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Common Warts — SCE Dermatology MCQ

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HardCutaneous InfectionCommon WartsSCE Dermatology

An immunocompetent 8-year-old has two asymptomatic common warts on a finger for three months. Neither the child nor parent wants painful treatment. Which approach is best supported?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: COffer observation with safety-netting because spontaneous resolution is common and treatment may hurt

Explanation lettering: C = shown as A · D = shown as B · E = shown as C · B = shown as D · A = shown as E

E is correct. Most warts in immunocompetent children resolve spontaneously, and treatment is optional when lesions are asymptomatic and acceptable. Salicylic acid or cryotherapy can be offered when treatment is desired, but both require persistence and can irritate or hurt. Antibiotics, excision for cancer prevention and topical immunosuppression are inappropriate.

Reference: NICE CKS: warts and verrucae: https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/warts-verrucae/