My Toddler Has Warts
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Chen, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Pediatrician
Content reviewed against published AAP, AAD, Mayo Clinic guidelines
Last reviewed:
Baby skin is sensitive and changes frequently. If you are noticing my toddler has warts, here is what you need to know.
The short answer
Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and are extremely common in young children whose immune systems are still developing. They are harmless, not a sign of poor hygiene, and the vast majority go away on their own within one to two years without any treatment.
Key takeaways
- Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and are extremely common in young children whose immune systems are still developing. They are harmless, not a sign of poor hygiene, and the vast majority go away on their own within one to two years without any treatment.
- Usually normal when: One or a few small, rough, painless bumps on the fingers, hands, or feet
- Call your doctor if: A wart-like growth is bleeding, changing color, or looks very different from a typical wart, which warrants evaluation to rule out other skin conditions
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
“Eczema is very common in babies and children. About 1 in 10 children will develop eczema, typically starting in the first few months of life.”
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What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, AAD, Mayo Clinic guidelines, warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and are extremely common in young children whose immune systems are still developing. They are harmless, not a sign of poor hygiene, and the vast majority go away on their own within one to two years without any treatment. At 0-12 months, warts are very rare in babies under one year old. If you notice a rough, raised bump on your infant's skin, it is more likely to be a different type of skin growth such as a molluscum contagiosum lesion, a skin tag, or a benign mole. Have your pediatrician take a look to confirm what it is before attempting any home treatment. It is generally considered normal when one or a few small, rough, painless bumps on the fingers, hands, or feet. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if a wart-like growth is bleeding, changing color, or looks very different from a typical wart, which warrants evaluation to rule out other skin conditions.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
0-12 months
Warts are very rare in babies under one year old. If you notice a rough, raised bump on your infant's skin, it is more likely to be a different type of skin growth such as a molluscum contagiosum lesion, a skin tag, or a benign mole. Have your pediatrician take a look to confirm what it is before attempting any home treatment.
1-2 years
Toddlers begin to encounter HPV as they explore the world with their hands and feet. Common warts typically appear on the fingers, backs of the hands, and around the nails as small, rough, skin-colored bumps with tiny black dots (these are actually small blood vessels). They are spread through direct skin contact or touching contaminated surfaces. Keeping the wart covered with a bandage can reduce spreading.
2-3 years
This is the age when warts become more common, especially among children in daycare or group play settings. Plantar warts may appear on the soles of the feet and can cause mild discomfort when walking. Flat warts can appear in clusters on the face or legs. Most pediatric dermatologists recommend a watch-and-wait approach at this age, since warts resolve on their own as the child's immune system learns to fight the virus.
3+ years
Warts may persist or spread to new areas. If they are bothersome, painful, or your child is self-conscious about them, your pediatrician may suggest gentle over-the-counter salicylic acid treatments or cryotherapy (freezing). Home remedies like duct tape occlusion have some evidence of effectiveness and are painless. Picking at warts or biting nails can cause them to spread, so gently discourage these habits.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed my toddler has warts 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 rapidly, appearing in new areas frequently, or growing in large clusters.
- Mention if a wart on the bottom of the foot is causing your child pain when walking.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- One or a few small, rough, painless bumps on the fingers, hands, or feet
- Warts that have been present for several months but are not growing rapidly
- A flat, smooth wart on the face or legs that is not red or inflamed
- Warts that your child does not seem bothered by
- Warts are spreading rapidly, appearing in new areas frequently, or growing in large clusters
- A wart on the bottom of the foot is causing your child pain when walking
- Warts are appearing on the face or genital area
- A wart-like growth is bleeding, changing color, or looks very different from a typical wart, which warrants evaluation to rule out other skin conditions
- Your child has widespread warts along with signs of immune system problems such as frequent infections or poor wound healing
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice my toddler has warts — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that one or a few small, rough, painless bumps on the fingers, hands, or feet — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 0-12 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 wart-like growth is bleeding, changing color, or looks very different from a typical wart, which warrants evaluation to rule out other skin conditions.
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 my toddler has warts normal?
When should I call the doctor about my toddler has warts?
When is my toddler has warts normal?
What causes my toddler has warts?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about my toddler has warts?
Is my toddler has warts normal at 0-12 months?
Is my toddler has warts normal at 1-2 years?
Should I go to the ER for my toddler has warts?
Does my toddler has warts go away on its own?
References
- [1]American Academy of Pediatrics. Warts. HealthyChildren.org. AAP
- [2]American Academy of Dermatology. Warts: Overview. AAD
- [3]Mayo Clinic. Common Warts. Symptoms & Causes. Mayo Clinic
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss My Toddler Has Warts.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed my toddler has warts 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 rapidly, appearing in new areas frequently, or growing in large clusters.
- Mention if a wart on the bottom of the foot is causing your child pain when walking.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- Warts are spreading rapidly, appearing in new areas frequently, or growing in large clusters
- A wart on the bottom of the foot is causing your child pain when walking
- Warts are appearing on the face or genital area
Urgent signs to report immediately
- A wart-like growth is bleeding, changing color, or looks very different from a typical wart, which warrants evaluation to rule out other skin conditions
- Your child has widespread warts along with signs of immune system problems such as frequent infections or poor wound healing
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 my toddler has warts are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if a wart-like growth is bleeding, changing color, or looks very different from a typical wart, which warrants evaluation to rule out other skin conditions.
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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