Staying Healthy in Child Care - National Health and Medical ...

Warts (common, plane and plantar)
Description
Warts are thickenings of the skin, usually round or oval shaped, and clearly different
from the surrounding skin. Warts are caused by a virus infection of the skin (Human
papillomavirus). The virus enters the skin through scratches or other damage to the
skin. People cannot get warts from animals 92 . There are many types of warts.
Common warts develop on the skin of children and adolescents. They mainly occur
on the knuckles, backs of hands and knees. Occasionally, common warts come out in
a crop. They are usually raised and separate from each other. They are spread by skinto-skin
contact such as holding hands.
Plane warts are flat-topped. They are most commonly found on the face and on the
back of the hands. They occur in lines where the virus has infected a scratch.
Plantar warts occur on the soles of the feet. They are found mostly in older children
and adolescents. Infection can come from walking with bare feet on wet floors such as
in school or swimming pool change rooms. Plantar warts can be quite painful, unlike
other warts.
Incubation period
2-3 months 93 , but ranges from 1–20 months.
Infectious period
Unknown, but if untreated probably as long as warts can be seen.
Exclusion period
Nil.
Responsibilities of child care providers/staff
Report the infection to the director.
Responsibilities of parents
Advise children not to pick or scratch at warts. Wash hands after any contact with
warts.
Controlling the spread of infection
Avoid direct contact with warts.
Make sure that effective hand washing and cleaning procedures are being practised.
Treat warts if the affected area is exposed (for example, on the hands or legs). After
treatment the warts are not contagious.
The wart virus may enter via moist skin surfaces, such as abrasions and cuts.
Therefore it is important to get children to:
• dry hands well after washing them;
• cover abrasions and cuts with a clean dressing; and
• wear shoes to protect the feet.
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