🧠 How Verrucas Behave in Children

• Common infection: Verrucas are a type of wart frequently seen on children’s feet and hands.
• Spontaneous resolution: Many verrucas go away by themselves — often within 6–12 months, sometimes up to 2 years.
• Contagious: They can spread through shared showers, floors, towels, socks or shoes, so hygiene matters.

✅ When to Treat

You don’t always need to treat verrucas if:

✔ They’re not painful

✔ They’re small or not spreading

✔ The child is comfortable walking and playing

Consider treatment if:

🔹 The verruca is painful, hard to walk on

🔹 There are many verrucas

🔹 They’re spreading to other areas

🔹 The child is distressed by appearance or discomfort

🏠 Home & Pharmacy Treatments

1. Topical Salicylic Acid

• This is a first-line and widely used treatment.
• Available in creams, gels, liquid paint, or medicated plasters from pharmacies.
• It softens and gradually removes the verruca layers.
• Apply as directed, often daily for several weeks.
• Protect surrounding skin with petroleum jelly to prevent irritation.

✅ Generally well-tolerated and suitable for older children with supervision.

2. Duct Tape Occlusion Therapy

• A simple, non-medicated option parents sometimes try.
• Cover the verruca with strong tape for about 6 days, then remove, soak and file gently.
• Repeat daily for weeks until it improves.
• Some studies suggest this may help stimulate the immune response

3. Over-The-Counter Freezing Sprays

• Products that use a cooling agent to freeze the verruca are available at pharmacies.
• Similar in concept to cryotherapy, but less intense.
• May work for some children when used correctly.

🧠 Tips When Treating Kids

Before applying any treatment:

✔ Soak the verruca in warm water to soften it

✔ Use a clean emery board or pumice stone to gently file away dead skin

✔ Always protect healthy surrounding skin (e.g., Vaseline) if using acids.

Important:

❗ Do not pick or cut verrucas — this can spread the virus or cause infection.

❗ Avoid treating facial or delicate skin at home with salicylic products — see a clinician first.

👩‍⚕️ When to See a Doctor

• Seek professional advice if:
• The verruca is very painful
• It bleeds, changes in appearance, or is spreading
• Over-the-counter treatments don’t work after several weeks

Your child has diabetes, poor immunity, or skin problems

A GP, dermatologist or foot specialist (podiatrist) can assess and offer safe options tailored to your child.