Verruca Treatment for Kids: What Actually Works?
Verrucas are common in kids, particularly those who spend a lot of time in swimming pools, leisure centres, changing rooms, and sports facilities. While they're usually harmless, they can be frustrating to deal with.
The good news? Most verrucas eventually go away on their own. The less good news? That process can take months, and sometimes even years.
So what treatments are available, and when should you actually do something about a verruca?
Let's take a closer look.
What is a verruca? Common signs & symptoms
A verruca is simply a wart that develops on the sole of the foot. It's caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which enters the skin through tiny cuts or breaks.
Kids are particularly prone to verrucas because they often walk barefoot in communal areas where the virus can spread, such as:
- Swimming pools
- Leisure centres
- School changing rooms
- Public showers
- Sports clubs
- Gym facilities
Verrucas often appear as rough, grainy patches on the bottom of the foot. They may have tiny black dots in the centre and can sometimes feel tender when pressure is applied.
Not every verruca causes pain. In fact, many kids don't even realise they have one until parents notice it.
Do verrucas need treatment?
Unlike many childhood illnesses or infections, verrucas don't always require treatment. In many cases, the body's immune system will eventually recognise the virus and clear it naturally.
That said, many parents still choose to treat a verruca if:
- It's causing discomfort
- It's growing larger
- Multiple verrucas have appeared
- It's affecting sports or day-to-day activities
- The kid feels self-conscious about it
- There's concern about spreading it to others
Common verruca treatments for kids
There isn't one single treatment that works for every kid. Some verrucas respond quickly, while others seem determined to stay put.
Here are the most common options.
i) Salicylic acid treatments
Salicylic acid is one of the most widely used verruca treatments.
It works by gradually softening and removing the infected skin layer by layer. You'll find it in various gels, liquids, and treatment pads available from pharmacies.
Many parents stop treatment after a couple of weeks because they don't see immediate results. However, salicylic acid often requires regular application over several weeks or even months.
It's not the fastest option, but it remains one of the most commonly recommended approaches.
ii) Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy involves freezing the verruca using liquid nitrogen.
This treatment is usually carried out by a healthcare professional and is often considered when home treatments haven't worked.
Some children tolerate cryotherapy well, while others find it uncomfortable. Because of this, it's not always the first treatment parents choose.
Results can vary, and multiple sessions may be required depending on the size and age of the verruca.
iii) Protective coverings
While coverings don't remove the verruca itself, they can help protect the area and reduce irritation.
Parents often use plasters, protective pads, or specialised coverings when a verruca is causing discomfort during sports or daily activities.
Covering the verruca may also help reduce the risk of spreading the virus to other areas of the foot.
Can kids still go swimming with a verruca?
In most cases, yes.
Children with verrucas are generally still allowed to attend swimming lessons and use public pools. However, it's usually recommended to cover the affected area when using communal facilities.
This is partly to help reduce the spread of the virus and partly to provide extra protection for the foot itself.
For children who swim regularly, many parents choose to use verruca swimming socks.
Why are verruca swim socks popular with parents?
Verruca swim socks aren't a treatment for verrucas, but think of them as a practical layer of protection rather than a cure.
They help create a barrier between the foot and communal surfaces commonly found in swimming pools, changing rooms, and leisure centres.
Many parents like them because they can help:
- Cover the affected area while swimming
- Reduce direct contact with shared surfaces
- Improve grip on wet floors
- Help prevent slipping around poolside areas
- Provide additional peace of mind during swimming lessons
For children who spend a lot of time in and around pools, they're often one of the simplest preventative measures available.
Prevention is often easier than treatment
While it's impossible to eliminate the risk entirely, a few simple habits can help reduce the chances of developing one in the first place.
i) Wear swim socks in communal areas
Swimming pools, changing rooms, and public showers are all environments where the virus can spread.
Wearing verruca swimming socks provides an extra layer of protection when children are walking on shared wet surfaces.
ii) Keep feet clean and dry
The virus that causes verrucas thrives in warm, damp environments.
Encouraging children to dry their feet thoroughly after swimming can support good foot hygiene and reduce moisture build-up.
iii) Avoid sharing towels
Sharing towels isn't recommended, particularly when a verruca is already present.
Giving each family member their own towel is a simple but sensible precaution.
iv) Check feet regularly
Children often don't mention verrucas because they aren't painful initially.
Regularly checking your child's feet can help identify a verruca before it becomes larger or spreads.
When should you seek professional advice?
Most verrucas aren't serious, but there are situations where professional advice is worth seeking.
Consider speaking to a pharmacist, podiatrist, or GP if:
- The verruca is painful
- It continues to grow
- Multiple verrucas appear
- Home treatments aren't helping
- There are signs of infection
- You're unsure whether it is actually a verruca
Getting an expert opinion can help avoid unnecessary treatments and ensure the correct diagnosis.