Warts are a common skin condition in children, caused by a viral infection that leads to small, raised growths on the skin. While warts are generally harmless, they can be bothersome, painful, or cosmetically concerning, especially when they appear in visible areas like the hands or face. At Intown Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine, we provide expert diagnosis and treatment for childhood warts, offering effective solutions for pediatric wart removal in Atlanta to help your child feel comfortable and confident in their skin.
What Causes Warts in Children?
Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which infects the top layer of skin. The virus is spread through direct contact with infected skin or surfaces, making children particularly susceptible due to frequent skin-to-skin contact during play and interactions with shared objects. Once the virus enters the skin through a small cut or abrasion, it causes skin cells to multiply rapidly, resulting in the raised bumps we recognize as warts.
There are several types of warts that children may develop, including:
Common warts
These appear on the hands and fingers as rough, raised bumps. They are the most common type of wart in children.
Plantar warts
Found on the soles of the feet, plantar warts can be painful due to the pressure applied when walking.
Flat warts
These smooth, flat-topped warts often appear on the face, arms, or legs and can spread quickly.
Filiform warts
These small, finger-like warts typically develop around the mouth, nose, or eyes.
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Recognizing the Symptoms of Childhood Warts
Warts can vary in appearance depending on their type and location. However, they generally share some common characteristics, including:
- Small, rough bumps on the skin, often flesh-colored, white, or pink.
- Raised or flat growths depending on the type of wart, with plantar warts being flatter due to pressure on the feet.
- Pain or discomfort in the case of plantar warts, especially when walking.
- Tiny black dots inside the wart, which are clotted blood vessels often referred to as “wart seeds.”
If your child’s wart is causing discomfort, spreading rapidly, or not improving with at-home treatments, it’s important to seek medical evaluation for appropriate treatment options.
Treatment Options for Childhood Warts
At Intown Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine, we offer a variety of treatment options for childhood warts, depending on the type, size, and location of the wart, as well as your child’s overall health. While some warts may resolve on their own over time, many children benefit from medical treatments to remove warts quickly and prevent them from spreading. Here are the most common treatment options we offer:
Topical Treatments
Topical treatments, such as salicylic acid, are commonly used to treat warts. These medications work by gradually softening and removing the layers of the wart. At-home treatments can take several weeks to show results, and it’s important to follow your pediatrician’s instructions for optimal effectiveness.
Cryotherapy (Freezing)
Cryotherapy is one of the most effective methods for removing warts. This procedure involves freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen, causing it to blister and fall off over time. Cryotherapy is often recommended for common and plantar warts and is typically performed in the office. Multiple treatments may be required for larger or more stubborn warts.
Laser Therapy
For more persistent or difficult-to-treat warts, laser therapy may be an option. This treatment uses focused light to destroy the blood vessels that feed the wart, ultimately causing it to shrink and disappear. Laser therapy is often used for warts that have not responded to other treatments.
Electrosurgery and Curettage
In cases where other treatments have failed, electrosurgery (burning the wart) and curettage (scraping the wart off) may be recommended. This procedure is performed under local anesthesia to ensure your child’s comfort and is typically used for larger or more painful warts.
Preventing the Spread of Warts
Because warts are caused by a contagious virus, taking steps to prevent their spread is essential. Here are some tips for reducing the risk of warts in children:
Avoid picking or scratching warts
This can cause the virus to spread to other areas of the body.
Encourage proper hand hygiene
Teach your child to wash their hands regularly, especially after touching warts.
Cover warts
If your child has a wart on their hand or foot, covering it with a bandage can help prevent the virus from spreading to other people or surfaces.
Wear flip-flops or shoes in communal areas
Such as locker rooms, showers, and swimming pools, where the virus that causes plantar warts may be present.
Pediatric Wart Removal in Atlanta
At Intown Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine, we understand how bothersome warts can be for children, especially when they cause discomfort or embarrassment. Our team provides expert pediatric wart removal using safe and effective methods tailored to your child’s needs. We will evaluate your child’s skin and recommend the most appropriate treatment to remove warts and prevent their recurrence.
Frequently Asked Questions About Childhood Warts
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Yes, many warts will eventually go away on their own, but this can take months or even years. Medical treatment can speed up the process and prevent the wart from spreading.
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Wart removal procedures such as cryotherapy or electrosurgery may cause temporary discomfort, but we take steps to ensure your child’s comfort during treatment.
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Yes, warts are caused by a contagious virus. They can spread through direct contact with the wart or surfaces that have been touched by the wart.
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If warts persist or recur after treatment, consult your pediatrician. Additional treatments, such as laser therapy or electrosurgery, may be necessary.
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The time it takes for warts to disappear after treatment varies. Some treatments, like cryotherapy, may cause the wart to fall off within a week, while others, such as topical treatments, may take several weeks.
Schedule an Appointment for Pediatric Wart Removal in Atlanta
If your child has warts that are causing discomfort or spreading, contact Intown Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine to schedule an appointment. Our pediatric dermatology services include effective wart removal treatments at our locations in Glenwood Park, Brookhaven, and Decatur, serving families across Atlanta.