How to prepare for a video visit about Warts (Verruca)

Audience: pediatric

Warts, also called verrucae, are common skin growths caused by a virus. They often appear on the hands, feet, or other parts of the body. In children, warts are usually harmless but can sometimes be uncomfortable or spread to other areas. A video visit with a healthcare provider can help check warts and discuss treatment options. To get the most from your video visit, it’s important to prepare by having good lighting, clean and clear views of the affected skin, and a list of questions or concerns. While many wart cases can be managed through telemedicine, some situations require in-person care. This guide helps families understand how to prepare for a video visit about warts, what to expect, and when to seek urgent help.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Wart becomes red, swollen, warm, or has pus — possible infection; seek urgent care.
• Rapid growth or change in color or shape of the wart — get prompt medical evaluation.
• Wart causes severe pain or bleeding — contact healthcare provider immediately.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of common warts in children.
• Providing advice on home care and over-the-counter treatments.
• Monitoring wart changes over time when no urgent signs are present.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Suspected infected warts needing physical examination or treatment.
• Rapidly changing or unusual skin growths requiring biopsy.
• Severe pain, bleeding, or other urgent symptoms needing in-person care.

What are Warts (Verrucae)?

Warts are small, rough bumps on the skin caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They often appear on fingers, hands, feet, or other areas. Warts can look different depending on their type and location. They are usually not painful but can sometimes itch or cause discomfort. Warts are common in children and often go away on their own over time.

Preparing for Your Video Visit

Before your video visit, find a well-lit area where you can clearly show the wart to the healthcare provider. Clean the skin gently to remove dirt or lotion. Have a family member help hold the camera steady if needed. Write down any questions about the wart, such as how long it has been there, if it has changed, or if it causes pain. Also, note any treatments already tried.

What to Expect During the Video Visit

The healthcare provider will ask about the wart’s history and symptoms. They will want to see the wart clearly on camera. They may provide advice on home care, suggest treatments, or recommend follow-up care. Sometimes, the provider may decide that an in-person visit is needed for further evaluation or treatment.

When to Seek In-Person Care

If the wart changes in size, color, or shape quickly, bleeds, or becomes very painful, in-person care is important. Also, if the wart spreads rapidly or if there are signs of infection like redness, swelling, warmth, or pus, seek immediate medical attention. Children with weakened immune systems may need closer evaluation.

Common Treatments for Warts

Treatments may include over-the-counter medicines, freezing (cryotherapy), or other procedures done by a healthcare provider. Some warts go away without treatment, but treatment can help speed healing or reduce spread. Your provider will discuss the best options based on the wart’s type and location.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a quiet, well-lit room for the video visit.
• Clean the skin area with the wart gently before the visit.
• Have a family member help hold the camera steady if possible.
• Prepare a list of questions or concerns about the wart.
• Know the duration and any changes in the wart’s appearance.
• Have information on any treatments already tried.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider’s advice on treatment or home care.
• Monitor the wart for any changes or signs of infection.
• Schedule follow-up visits if recommended.
• Seek in-person care if red flags or urgent symptoms develop.
• Keep the skin clean and avoid picking at the wart to prevent spread.

FAQs

What causes warts in children?

Warts are caused by a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV). Children can get warts by touching surfaces or skin that have the virus. The virus enters through tiny cuts or breaks in the skin.

Are warts contagious?

Yes, warts can spread from one part of the body to another or to other people through direct skin contact or shared items like towels. Good hygiene helps prevent spreading.

Can warts go away without treatment?

Often, warts will disappear on their own within months or years as the immune system fights the virus. However, treatment can help remove warts faster or reduce discomfort.

Is it safe to treat warts at home?

Some over-the-counter treatments are safe for children, but it’s important to follow instructions carefully. Avoid using adult treatments on young children without medical advice.

When should I see a doctor about my child's wart?

See a healthcare provider if the wart is painful, changes quickly, bleeds, becomes infected, or if you are unsure about the growth. Also seek care if the wart affects walking or daily activities.

Sources

1. Warts — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Warts: Overview — Mayo Clinic.
3. Warts (Verrucae) — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Warts — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical care. Telemedicine can help with many questions and assessments, but it cannot replace in-person evaluation when needed. If your child has urgent symptoms or worsening signs, seek in-person medical care promptly.