Treating warts in children in Zurich

A small, rough spot on the hand. Or a calloused spot on the sole of the foot that suddenly hurts when you step on it. What many parents initially think of as a bruise or minor injury is in many cases a small wart – one of the most common skin lesions in childhood. Warts are harmless, but stubborn and a nuisance in everyday life. They can hurt, itch or rub against clothing and cause discomfort. And they are stubborn.

You are not sure whether the skin change is a wart? Then make an appointment here at the Swiss Derma Clinic in Zurich. Pediatric dermatology is one of our core competencies.

What are warts and why are children often affected?

Warts are benign skin lesions caused by human papillomaviruses (HPV). These viruses enter the skin through the smallest of skin lesions. The immune system of healthy adults can usually control them well. In children, however, the immune system is still developing and this is precisely what makes them more susceptible.

Typical skin areas are

Hands and fingers
Soles of the feet (so-called plantar warts)
Knees, elbows or nail edges

Children often become infected where they walk barefoot a lot or where there is close skin contact: in swimming pools, gyms or at school.

Why warts rarely disappear by themselves

In theory, warts can heal on their own. In practice, it takes months or even years. During this time, they can grow larger, spread, start to hurt and be transferred to other areas of the skin. In the case of plantar warts, they can grow inwards, cause pain when walking and unconsciously affect the child's gait.

The special challenge with children

The treatment of warts in children requires experience, patience and sensitivity. Children's skin reacts more sensitively. Pain, fear or unpleasant memories of treatments should be avoided at all costs. This is our aim at the Swiss Derma Clinic in Zurich. Not every method that works for adults is also suitable for children. The dermatological assessment includes questions such as:

What type of wart is present?
How old is the child?
Is there any pain or inflammation?
How long has the wart been there?

Modern dermatological treatment for warts in Zurich

At the Swiss Derma Clinic, we have various approaches at our disposal and a calm, trusting atmosphere for you and your children. We take time for our young patients and their parents' concerns. It's not just about removing the warts, it's also about protecting the skin, avoiding scars and supporting the immune system locally. It can make sense to start with gentle methods - because the rule for children in particular is: as little as possible, as much as necessary.

When to see a specialist?

A dermatological examination is advisable if you are unsure whether it is really a wart. A reliable diagnosis protects against unnecessary and incorrect treatments.

You should also consult a specialist doctor if:

the wart hurts or bleeds
it increases or "multiplies"
walking or gripping is impaired by the wart.

Your doctor

Dimitrios Argyropoulos

Doctor of dermatology and aesthetic medicine

Dr. med. univ. (CY) Dimitrios Argyropoulos As a physician, it is especially important to me to bring health and aesthetics into harmony. I take time for my patients, listen carefully, and guide them toward results that are medically precise, natural, and long-lasting in their benefits.

Learn more

FAQ

Are warts contagious in children?

Warts are caused by human papillomaviruses (HPV) and can be transmitted through direct skin contact or via shared surfaces such as floors in swimming pools or gyms. They are therefore contagious. However, infection does not automatically mean that a wart will develop. The immune system plays a decisive role.

Do all warts in children need to be treated?

Not every wart requires immediate treatment. As long as it is painless, does not spread and does not bother the child, it is sometimes sufficient to observe it initially. A diagnosis is important so that the type of wart and possible risks can be correctly classified.

Do scars form when the warts heal?

As a rule, scars do not occur. These tend to form as a result of improper self-treatment, frequent scratching or aggressive procedures. This also applies to so-called home remedies (be careful with irritating or corrosive substances). Gentle and professional treatment is particularly important for children.

Are warts coming back?

This is generally possible and is usually related to the individual immune response. The child's immune system is still developing and reacts to viruses to varying degrees. Minor skin injuries or moist skin can promote recurrence.

Our Q&A texts are by no means a substitute for a medical consultation. For an individual and well-founded medical assessment, we recommend a personal consultation at the Swiss Derma Clinic. We are happy to take the time for you!