Plantars Warts in Children and Adolescents

Plantars warts can be an irritation to feet of any age. The tough, horny growth that can appear on the bottom of the foot does not discriminate against age, sex, or gender. However, these warts are found most frequently on children and adolescents between the ages of 12 and 15. If gone undetected or unchecked, children can spread the virus (HPV) which causes plantars warts throughout the household before the warts are even discovered on their feet.

Many children and adolescents eventually develop immunity to plantars warts. Until such time it is best to check their feet for warts – especially during the summer months. Frequenting public pools, gyms, and sharing shoes with others can make children and adolescents more susceptible to contracting warts. Be sure to discourage your children form sharing shoes with others or walking around public pools or gyms barefoot.

Duct Tape Treatment

If your child or adolescent happens to contract plantars warts, there are some simple treatments you can implement to rid them of these growths. The most popular remedy used for children and adolescents is the duct tape treatment. It takes some time, but it is virtually painless so you shouldn’t hear any crying.

The duct tape method requires you to cover the affected area with duct tape for six consecutive days. Remove the duct tape every morning in order to peel away dead layers of skin and wash the affected area. If you wish, you may even use an emery board to file away more dead layers of skin from the plantars warts. Be sure to apply a fresh piece of tape and continue this process for the remainder of the six day period. After the sixth day you can completely remove the duct tape. If the wart has not disappeared, then you can repeat this process for up to three weeks. If the wart remains after three weeks, then you should consult your family doctor.

It may be virtually impossible to protect your children and adolescents from exposure to plantars warts but you can decrease the odds of them contracting these growths. If they do develop warts, the duct tape treatment should prove to be an effective remedy. As they progress into adulthood, your children may become immune to plantars warts. In the meantime, it is best to protect your household from this viral infection by examining your children’s feet, taking necessary precautions, and dealing with plantars warts as soon as they are found.