Plantar Warts in Children

Plantar warts are small, fleshy bumps with gray or brown spots that are actually blood vessels on the surface of the wart. Some people are more susceptible to getting plantar warts. Children and teens are particularly susceptible to plantar warts.

Causes of Plantar Warts

• Plantar warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Though plantar warts are not particularly contagious, children can contract them from walking barefoot in public-pool areas or locker rooms.

Symptoms of Plantar Warts

• Your child may notice some fleshy bumps on the bottoms of his feet. There may be a cluster of these bumps, with small dark-colored dots on them. Plantar warts do not require treatment, but may be unsightly and cause discomfort. Do not allow children to pick at warts, which may cause them to spread.

Physician Treatment of Plantar Warts

• Doctors have a number of methods to treat plantar warts, such as salicylic acid, freezing, cantharidin blistering, minor surgery, laser surgery, and immunotherapy with compounds that use the body's own immune system.

Home Remedies for Plantar Warts

• Because children may be afraid of more aggressive physician-based treatment, you may want to try over-the-counter medications such as Compound W or Dr. Scholl's Freeze Off, which are effective for plantar warts. The Mayo Clinic site, however, mentions a well-publicized 2002 study which showed that placing duct tape on the plantar warts for up to 2 months worked as well or better then freezing methods.

Prevention of Plantar Warts

• Teach children to avoid going barefoot in public places such as pools or locker rooms. Show children how to keep feet clean and dry. Train them to not pick at warts and to wash their hands after touching warts.