Skin

Warts in Babies and Toddlers

Content reviewed against published AAP, CDC, AAD, NIH guidelines

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Warts are benign skin growths caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). While uncommon in infants, they become more frequent in toddlers and young children. Common warts (verruca vulgaris) appear as rough, raised bumps most often on the hands and fingers. Plantar warts (verruca plantaris) grow on the soles of the feet and can cause discomfort with walking. Flat warts (verruca plana) are smooth, small, and tend to appear in clusters. Most warts in children are harmless and resolve on their own within 1-2 years as the immune system clears the virus.

Key takeaways

  • Warts are benign skin growths caused by human papillomavirus (HPV).
  • Duration: Most warts in children resolve spontaneously within 1-2 years without treatment as the immune system clears the HPV infection. With active treatment, resolution may occur within 6-12 weeks, though recurrence is common. Plantar warts tend to be more persistent and may take longer to resolve.
  • Go to ER if: Signs of secondary bacterial infection — increasing redness, pus, red streaks, fever
  • No vaccine currently available

Symptoms

Rough, raised, flesh-colored bump with a cauliflower-like texture (common wart)always
Tiny black dots within the wart (thrombosed capillaries, often called "seeds")common
Firm, flat, or inward-growing bump on sole of foot (plantar wart)common
Pain when walking or pressing on plantar wartscommon
Small, smooth, flat-topped bumps appearing in clusters (flat warts)sometimes
Multiple warts spreading to nearby areassometimes
Warts around fingernails that may distort nail growthsometimes
Itching or mild tenderness at the wart siterare

How It Presents by Age

0-6 months

Warts are very rare in infants under 6 months. If present, they are almost always acquired during passage through the birth canal or from direct contact with a caregiver who has warts. Any unusual skin growth in this age should be evaluated to rule out other conditions.

Risk level: Very low occurrence; low medical risk

6-12 months

Still uncommon. If present, typically a single common wart acquired from household contacts. Usually on the hands or fingers. May be mistaken for molluscum contagiosum.

Risk level: Low

1-3 years

Becoming more common as toddlers explore environments and have more skin-to-skin contact. Common warts on hands and fingers are the most frequent type. Plantar warts may appear in walking toddlers, particularly if they walk barefoot frequently.

Risk level: Low

3-5 years

Prevalence increases significantly. Children may have multiple warts, especially on the hands. Flat warts may appear on the face. Nail-biting increases risk for periungual warts. Most warts at this age resolve spontaneously within 1-2 years.

Risk level: Low

Treatment

Watchful waiting

The AAP notes that most warts in children resolve spontaneously within 1-2 years. For painless warts in young children, observation alone is a reasonable first-line approach, avoiding potentially painful treatments.

Over-the-counter salicylic acid

Salicylic acid preparations (17% liquid or 40% patches) applied daily after soaking and filing the wart. Requires consistent daily application for 6-12 weeks. Most effective for common warts on hands.

Cryotherapy

Liquid nitrogen applied by a healthcare provider freezes the wart. Typically requires 2-4 treatments spaced 2-3 weeks apart. Can be painful and may cause blistering, making it challenging for very young children.

Cantharidin (beetle juice)

Applied by a dermatologist in-office. Painless at application but produces a blister under the wart within 24 hours. Often well-tolerated in younger children compared to cryotherapy.

Prescription topical treatments

Imiquimod cream or topical 5-fluorouracil may be prescribed for flat warts or recalcitrant common warts. Tretinoin cream can be effective for flat warts.

