What it is
Warts are common, usually harmless skin growths caused by a virus in the human papillomavirus (HPV) family. In kids they often show up on the hands and fingers (common warts) or on the soles of the feet (plantar warts). They can look rough, bumpy, or flat, and some have tiny dark dots.
Molluscum contagiosum is a different skin condition caused by a different virus. It tends to appear as small, smooth, firm, dome-shaped bumps, sometimes with a small dimple in the center. Kids often get it through skin-to-skin contact or shared towels and toys, and it can spread to nearby skin.
Because many skin spots can look alike, it is hard to know from a photo or a quick look at home what a bump really is. A growth that is changing, bleeding, itching, irregular in shape or color, or not healing should be checked by a dermatologist for skin cancer, and should not be self-treated. The ABCDEs of melanoma are only a general guide, never a way to diagnose a spot yourself.
How it’s traditionally been approached
Warts and molluscum have traditionally been approached in more than one way, and in some children they are simply monitored because they may go away on their own over time. How long that takes varies a great deal, and warts can come back.
Over-the-counter wart products are one option families have commonly used on hands and feet. People with diabetes, poor circulation, neuropathy, or a weakened immune system should ask a provider before treating warts at home, especially on the feet. Facial and genital warts should not be treated with over-the-counter wart products. Cutting, burning, or digging out a growth at home is not advised.
In-office approaches are decided by a clinician after an evaluation. These may include freezing, topical medicines, or a blistering agent such as cantharidin, among others. Ask the provider about the current FDA status of any specific prescription product, since that can change. Results vary, and no approach is guaranteed to remove a wart or molluscum bump or keep it from returning.
How the right provider may help
The right provider, such as a pediatrician, dermatologist, or podiatrist for foot concerns, may help by first confirming what the bump actually is. A visit generally starts with questions about when it appeared, whether it hurts or itches, and whether your child has any health conditions. The clinician then examines the skin.
Many providers who see children are used to making the visit calm and unhurried. They may explain things in kid-friendly words, let your child see or touch tools, and talk through what each option might feel like. Watchful waiting may also be discussed as a reasonable choice in some situations.
Questions you might ask: What is this, and how do you know? Is it okay to wait? What are the gentle options for my child's age? What might it feel like, and how do we help with worry? What could happen afterward, and when should I call? How do we lower the chance of spreading it to siblings? Is any product you suggest currently FDA-approved for this use?
The whole-person view
Body, mind, and stress affect each other, and that is true for kids too. A child with visible bumps may feel self-conscious, worried about teasing, or nervous about a doctor visit, and a parent's calm, matter-of-fact tone can help a great deal.
Some families find that body-based support, such as the practitioners connected through Somatic Experiences, helps a child feel more settled in their body around medical care. Others find that talk-based support from a professional through Therapists.plus helps with worry or self-esteem. These are complements to, not replacements for, an evaluation by a licensed clinician.
Somatic Experiences: nervous system regulation →Therapists.plus: anxiety panic and ocd →
Keep in mind
- Only a licensed clinician can tell you what a bump is and which approach, if any, is appropriate for your child after an evaluation.
- Any growth that is changing, bleeding, itching, irregular in shape or color, or not healing should be checked by a dermatologist for skin cancer and not self-treated.
- Warts and molluscum can spread and can come back, and results vary from child to child. This is not a reflection of your parenting or your child's hygiene.
- For emergencies call 911. If you or your child are in emotional crisis, call or text the 988 Lifeline.
Providers who often help
Frequently asked questions
What is the best wart removal for kids?
There is no single best wart removal approach for every child. A licensed clinician decides what is appropriate after examining the skin, considering your child's age, the wart's location, and comfort. Options range from watchful waiting to in-office care, and results vary.
Do warts in children go away on their own?
Sometimes they do, but the timing varies widely and warts can also return. A provider can help you decide whether to wait or to treat. Having it looked at is a good idea if it is painful, spreading, or changing.
Is molluscum contagiosum the same as a wart?
No, molluscum is caused by a different virus than warts and usually looks like small, smooth, dome-shaped bumps. Because they can look similar to other skin conditions, a clinician should confirm what it is. They may also discuss whether to treat or watch.
What is cantharidin and is it used on kids?
Cantharidin is a blistering agent that a clinician applies in the office for certain skin growths, and it has traditionally been used by some providers with children. Whether it is appropriate depends on an exam. Ask your provider about the current FDA status of any specific cantharidin formulation.
Can I use over-the-counter wart products on my child?
Some families use them on common warts of the hands or feet, but check with your child's provider first, especially if your child has diabetes, poor circulation, neuropathy, or a weakened immune system. These products should not be used on the face or genital area. Never cut, burn, or dig out a growth at home.
How can I help stop warts or molluscum from spreading?
Ask your provider for guidance, but common-sense habits like not sharing towels, covering bumps, and discouraging picking or scratching are often discussed. Washing hands regularly can also help. Spread can still happen, and it is not anyone's fault.
Educational resource. Warts.ai shares general information and connects people with independent providers. It is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk with a licensed professional about your health.