As the first term of the new school year is well underway, parents are urged to be vigilant: February often marks the beginning of ‘wart season’: a time when children are more likely to develop warts due to increased interaction with classmates, sports fields, playgrounds and communal areas.
Common warts, caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), are benign skin growths that thrive in warm, moist environments. While these are usually harmless, they’re easily spread and can be stubborn to treat.
Warts are among the most common skin conditions in childhood, particularly affecting school-aged children and adolescents. Research by the Faculty of Health Sciences at Wits University indicates that viral warts accounted for around 11% of skin disorders among children evaluated in dermatology studies, making them one of the top-diagnosed skin issues alongside eczema, impetigo and dermatitis.
“Warts affect an estimated 10%–50% of children worldwide, particularly during the school years when exposure is higher and immune systems are still developing,” says Lynsey Hammond, managing director at KROKO. “Skin warts can appear anywhere on the body, but parents most often spot them on hands, knees, elbows and the soles of feet – called plantar warts – which can be very uncomfortable, especially for active kids.”
- Small, rough bumps on hands, feet, elbows or knees.
- Painful lumps on the soles of the feet, especially after running or sports.
- Clusters of lesions that seem to spread among siblings or classmates.
“Children are particularly susceptible to the wart virus because their immune systems are still maturing,” explains Hammond. “Schools, sports activities and shared spaces increase the chance of skin-to-skin or surface transmission of HPV. The more exposure, the more likely a child may develop warts.
“It’s not just about treating them when they appear – it’s about preventing the spread of warts. It’s important to teach children the importance of a good routine. That, combined with early detection, can prevent them from spreading.”
- Feet: Encourage kids to wear flip-flops or sandals in public showers, around pools and change rooms. This is also important for families who enjoy camping!
- Hands: Wash and thoroughly dry hands and feet daily, especially after sports practice or swimming.
- No sharing: Avoid sharing towels, socks or shoes.
- No picking: Teach kids not to touch or pick at warts, which can spread the virus to other parts of the body.
When to see a healthcare professional
In most cases, warts are not serious and respond to over-the-counter or at-home treatments such as KROKO’s WartFix.
However, consult a healthcare provider if:
- Warts are painful or bleeding.
- There’s a rapid spread of more than a few lesions.
- Your child has a weakened immune system (e.g. due to chronic illness).
- You’re unsure whether a skin growth is a wart.
Image credit: Freepik/Mateus Andre
