Warts are very common in kids — and while they can be annoying or embarrassing, they’re harmless and treatable. Here’s what causes them, how they spread, and what you can do at home.
What Causes Warts?
Warts are small, rough bumps on the skin caused by human papillomavirus (HPV).
There are many types of HPV, and certain types prefer certain areas — like fingers, toes, or the bottom of the foot (plantar warts).
- They are not caused by frogs, toads, or poor hygiene.
- Kids get them more often because their immune systems are still learning to recognize and fight the virus.
How Warts Spread
Warts spread by direct contact with the virus, usually through tiny breaks in the skin.
Your child can get a wart by:
- Touching a wart on themselves or someone else
- Sharing items like towels, clippers, or shoes
- Walking barefoot on moist surfaces (pools, locker rooms)
- Picking or scratching at existing warts, which can spread them
The virus can survive on surfaces, so it’s easy for kids to reinfect themselves or spread warts to siblings.
Warts are not highly contagious, but they do spread more easily when skin is wet or irritated.
Over-the-Counter Treatment Options
1. Salicylic Acid (First-Line Treatment)
Available as liquids, gels, pads, and bandages.
How to use:
- Soak the area in warm water for 5–10 minutes.
- Gently file the top of the wart with an emery board or pumice (don’t reuse it elsewhere).
- Apply salicylic acid daily.
- Cover with duct tape or a bandage to keep the medicine in place.
What to expect:
Treatment takes 6–12 weeks. Slow and steady works best.
2. Cryotherapy Kits with Liquid Nitrogen
Home “freeze” treatments are weaker than in-office freezing, but may help for older kids who will tolerate it. Continue to hold the cold applicator on the wart for abotu 60 seconds. Repeat if the area is large to attempt to freeze the whole wart to its base. This process will need to be repeated about every 10-14 days in most cases about 3-4 times total.
Notes:
- Works best when combined with salicylic acid in between treatments.
- Not recommended for very young children (painful and not more effective).
3. Duct Tape With Vinegar (Popular Home Remedy)
While not a proven medical cure, many families find this safe method helpful — especially for kids who dislike freezing or acids.
How to try it:
- Cut a small piece of duct tape to fit over the wart.
- Dab a bit of white vinegar on a cotton swab and apply to the wart.
- Place the duct tape on top.
- Leave on for 24 hours, then remove.
- Gently file the wart and repeat daily.
This method works mostly by softening the wart and stimulating the immune system over time. It usually takes 2-3 months to see resolution.
4. When to Treat vs. When to Wait
Warts often go away on their own as the immune system “recognizes” the virus.
If the wart is:
- Not painful
- Not spreading
- Not on the face
…it’s okay to simply watch and wait.
When to Call the Doctor
Schedule a visit if:
- A wart is painful, bleeding, or infected
- It’s on the face, nails, or genitals
- Your child has multiple warts that spread quickly
- It isn’t improving after 2–3 months of home treatment
- Your child has a medical condition that weakens the immune system
Doctors can offer stronger options like liquid nitrogen freezing, prescription medications, or other in-office therapies if home treatments fail. Check with your insurance to see if wart treatments are covered prior to the appointment if desired. Ask if CPT code 17110 for wart destruction is a covered service.
