Warts are caused
by the papilloma virus. These firm bumps (although they also an be flat) are
yellow, tan, grayish, black or brown. They usually appear on the hands, toes,
around the knees and on the face but can occur anywhere on the body. When
they're on the soles of the feet, doctors call them plantar warts. Though warts
can be contagious, they rarely appear in children under the age of 2.
Treatment of Warts
Your dermatologist can give you advice on the
treatment of warts. Sometimes he will recommend an over-the-counter medication
that contains salicylic acid. If any of the following are present, more
aggressive treatment may be necessary.
Multiple, recurring warts A
wart on the face or genital area Large, deep or painful plantar warts (warts
on the soles of the feet) Warts that are particularly bothersome to your
child
Some warts will go away by themselves. Others can be removed using
prescription preparations. However, surgical removal by scraping, cauterizing or
freezing is sometimes necessary with multiple warts, those that continue to
recur, or deep plantar warts. Although surgery usually has a good success rate,
it can be painful and may result in scarring. Laser treatment may help. The
earlier the warts are treated, the better the chance of permanent cure, although
there is always the possibility that they will recur even after treatment that
is initially successful.
If a wart comes back, simply treat it again the
way you did the first time or as directed by your dermatologist. Don't wait
until it becomes large, painful or starts to spread.
Modified from
Caring for Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5, Bantam 1999
