Warts are very common among school children and are harmless growths usually occurring on the hands and soles of the feet (when they are called ‘plantar warts’ or, commonly, ‘verrucas’). They are caused by a virus which particularly enjoys warm moist conditions and can spread rapidly by direct contact. Therefore they should be kept covered and the child encouraged to have his own towel. They may disappear spontaneously but often persist and require medical treatment.

Treatment This usually consists of painting the wart with a chemical that kills the virus (such as formalin or podophylin ) but they can also be burned off or frozen. The child should avoid swimming and unnecessary contact with others until the condition has been cleared up.