Quick read
Key points
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Warts and verrucas are small, rough skin growths caused by a common virus (HPV) that's harmless but contagious, spreading through direct contact or contaminated surfaces like swimming pool floors. Warts typically appear on the hands, while verrucas appear on the soles of the feet and can sometimes be pressed flat and slightly painful due to weight-bearing.
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Topic-specific prevention and risk reduction will be added during the article-specific evidence audit.
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The wart or verruca is painful and affecting walking or daily activities
01 · Know
What is Warts and Verrucas?
Warts and verrucas are small, rough skin growths caused by a common virus (HPV) that's harmless but contagious, spreading through direct contact or contaminated surfaces like swimming pool floors. Warts typically appear on the hands, while verrucas appear on the soles of the feet and can sometimes be pressed flat and slightly painful due to weight-bearing.
They're very common in children and, while they can take months to clear, most disappear on their own eventually as the immune system clears the virus, without needing any treatment at all.
02 · Understand
Clinical context
They often clear up without any treatment
Many warts and verrucas in children resolve on their own within one to two years as the immune system gradually clears the virus, even without specific treatment.
03 · Act
When to See a Doctor
- 1The wart or verruca is painful and affecting walking or daily activities
- 2It's spreading rapidly or multiplying significantly
- 3Home treatments haven't worked after several months and you'd like other options
- 4Your child has a condition affecting their immune system
04 · Prevent & manage
Practical steps
Avoid Picking or Scratching
Picking at warts or verrucas can spread the virus to other areas of skin or to other people — covering them, especially in shared spaces like swimming pools, helps reduce spread.
- 1Cover verrucas in swimming pools and shared changing areas.A verruca sock or plaster reduces the risk of spreading it to others.
- 2Avoid sharing towels, socks, or shoes.This reduces the risk of spreading the virus within the household.
- 3Consider an over-the-counter treatment if it's bothersome.A pharmacist can recommend an age-appropriate treatment, such as a salicylic acid preparation, if you'd like to try treating it.
- 4Be patient.Many warts and verrucas clear up on their own within a year or two, even without treatment.
- 5Avoid picking or biting at warts.This can spread the virus to other parts of the body.
Evidence
References
BarnMD Health Intelligence uses authoritative and clinically relevant sources appropriate to the topic. References are shown so readers can inspect the evidence directly.
- HSE: Warts and verrucas ↗
Medical information notice
Health education, not individual medical advice
BarnMD Health Library provides general health education for public health literacy. Reading this article does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and this information is not a diagnosis, prescription, or personalised treatment plan. If you have symptoms or concerns about your health, seek appropriate advice from a qualified healthcare professional. If you develop emergency warning signs, seek urgent or emergency medical attention.
BarnMD Bottom Line
Warts and verrucas are common, harmless, and often clear up on their own over time, even without treatment.
Covering verrucas in shared spaces like swimming pools helps prevent spreading them to others.