Also, if home treatments do not work after several weeks, see a healthcare provider.

Is telemedicine safe for diagnosing warts?

Telemedicine can safely identify common warts through video or photos and provide advice. However, it cannot replace physical exams needed for unusual or complicated cases.

Sources

1. Warts — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Warts and Verrucas — NHS Inform.
3. Warts: Overview — Mayo Clinic.
4. Telemedicine: What You Need to Know — World Health Organization.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you have concerns about your child's health or if red flags appear, seek prompt medical attention.