What Happens After a Telemedicine Visit for Warts (Verruca) in Children

Audience: pediatric

After a telemedicine visit for warts in children, families usually receive guidance on how to care for the warts at home and what treatments may be helpful. Warts are common skin growths caused by a virus and often go away on their own over time. The healthcare provider may suggest over-the-counter treatments or steps to prevent spreading the warts to others. Follow-up care might include monitoring the warts for changes or improvement. If the warts do not improve or cause discomfort, a visit to a healthcare office may be needed. Telemedicine can help families get quick advice and support without leaving home, but it cannot replace in-person exams when more detailed care is required. Always watch for signs of infection or other problems and seek urgent care if needed.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Wart becomes very painful or swollen — seek in-person medical care promptly.
• Signs of infection such as redness, warmth, pus, or fever — get urgent evaluation.
• Rapid spreading of warts to many new areas — contact your healthcare provider for further assessment.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial evaluation and education about warts.
• Guidance on home treatment and prevention.
• Monitoring progress and answering questions.
• Determining if in-person care is needed.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Physical removal or freezing of warts.
• Diagnosing unusual or suspicious skin lesions.
• Managing severe infections or complications.
• Performing skin biopsies or laboratory tests.

What to Expect After Your Telemedicine Visit

After your telemedicine visit, the healthcare provider will usually explain what warts are and how they behave. You may get instructions on how to apply treatments safely at home, such as salicylic acid or other remedies. The provider might also suggest ways to keep the warts clean and covered to avoid spreading the virus to others or to other parts of the body.

Home Care and Monitoring

Most warts in children do not need medical procedures and can be managed at home. You should watch the warts for any changes in size, color, or pain. Keep the area clean and avoid picking at the warts to prevent infection. It may take weeks or months for warts to disappear, so patience and gentle care are important.

When to Seek In-Person Care

If the warts become painful, bleed, show signs of infection (like redness, swelling, or pus), or if they spread quickly, an in-person visit with a healthcare provider is recommended. Also, if the warts do not improve after several weeks of treatment or if you are unsure about the diagnosis, a physical exam may be needed for further evaluation.

Preventing Spread to Others

Warts can spread through direct contact with the wart or through shared items like towels. Encourage your child to avoid touching or scratching the warts. Wash hands regularly and avoid sharing personal items. Covering the wart with a bandage during activities like swimming can help reduce spread.

Follow-Up and Additional Support

Your healthcare provider may schedule a follow-up telemedicine visit to check on progress or answer questions. If needed, they can refer you to a specialist or arrange for in-person treatment options such as freezing or removal. Support and education are important parts of managing warts effectively.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Have good lighting and a quiet space for the telemedicine visit.
• Prepare to show clear images of the wart using your device's camera.
• List any treatments or remedies already tried.
• Write down questions or concerns about the warts.
• Have your child's medical history available, including allergies.
• Ensure a stable internet connection for the video call.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the treatment instructions given by the healthcare provider carefully.
• Keep the wart clean and avoid picking or scratching it.
• Watch for any changes in the wart or signs of infection.
• Practice good hygiene to prevent spreading the virus.
• Schedule any recommended follow-up telemedicine or in-person visits.
• Contact your healthcare provider if red flags or concerns arise.

FAQs

What causes warts in children?

Warts are caused by a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV). This virus infects the top layer of skin and causes the skin cells to grow rapidly, forming a wart. Warts are common in children because their immune systems are still developing.

How long do warts usually last?

Warts often go away on their own without treatment, but this can take several months or even years. Treatment may help speed up the process, but patience is important.

Can warts be contagious?

Yes, warts can spread from person to person through direct skin contact or by touching surfaces that have the virus. Covering warts and practicing good hygiene can help reduce the risk of spreading.

Are over-the-counter treatments safe for children?

Many over-the-counter treatments, like salicylic acid, can be used safely in children when applied as directed. However, it is important to follow the healthcare provider's advice and not use treatments on very young children without guidance.

When should I see a doctor in person?

If the wart is painful, infected, spreading quickly, or not improving after home treatment, you should see a healthcare provider in person. Also, if you are unsure about the diagnosis or if the wart looks unusual, an in-person visit is recommended.

Sources

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

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 from a healthcare provider.