February often marks the beginning of “wart season” – a time when children are more likely to develop warts due to increased interaction with classmates, sport fields, playgrounds and communal areas.

The common wart is caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). It is a benign skin growth that thrives in warm, moist environments. The virus causes a rapid, benign growth of skin cells, creating a thicker, harder outer layer on the skin. While the common wart is usually harmless, it is 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 the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg 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, MD at KROKO, a trusted South African footcare brand.

“A skin wart can appear anywhere on the body, but parents most often spot them on hands, knees, elbows and the soles of feet – these feet warts, called plantar warts, can be very uncomfortable, especially for active kids.”

Read more about warts here.

what to look for

• 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,” she adds.

“It’s not just about treating a wart when it appears; it’s about preventing the spread of warts. It is essential to teach children the importance of a good preventative routine. That, combined with early detection, can prevent them from spreading,” says Hammond.

wart prevention tips

• Feet: encourage kids to wear flip-flops or sandals in public showers, around pools and in 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, as this can spread the virus.

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:

• A wart is painful or bleeding.
• There’s a rapid spread of more than a few lesions.
• Your child has a weakened immune system (for example, due to chronic illness)
• You’re unsure whether a skin growth is a wart.