Red flags & when to go in person for Warts (Verruca) in Children

Audience: pediatric

Warts, also called verrucae, are common skin growths caused by a virus. They often appear on children's hands, feet, or other body areas. Most warts are harmless and can go away on their own over time. However, some warts may cause discomfort, spread, or look unusual. This guide helps parents and caregivers understand when to seek in-person medical care for a child's warts. Telemedicine can often help with general advice and monitoring, but certain warning signs mean a child should be seen by a healthcare provider in person. Knowing these red flags ensures timely and safe care for your child. Remember, this information is for education only and does not replace professional medical evaluation.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Wart grows quickly or becomes painful — see a healthcare provider promptly.
• Wart bleeds, oozes, or shows signs of infection like redness and swelling — seek in-person care.
• Warts appear on sensitive areas such as face, genitals, or under nails — consult a healthcare provider in person.

What telemedicine can do

• Providing general advice about warts and home care.
• Monitoring wart appearance via video or photos.
• Guidance on preventing spread to others.
• Answering questions about common wart symptoms.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Diagnosing unusual or changing skin lesions that may need biopsy.
• Treating infected or painful warts requiring medical procedures.
• Managing warts in sensitive areas like genitals or nails.
• Evaluating immune system problems affecting warts.

What Are Warts (Verrucae)?

Warts are small, rough lumps on the skin caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They can appear anywhere but are common on hands and feet. In children, warts often develop after minor skin injuries. They are usually painless but can sometimes cause itching or discomfort.

How Are Warts Usually Treated?

Many warts go away without treatment within months or years. Treatments include over-the-counter remedies, like salicylic acid, or medical procedures such as freezing (cryotherapy). Treatment choice depends on the wart's size, location, and symptoms. Telemedicine can help guide parents on safe home care and when to consider treatment.

When to Use Telemedicine for Warts

Telemedicine can be useful to:

Red Flags: When to See a Healthcare Provider in Person

Seek in-person care if your child has:

Preventing Warts and Spread

To reduce spread:

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Have good lighting and a quiet space for the telemedicine visit.
• Prepare clear photos or videos of the wart from different angles.
• Note how long the wart has been present and any changes.
• List any treatments already tried and their effects.
• Write down any symptoms like pain, bleeding, or itching.
• Be ready to describe your child's overall health and any other concerns.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's advice on home treatment or monitoring.
• Keep the wart clean and covered if recommended.
• Watch for any new symptoms or changes in the wart.
• Schedule an in-person visit if red flags develop.
• Maintain good hygiene to prevent spread.
• Contact your healthcare provider if you have questions or concerns after the visit.

FAQs

Can warts spread from one part of the body to another?

Yes, warts can spread to other parts of the body, especially if the skin is scratched or irritated. It is important to avoid picking at warts and to keep them covered to reduce spread.

Are warts contagious to other people?

Warts can be contagious through direct skin contact or by sharing personal items like towels or shoes. Good hygiene and not sharing personal items help prevent spreading warts to others.

How long do warts usually last in children?

Many warts go away on their own within months to a couple of years. However, some may last longer and require treatment if they cause discomfort or spread.

Is it safe to use over-the-counter wart treatments on children?

Some over-the-counter treatments may be safe for children, but it's important to follow instructions carefully. Consult a healthcare provider before starting treatment, especially for young children or warts on sensitive areas.

When should I be worried about a wart?

Be concerned if the wart grows quickly, becomes painful, bleeds, looks infected, spreads rapidly, or appears in sensitive areas like the face or genitals. In these cases, seek in-person medical care.

Sources

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

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child has concerning symptoms or red flags, please seek evaluation by a healthcare professional in person promptly.