Skip to main content
Go to homepage

Print Page

A to Z: Warts

Warts are skin growths caused by an infection with some types of human papillomavirus (HPV).

More to Know

Warts are usually small, rough bumps. They can be skin-colored, white, pink, brown, or gray, often with tiny black spots or specks inside them. Warts can affect any area of the body, but are most common on the hands and feet. Although most warts are painless, those on the soles of the feet (plantar warts) can be painful and cause a feeling like walking on a small stone.

Warts are very common among school-age kids and many go away without treatment. When treatment is used, it may involve applying a wart medicine at home or a doctor removing the wart using treatments like chemicals, freezing, burning, injections, minor surgery, or laser surgery. Treated or not, warts sometimes reappear.

Someone with a wart should not rub, scratch, or pick at the wart, which could spread the infection to another part of the body.

Keep in Mind

Warts are contagious. Washing hands and the infected area regularly can help, and it's important not to share towels. People with warts on their feet should wear waterproof sandals or flip-flops in public showers, locker rooms, and areas around public pools. Continuing these habits after the wart goes away can help prevent reinfection.

All A to Z dictionary entries are regularly reviewed by KidsHealth medical experts.

What next?

Summit Mall Play Area
Answer Key:
Click to expand
There are 10 nurses in the picture.

And we have many more pediatric primary care providers in Northeast Ohio. You can meet some of them here.
Summit Mall Play Area
Answer Key:
Click to expand
The five differences are:
– Phone color
– Coat pocket
– Stethoscope earpiece color
– Stethoscope bell dot
– Clipboard paper color

Need help finding a doctor, choosing a location or getting a general question about Akron Children's answered? Call us or fill out the form and we'll help in any way we can.
Summit Mall Play Area
Answer Key:
Click to expand
The two matching doctors are 9 and 14.

With virtual visits, you can see our pediatric experts from the comfort of home or wherever you are.
Summit Mall Play Area
Answer Key:
Click to expand
The correct path:
The Correct Path
We offer many ways to get pediatric care all over Northeast Ohio. Use this page to find the right kind of care and the most convenient location for you.