• Knowledgebase: The One Minute Pediatrician

    These are short topics that Dr. Dennis wrote for use on the radio. Each topic reads in less than one minute!

    9. Warts - Top

    Warts are caused by a virus that infects localized portions of the skin. They aer commonly raised and may have a rough seedy nature. The most bothersome warts are the ones on surfaces that get bumped regularly such as hands, feet, knees and elbows. It is not known exactly how or why one contracts warts, but since they are a virus, they are felt to be contagious.

    Warts can be treated with electrical burning, freezing, or with the application of chemicals. Despite these treatments, warts commonly recur.

    One time-honored form of treatment is the power of suggestion. This may be why some "old fashioned" methods of treating warts work.

    In general, if your child is not bothered physically or emotionally by a wart, there is no need to have it removed. - Updated: June 11, 2001

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