Children with genital warts

Children can be infected with genital warts:

  • At the time of birth if delivered vaginally. On rare occasions, infants can get wart growths in their throat (laryngeal papillomas) after vaginal delivery. The human papillomavirus may be present from birth but not active—a latent infection—in young children and may appear as visible warts up to 3 years later.
  • From touching their genital areas if they have warts on their hands.
  • If the child is sexually abused.

All children with genital warts should be evaluated by a health professional.



Author: Carrie Henley
Robin Parks, MS
Last Updated: November 16, 2006
Medical Review: Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine
Tom Bailey, MD - Family Medicine
Jeanne Marrazzo, MD, MPH - Infectious Disease

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