Warts in children
Recognizing and treating warts in children – with an experienced skin specialist for kids at Derma Medical Clinic in Zurich – Sihlcity
Warts in children
Have chronic abscesses and painful nodules clarified and treated by an experienced dermatologist at the Derma Medical Clinic in Zurich - Sihlcity
In our specialized pediatric consultation, we carefully examine whether wart treatment is necessary and then choose a gentle therapy tailored to the child’s age and needs.
Examinations
painless skin magnifier
Process
Personal consultation
Thorough skin examination
Gentle treatment on site
Duration
between 10 and 15 minutes
What is a wart in children?
Warts (medical term: Verruca vulgaris) are harmless skin growths caused by viruses. They are common in children – often appearing on the hands, feet, or knees.
They are usually harmless but may be bothersome, spread, or cause problems like pressure pain or itching.
Warts can be especially uncomfortable at school or during sports if they are visible or hurt while walking.
A careful check – and treatment if needed – is especially helpful when:
- Warts appear on the hands, feet, face, or other areas and are painful or cause discomfort
- One or more warts are growing or spreading
- Previous treatments (e.g. plasters, drops, home remedies) haven’t worked
- It’s unclear whether it’s actually a wart or something else
- You want a gentle, reliable solution that puts as little strain on your child’s skin as possible
What happens when treating warts in children?
At Derma Medical Clinic, every treatment begins with a thorough, child-friendly examination. Our skin specialist for children takes a close look at the affected areas using expert knowledge and, if needed, a special skin magnifier (dermatoscope) that shows even tiny details.
What if a wart needs to be removed?
If treatment is needed, we choose a method depending on the type, location, and size of the wart:
- Gentle removal using a fine instrument
- Freezing (cryotherapy), where the wart is frozen
- Laser therapy – for stubborn or deeper warts
We always make sure to treat the skin as gently as possible. For sensitive areas, a numbing cream can be applied beforehand so the treatment is comfortable for your child.
How does wart treatment in children work?
Important: Each exam is done calmly and at the child’s pace. We only do what the child feels comfortable with. There is no pressure – instead, we respond with patience and experience to how your child feels.
Personal consultation
We start by discussing the child’s medical history, previous treatments, and current symptoms in detail.
Thorough skin examination
We carefully examine the affected skin using expert eyes and a special magnifier (dermatoscope).
Treatment recommendation
After the exam, we give a child-friendly explanation of whether treatment is needed. We consider the child’s age, skin sensitivity, and willingness to cooperate.
Gentle treatment
If needed, warts are removed using freezing (cryotherapy), a fine instrument, or laser – depending on the diagnosis.
Home care instructions
Afterwards, parents receive helpful tips for at-home care to support healing and prevent the warts from coming back.
At the Derma Medical Clinic in Zurich – Sihlcity, children are treated by Dr. Markus Dendorfer, a board-certified dermatologist and pediatric skin specialist.
He has many years of experience in child-friendly skin diagnostics and treatment, and is especially skilled in meeting the needs of young patients.
Dr. Benjamin Miller
Board-certified Specialist in Dermatology and Venereology FMH
Dr. med. Markus Dendorfer
Board-certified Specialist in Dermatology and Venereology FMH
What to expect at our clinic
Specialized pediatric dermatology
Care by an experienced pediatric dermatologist who specializes in childhood skin conditions.
Child-friendly approach
Lots of patience, empathy, and flexibility: all exams and treatments are done at your child’s pace – with no pressure.
Everything in one place
Diagnosis, treatment, and follow-ups take place right in the clinic – no extra appointments or long waits.
Support for home care
After the treatment, parents get clear instructions for care at home, helping support the healing process.
Warts in children are often harmless – but they may hurt, spread, or be annoying.
Book an appointment now for a child-friendly check-up and gentle treatment at Derma Medical Clinic in Zurich – Sihlcity.
FAQ – Common questions about wart treatment in children
What are warts (Verruca vulgaris) in children?
Warts (medical name: Verruca vulgaris) are non-cancerous skin growths caused by viruses. They are common in children and often appear on the hands, fingers, feet, knees, or face. Warts usually show up as rough, hardened bumps.
How do warts develop in children?
Warts in children are caused by human papillomaviruses (HPV). These viruses enter through small cuts or scrapes – for example, from scratching, falls, or barefoot walking on wet surfaces like in swimming pools.
Are warts in children contagious?
Yes, warts are very contagious. The virus can spread through direct skin contact or shared items (e.g. towels, gym mats). Risk of infection increases with damaged or softened skin.
Do all warts in children need treatment?
Not every wart needs immediate treatment. Many go away on their own within a few months to a couple of years. But treatment is recommended if they hurt, bleed, spread a lot, or disrupt your child’s daily life.
What treatment options are available for warts in children?
The type of treatment depends on the size, location, and number of warts. Options include:
- Freezing (cryotherapy)
- Gentle removal with a fine instrument
- Laser therapy for stubborn warts
- Supportive care with plasters or medical solutions
At Derma Medical Clinic, treatments are always matched to your child’s age and skin sensitivity.
Is wart treatment in children painful?
Most treatments are well tolerated. Freezing may cause a short burning or pressure feeling. Sensitive areas can be pretreated with numbing cream to make the procedure as pain-free as possible.
How long does wart treatment take?
The time depends on the wart’s size, depth, and the method used. Often, several sessions are needed every 2 to 4 weeks. It may take a few weeks to several months until the wart is gone.
How can I prevent warts in my child?
To help prevent warts in children, hygiene is important:
- Wear flip-flops in swimming pools and changing rooms
- Don’t share towels or washcloths
- Clean and cover any skin injuries right away
- Avoid contact with known warts
When should I take my child to the dermatologist?
A visit to the dermatologist makes sense when:
- Warts are painful, bleeding, or growing fast
- Warts don’t go away with home treatment
- You’re not sure if it’s really a wart
- The wart is in a sensitive place (like the face or near nails)
