Helping Treat Common Childhood Skin Growths

Warts and molluscum contagiosum are common childhood skin concerns. Both are caused by viruses that affect the skin. They are usually harmless, but they can be bothersome, embarrassing, or irritating, and they can spread over time.

At Laurelwood Pediatrics, we can evaluate these skin lesions, discuss treatment options, and help families decide whether in-office treatment or observation is the best next step.

Warts

Warts can appear on the hands, feet, knees, or other areas. They may look like rough bumps, thickened skin, or painful spots on the bottom of the foot.

Parents may notice:

• Rough bumps on the fingers, hands, knees, or feet
• Painful spots on the bottom of the foot
• Warts that are spreading or increasing in number
• Warts that bleed when picked or irritated
• Embarrassment or frustration because of appearance
• Warts that do not improve with home treatment

Some warts go away on their own, but others may take a long time or need treatment.

Molluscum Contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum causes small, smooth bumps on the skin. These bumps may be flesh-colored, pink, or pearly and often have a small dimple in the center.

Molluscum lesions can spread from one area of skin to another, especially when children scratch or pick at them. They are common in children and often improve on their own over time.

Parents may notice:

• Small, smooth bumps on the skin
• Bumps with a central dimple
• Lesions that spread over time
• Irritation, redness, or itching around the bumps
• Lesions that become inflamed as they begin to resolve
• Concerns about appearance or spreading to siblings

Many cases of molluscum can be managed with observation, especially when lesions are not painful, irritated, or spreading quickly.

In-Office Treatment

Laurelwood Pediatrics offers cryotherapy for some warts when appropriate. Cryotherapy uses a freezing treatment to irritate the wart and encourage the body to clear it over time.

For molluscum contagiosum, some lesions may be treated with chemical ablation when treatment is appropriate. The goal is to irritate the lesion and help the body clear it.

Some warts or molluscum lesions may need more than one treatment. Depending on the size, number, and location, as well as your child’s comfort, we may recommend repeat visits, at-home care, or observation.

At-Home Care and Observation

Many warts can be treated at home with over-the-counter wart medications, such as salicylic acid products. These treatments usually require consistency and patience.

Molluscum contagiosum can often be watched without treatment. Observation may be the best option when lesions are few, mild, not bothering your child, and not causing significant irritation or spreading.

We can help families decide when to treat and when it is reasonable to wait.

When Referral Is Needed

Most warts and molluscum lesions can be managed with observation, at-home treatment, or in-office treatment. Occasionally, lesions are severe, widespread, painful, difficult to treat, or located in areas that require special care.

When needed, we can refer your child to a dermatologist for additional treatment options.

We’re Here to Help

If your child has warts or molluscum lesions that are painful, spreading, bothersome, or not improving, you do not have to manage them alone.

The pediatricians at Laurelwood Pediatrics can help with evaluation, cryotherapy for warts when appropriate, chemical ablation for molluscum when appropriate, at-home treatment recommendations, observation, and referral to a dermatologist when needed.

Get Effective Wart Treatment for Your Child Today

Laurelwood Pediatrics provides comprehensive wart treatment for children in Memphis, TN. Our physicians use proven methods to safely remove warts and restore your child's skin health. Since our founding in 1957, we've cared for Memphis families with evidence-based approaches backed by over 66 years of combined experience. Reach out to us to schedule your child's wart treatment consultation.

Signs Your Child May Need Wart Treatment

Warts can cause discomfort and self-consciousness in children. Recognizing when professional treatment is necessary helps prevent spreading and complications.

• Visible growths on hands, feet, or other body areas
• Discomfort or pain when walking or using hands
• Rapid spreading to other areas of the body
• Bleeding or changes in appearance
• Self-consciousness about visible skin lesions
• Over-the-counter treatments proving ineffective
• Warts appearing on face or genital area
• Recurring warts after previous treatment

Our locally owned practice offers 24-hour access to an on-call nurse for urgent concerns. Schedule an appointment through our patient portal for convenient care.

Why Choose Laurelwood Pediatrics

Our practice has served Memphis families since 1957. We combine decades of experience with compassionate, child-focused care in a comfortable environment.

• Six decades of pediatric care experience
• Convenient patient portal for existing patients
• Round-the-clock nurse access for urgent questions
• Acceptance of most commercial insurance carriers
• Community-focused, locally owned practice
• Proven wart removal techniques tailored to children
• Comprehensive follow-up care to prevent recurrence

Your child deserves effective treatment from physicians who understand pediatric dermatological concerns. We can help restore your child's comfort and confidence.

Contact Us

Warts can cause unnecessary discomfort for your child. Laurelwood Pediatrics offers safe, effective treatment options tailored to pediatric patients. Our experienced team is ready to evaluate your child's condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment approach.

Contact us today to schedule your appointment and move toward clear, healthy skin for your child.