Warts in Toddlers
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Chen, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Pediatrician
Content reviewed against published AAP, AAD, NIH guidelines
Last reviewed:
Baby skin is sensitive and changes frequently. If you are noticing warts in toddlers, here is what you need to know.
The short answer
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.
Key takeaways
- 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.
- Usually normal when: A small, rough, flesh-colored bump on the hand or finger of a toddler that is not painful
- Call your doctor if: A growth appears in a young infant that does not look like a typical wart
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
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What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, AAD, NIH guidelines, 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. At 0-3 months, warts are extremely rare in babies this young. If a rough, bumpy growth is present at birth or appears in the first few months, it is more likely a different type of skin lesion and should be evaluated by your pediatrician. It is generally considered normal when a small, rough, flesh-colored bump on the hand or finger of a toddler that is not painful. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if a growth appears in a young infant that does not look like a typical wart.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
0-3 months
Warts are extremely rare in babies this young. If a rough, bumpy growth is present at birth or appears in the first few months, it is more likely a different type of skin lesion and should be evaluated by your pediatrician.
3-6 months
Warts remain very uncommon at this age. Bumpy skin growths in infants are more likely to be milia, molluscum contagiosum, or skin tags. If a suspicious growth appears, have your pediatrician examine it to determine what it is.
6-12 months
While still uncommon, warts can begin to appear toward the end of the first year as babies have more contact with surfaces and other children. Common warts on the fingers are the most typical presentation. They are not painful unless on the sole of the foot.
12-24 months
Toddlers may develop warts from contact at daycare or play areas. The most common locations are the hands, fingers, and around the nails. Treatment is usually not necessary at this age unless the wart is painful, growing rapidly, or spreading. Over-the-counter salicylic acid treatments can be used under your pediatrician's guidance.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed warts 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 warts are spreading to multiple areas or are increasing in number.
- Mention if a wart is in a location that causes discomfort, like the sole of the foot.
- 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, rough, flesh-colored bump on the hand or finger of a toddler that is not painful
- A wart that remains stable and does not spread rapidly
- A single wart that is not interfering with hand use or causing distress
- Warts are spreading to multiple areas or are increasing in number
- A wart is in a location that causes discomfort, like the sole of the foot
- You want to discuss treatment options for a persistent wart
- A growth appears in a young infant that does not look like a typical wart
- A wart becomes very painful, bleeds frequently, or shows signs of infection
- Warts appear on the face or genital area, which requires medical evaluation
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice warts in toddlers — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that a small, rough, flesh-colored bump on the hand or finger of a toddler that is not painful — 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 growth appears in a young infant that does not look like a typical wart.
Related Conditions
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.
Plantar Warts (Verruca) in Toddlers
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.
Related Resources
Baby Skin Conditions Guide
Visual guide to common baby skin conditions, rashes, and when to see a doctor.
Growth Percentile Calculator
Plot your baby's weight, length, and head circumference on WHO/CDC growth charts.
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 warts in toddlers normal?
When should I call the doctor about warts in toddlers?
When is warts in toddlers normal?
What causes warts in toddlers?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about warts in toddlers?
Is warts in toddlers normal at 0-3 months?
Is warts in toddlers normal at 3-6 months?
Should I go to the ER for warts in toddlers?
Does warts in toddlers go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Warts in Toddlers.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed warts 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 warts are spreading to multiple areas or are increasing in number.
- Mention if a wart is in a location that causes discomfort, like the sole of the foot.
- 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
- Warts are spreading to multiple areas or are increasing in number
- A wart is in a location that causes discomfort, like the sole of the foot
- You want to discuss treatment options for a persistent wart
Urgent signs to report immediately
- A growth appears in a young infant that does not look like a typical wart
- A wart becomes very painful, bleeds frequently, or shows signs of infection
- Warts appear on the face or genital area, which requires medical evaluation
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 warts in toddlers are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if a growth appears in a young infant that does not look like 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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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.
Plantar Warts (Verruca) in Toddlers
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.
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