Plantar Warts (Verruca) in Toddlers
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Chen, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Pediatrician
Content reviewed against published AAD, AAP, NIH guidelines
Last reviewed:
Baby skin is sensitive and changes frequently. If you are noticing plantar warts (verruca) in toddlers, here is what you need to know.
The short answer
Plantar warts (verrucae) are warts on the soles of the feet caused by HPV. They are less common in toddlers than in older children but can occur, especially in children who walk barefoot in moist communal areas. They may cause discomfort when walking. Most plantar warts resolve on their own, though treatment can speed resolution.
Key takeaways
- Plantar warts (verrucae) are warts on the soles of the feet caused by HPV. They are less common in toddlers than in older children but can occur, especially in children who walk barefoot in moist communal areas. They may cause discomfort when walking. Most plantar warts resolve on their own, though treatment can speed resolution.
- Usually normal when: A small plantar wart that is not causing pain or difficulty walking
- Call your doctor if: A foot lesion in a young infant that looks unusual and is not a typical wart
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
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What Parents Should Know
According to AAD, AAP, NIH guidelines, plantar warts (verrucae) are warts on the soles of the feet caused by HPV. They are less common in toddlers than in older children but can occur, especially in children who walk barefoot in moist communal areas. They may cause discomfort when walking. Most plantar warts resolve on their own, though treatment can speed resolution. At 0-3 months, plantar warts are essentially unheard of in young infants who are not yet walking. Any unusual bump on a newborn's foot is more likely a different condition and should be evaluated. It is generally considered normal when a small plantar wart that is not causing pain or difficulty walking. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if a foot lesion in a young infant that looks unusual and is not a typical wart.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
0-3 months
Plantar warts are essentially unheard of in young infants who are not yet walking. Any unusual bump on a newborn's foot is more likely a different condition and should be evaluated.
3-6 months
Plantar warts are not expected at this age. If you notice a bump on the sole of your baby's foot, it is likely a callus, blister, or another benign finding. Have your pediatrician evaluate it.
6-12 months
As babies begin standing and cruising, exposure to the HPV virus through floors becomes possible but plantar warts remain uncommon. If a rough, flat bump appears on the sole of the foot, your pediatrician can determine whether it is a wart or another condition.
12-24 months
Toddlers who walk barefoot at pools, gyms, or daycare may develop plantar warts. They appear as rough, flat growths on the sole, sometimes with tiny black dots (clotted blood vessels). If the wart causes pain with walking, treatment with over-the-counter salicylic acid patches or professional treatment may be recommended.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed plantar warts (verruca) in toddlers and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if a plantar wart is causing pain when your toddler walks.
- Mention if multiple plantar warts are developing.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- A small plantar wart that is not causing pain or difficulty walking
- A wart that is stable in size and not spreading
- A plantar wart is causing pain when your toddler walks
- Multiple plantar warts are developing
- You want to discuss treatment to speed resolution
- A foot lesion in a young infant that looks unusual and is not a typical wart
- A plantar wart becomes severely painful, bleeds heavily, or shows signs of infection
- A rapidly growing or deeply embedded lesion on the foot that does not look like a typical wart
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice plantar warts (verruca) in toddlers — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that a small plantar wart that is not causing pain or difficulty walking — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 0-3 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Use fragrance-free, hypoallergenic products on your baby's skin. Avoid over-bathing — 2-3 baths per week is usually sufficient.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if a foot lesion in a young infant that looks unusual and is not a typical wart.
Related Conditions
Warts in Toddlers
Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and are very common in children. They appear as small, rough, flesh-colored bumps, most often on the hands and fingers. Warts in toddlers are harmless but can be persistent. Most warts eventually go away on their own, though it can take months to years. Treatment options are available if they bother your child.
Molluscum Contagiosum in Babies & Toddlers
Molluscum contagiosum causes small, firm, dome-shaped bumps with a tiny dimple in the center. It is caused by a common, harmless virus and is very common in young children. While it looks unusual, it is not dangerous and the bumps eventually go away on their own, though it can take several months to over a year.
Related Resources
Baby Skin Conditions Guide
Visual guide to common baby skin conditions, rashes, and when to see a doctor.
Month-by-Month Development
Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.
When to Call the Doctor
General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.
Frequently asked questions
Is plantar warts (verruca) in toddlers normal?
When should I call the doctor about plantar warts (verruca) in toddlers?
When is plantar warts (verruca) in toddlers normal?
What causes plantar warts (verruca) in toddlers?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about plantar warts (verruca) in toddlers?
Is plantar warts (verruca) in toddlers normal at 0-3 months?
Is plantar warts (verruca) in toddlers normal at 3-6 months?
Should I go to the ER for plantar warts (verruca) in toddlers?
Does plantar warts (verruca) in toddlers go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Plantar Warts (Verruca) in Toddlers.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed plantar warts (verruca) in toddlers and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if a plantar wart is causing pain when your toddler walks.
- Mention if multiple plantar warts are developing.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- A plantar wart is causing pain when your toddler walks
- Multiple plantar warts are developing
- You want to discuss treatment to speed resolution
Urgent signs to report immediately
- A foot lesion in a young infant that looks unusual and is not a typical wart
- A plantar wart becomes severely painful, bleeds heavily, or shows signs of infection
- A rapidly growing or deeply embedded lesion on the foot that does not look like a typical wart
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of plantar warts (verruca) in toddlers are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if a foot lesion in a young infant that looks unusual and is not a typical wart.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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Warts in Toddlers
Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and are very common in children. They appear as small, rough, flesh-colored bumps, most often on the hands and fingers. Warts in toddlers are harmless but can be persistent. Most warts eventually go away on their own, though it can take months to years. Treatment options are available if they bother your child.
Molluscum Contagiosum in Babies & Toddlers
Molluscum contagiosum causes small, firm, dome-shaped bumps with a tiny dimple in the center. It is caused by a common, harmless virus and is very common in young children. While it looks unusual, it is not dangerous and the bumps eventually go away on their own, though it can take several months to over a year.
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