Warts are one of the most common skin conditions we see in children at Hummingbird Pediatrics, serving families across Robbinsville, Hamilton, East Windsor, and Mercer County, NJ. While warts can be stubborn and frustrating, the good news is they're almost always harmless — and many go away on their own with time.

What Are Warts?

Warts are small, rough growths on the skin caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). The strains that cause common skin warts in children are very different from those associated with adult health concerns — skin warts in kids are simply a normal, benign part of childhood.

The virus enters the skin through tiny cuts or breaks, which is why children who bite their nails, have hangnails, or get scrapes are more vulnerable to warts.

Types of Warts in Children

Common Warts (Verruca Vulgaris)

The most frequently seen type, common warts typically appear on fingers, hands, and around the nails. They have a rough, raised, bumpy surface and can look grayish or flesh-colored. You may see small black dots inside — these are tiny blood vessels, not "seeds" as often called.

Plantar Warts

Plantar warts grow on the bottom of the foot — often on the heel or ball of the foot. Because of the pressure from walking, they grow inward and may feel like walking on a small pebble. They can be tender to pressure, especially when your child walks or runs.

Flat Warts (Verruca Plana)

Flat warts are smaller and smoother than common warts. They often appear in clusters on the face, neck, or legs and have a flat top. Children who shave (older teens) may spread flat warts through the motion.

How Warts Spread

Direct skin-to-skin contact with someone who has a wart
Touching surfaces contaminated by the virus (pool decks, locker room floors, shared towels)
Touching your own warts and then another area of skin (autoinoculation)
Minor skin trauma that allows the virus to enter

Warts are contagious but not highly so. Children who share sports equipment, swim in public pools, or walk barefoot in communal areas have more exposure.

Treatment Options

Watchful Waiting

Many warts in children resolve on their own within 1–2 years without any treatment. If your child's wart isn't painful, isn't spreading, and doesn't bother them, watchful waiting is a completely reasonable approach.

Over-the-Counter Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid (found in products like Compound W or Dr. Scholl's) is the most common at-home treatment. It works by gradually peeling away infected skin layers.

Soak the wart in warm water for 5 minutes to soften skin
Gently file the surface with an emery board or pumice stone
Apply the salicylic acid product
Cover with a bandage overnight
Repeat daily for 4–12 weeks
Don't use on the face without guidance from your pediatrician

In-Office Treatment at Hummingbird Pediatrics

If warts are painful, spreading, or not responding to at-home care, we offer in-office treatments including:

Cryotherapy: Applying liquid nitrogen to freeze the wart, causing it to blister and fall off over 1–2 weeks. Multiple sessions are often needed.

Prescription topical treatments: Stronger acids or immune-stimulating creams that can be applied at home under guidance.

We never recommend duct tape therapy — research has not shown it to be effective.

Prevention Tips

Avoid walking barefoot in public locker rooms, pools, and showers
Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered
Don't pick at or bite warts — this spreads them
Use your own towels and do not share them
Keep skin moisturized to prevent cracking

When to Call Our Office

The wart is painful or interfering with walking or activities
The wart is on the face
The wart bleeds, changes color, or looks infected
Home treatment hasn't worked after 3 months
New warts are spreading rapidly

Our pediatricians serving families in Robbinsville, Hamilton Township, and East Windsor are happy to evaluate any skin concern and discuss the best treatment plan for your child.

Warts in Children: Types, Treatment, and When to Call the Doctor