Home Care

  • Apply over-the-counter salicylic acid daily after soaking the wart in warm water for 5 minutes
  • Gently file down the wart surface with an emery board or pumice stone before applying treatment (use a dedicated file and discard)
  • Cover warts with duct tape (duct tape occlusion therapy) — apply for 6 days, remove, soak, file, leave uncovered overnight, and reapply
  • Keep warts covered with a bandage to prevent spreading
  • Do not pick, bite, or scratch at warts
  • Encourage children to wear flip-flops or water shoes around pools and in shared showers

When to Worry

Go to the ER if:

  • Signs of secondary bacterial infection — increasing redness, pus, red streaks, fever
  • Severe allergic reaction to a wart treatment (widespread hives, swelling, difficulty breathing)
  • Significant bleeding from a wart that will not stop with pressure

Call your doctor if:

  • Unsure whether a skin growth is a wart or another condition
  • Warts are painful, particularly plantar warts affecting walking
  • Warts on the face that are cosmetically concerning
  • Warts around or under fingernails or toenails
  • Over-the-counter treatments have failed after 12 weeks of consistent use
  • Child is immunocompromised and develops warts
  • Warts in a child under 2 years old

Keep an eye on:

  • A growth appears in a baby under 6 months old (may not be a wart)
  • Warts are spreading rapidly or extensively
  • Plantar warts are causing significant pain and difficulty walking
  • Warts develop on the face or genital area
  • A wart changes color, bleeds spontaneously, or looks unlike a typical wart

Prevention

  • Avoid direct contact with warts on other people
  • Wear flip-flops or water shoes in shared pools, locker rooms, and showers
  • Keep feet dry and change socks regularly
  • Do not share towels, socks, or shoes with someone who has warts
  • Discourage nail-biting and picking at hangnails
  • Clean and cover cuts, scrapes, and skin breaks promptly
  • Avoid touching, picking, or scratching existing warts to prevent spreading

Contagion & Incubation

Incubation

1-6 months after exposure to HPV, though warts may not appear for up to 2 years in some cases

Contagious for

Contagious as long as the wart is present on the skin. HPV may also be shed from skin that appears normal around the wart. Even after treatment, the virus may persist in surrounding skin and cause recurrence.

Duration

Most warts in children resolve spontaneously within 1-2 years without treatment as the immune system clears the HPV infection. With active treatment, resolution may occur within 6-12 weeks, though recurrence is common. Plantar warts tend to be more persistent and may take longer to resolve.

Frequently asked questions

How long does warts last?
Most warts in children resolve spontaneously within 1-2 years without treatment as the immune system clears the HPV infection. With active treatment, resolution may occur within 6-12 weeks, though recurrence is common. Plantar warts tend to be more persistent and may take longer to resolve.
How does verruca vulgaris spread?
HPV spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact or contact with contaminated surfaces. The virus enters through tiny cuts, scrapes, or breaks in the skin. Walking barefoot on wet surfaces (pool decks, locker rooms, bathrooms) increases the risk of plantar warts. Children can spread warts to other parts of their own body by touching or picking at them (autoinoculation). Biting nails and picking at hangnails creates entry points for the virus on the fingers.
When should I take my baby to the ER?
Signs of secondary bacterial infection — increasing redness, pus, red streaks, fever. Severe allergic reaction to a wart treatment (widespread hives, swelling, difficulty breathing). Significant bleeding from a wart that will not stop with pressure
Can verruca vulgaris be prevented?
Avoid direct contact with warts on other people. Wear flip-flops or water shoes in shared pools, locker rooms, and showers. Keep feet dry and change socks regularly. Do not share towels, socks, or shoes with someone who has warts. Discourage nail-biting and picking at hangnails. Clean and cover cuts, scrapes, and skin breaks promptly. Avoid touching, picking, or scratching existing warts to prevent spreading
When can my child return to daycare?
Children with warts should NOT be excluded from school or daycare. Warts should be covered with a bandage during activities involving shared surfaces, mats, or equipment. Children with plantar warts should wear water shoes during swimming activities.

Sources

AAPCDCAADNIH

All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.

2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources

Related Illnesses

molluscum

Bottom line

Warts is a viral illness that typically resolves on its own. Seek emergency care if signs of secondary bacterial infection — increasing redness, pus, red streaks, fever.

Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.