Childhood rashes, skin conditions and infections: photos

by Francesca Whiting | May 2021 |

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  iStock.com / Petardj

  1 / 51

  Athlete's foot

  Athlete's foot is a type of fungal infection. If your baby has it, you may notice peeling skin between their toes. In more severe cases, the skin on their feet may crack and bleed. It can also be itchy for your little one, so you may notice them scratching their feet more than usual.
  
  If you think your baby has athlete's foot, take them to your local pharmacist. They'll be able to prescribe a cream to clear up the infection.
  
  Get tips on how to care for your child's feet to prevent athlete's foot.
  
  
• 

  Dr. P. Marazzi / Science Source

  2 / 51

  Baby acne

  If your baby has acne, they may have it at birth, but it usually shows up after a couple of weeks. It looks like small, red spots (pimples), and whiteheads may also develop, sometimes surrounded by reddish skin. On brown and black skin the spots may be harder to see and the skin surrounding the spots can look darker. The spots are likely to appear on your baby's cheeks, but may also appear on their forehead, chin and back.
  
  Learn more about baby acne.
  
  
• 

  BabyCenter Community Member

  3 / 51

  Detail: baby acne

  Your baby's spots will go away in a matter of weeks if you leave them alone. Avoid:
  
  

  • Touching or squeezing them.
  • Using any acne medication aimed at older children and adults.

  
  Get the lowdown on baby acne.
  
  
• Dr. P. Marazzi / Science Source

  4 / 51

  Bee sting

  A bee sting can be very painful. The area around a sting can quickly become red, swollen, and itchy, which can be uncomfortable for your baby.
  
  Read more about insect bites and stings and how to treat them.
  
  
• Dr. P. Marazzi / Science Source

  5 / 51

  Blepharitis

  Blepharitis is the name for redness and swelling around the edges of your baby's eyelid. It's usually caused by a skin condition such as dermatitis, or a bacterial infection.
  
  Blepharitis can make your baby's eyelashes appear crusty or greasy, and they may stick together. Your baby's eyelid may also burn or itch, and they may be upset and cry more than usual. However, blepharitis isn't normally serious, and it won't damage your baby's eye.
  
  Find out how to treat blepharitis and other eye problems.
  
  
• Dr. P. Marazzi / Science Source

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  Chalazion

  If your baby's eyelid looks like there's a bump under it, they may have a chalazion. This is a painless bump or cyst that can appear under the upper or lower eyelid. The cyst is caused by a blocked gland in your baby's eyelid.
  
  A chalazion is usually more annoying than painful for your baby. It should go away on its own after a month or so, though it can sometimes take longer. If your baby still has a chalazion after a month, see your doctor.
  
  Find out how to treat chalazions and other eye problems.
  
  
• brownskinmatters / instagram.com

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  Chickenpox

  The first symptoms of chickenpox can include:
  
  

  • fever
  • aches and pains
  • loss of appetite

  
  A chickenpox rash starts as little red spots that can appear anywhere on the body. On brown and black skin the spots may be harder to see. These then develop into tiny fluid-filled blisters, which eventually scab over. There may be so many spots that they join up or there may be just a few.
  
  Learn more about chickenpox.
  
  
• BioPhoto Associates / Science Source

  8 / 51

  Detail: chickenpox blister

  You can help your baby through a chickenpox infection by:
  
  

  • giving them plenty of fluids so they don't get dehydrated
  • bathing your baby in cool or tepid water
  • soothing your baby's skin with a moisturiser or cooling gel

  
  Discover how long it may take for your baby's chickenpox to clear up.
  
  
• CDC

  9 / 51

  Cold sores

  The first time your baby catches the cold sore virus, it will probably give them swollen gums and a sore mouth, which will make them drool. Your baby may also have a fever and swollen glands in their neck, and seem generally under the weather. Soon afterwards, you may notice painful blisters inside their mouth, which develop into ulcers. These can last for up to three weeks.
  
  The next time your baby gets a cold sore, the symptoms are likely to be much milder. Your baby will probably develop one or more blisters on or near their lips, which should clear up within a couple of weeks.
  
  Discover how to treat your baby's cold sore.
  
  
• Dr. P. Marazzi / Science Source

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  Conjunctivitis (pink eye)

  A pink watery eye may be a sign of conjunctivitis. Your baby's eye may also be more watery than usual, or you may notice a discharge that makes their eyelashes stick together. Conjunctivitis can be caused by an allergy or an infection.
  
  Infective conjunctivitis is caused by a bacterial or viral infection and it is very contagious. It often starts in one eye, but can easily spread to the other one, too.
  
  Find out how to treat your baby's conjunctivitis and when to take them to the doctor.
  
  
• BabyCenter Community Member

  11 / 51

  Cradle cap

  Cradle cap can look like a bad case of dandruff. It's common in newborns, and can show up as a red area on your baby's scalp, covered with greasy, yellow, scaly patches. On brown and black skin, cradle cap may look lighter or darker than the surrounding skin. Over time, the scales can become flaky so they rub off easily, just like dandruff, but often with bits of your baby's hair attached.
  
  Cradle cap can cover the whole of your baby's scalp. It can also appear on your baby's face and neck, and around their nappy area, armpits, and the backs of their knees.
  
  Discover how to treat your baby's cradle cap.
  
  
• Chris Priest / Science Source

  12 / 51

  Detail: cradle cap

  Your baby's cradle cap should disappear on its own within a few weeks or months. In the meantime, you can try regularly washing your baby's hair with baby shampoo, then loosening the flakes using a soft brush.
  
  Get more tips on treating your baby's cradle cap.
  
  
• BabyCenter Community Member

  13 / 51

  Eczema

  If your baby has eczema, they may have dry, itchy, red, and cracked areas of skin, which can sometimes ooze fluid and bleed. On brown and black skin eczema is brown, purple or grey, and can be difficult to see. It can appear anywhere on the body or face, but it's most likely to crop up in skin creases, such as around your baby's elbows, knees, wrists and neck.
  
  There may be times when your baby doesn't have any symptoms at all, and other times when their symptoms are more noticeable (flare-ups).
  
  Learn more about your baby's eczema.
  
  
• Dr. P. Marazzi / Science Source

  14 / 51

  Detail: eczema

  Speak to your GP if you think your baby has eczema. Treatments include:
  
  

  • Emollients to moisturise your baby's skin.
  • Corticosteroid cream to reduce swelling during flare-ups.

  
  Find out more about your baby's eczema.
  
  
• CDC

  15 / 51

  Erythema toxicum

  If your baby has erythema toxicum, it will appear as a red, blotchy rash, sometimes with little spots or small yellow-white pustules. It can appear anywhere on your baby's body, apart from the palms of their hands or the soles of their feet.
  
  In spite of the name, erythema toxicum isn't toxic, and shouldn't bother your baby. The rash will usually disappear on its own within a few days or weeks.
  
  Learn more about erythema toxicum.
  
  
• Dr. P. Marazzi / Science Source

  16 / 51

  Folliculitis

  Folliculitis happens when your baby's hair follicles become infected. If your baby has it, you'll notice little red or pus-filled spots around some of their hair follicles. These spots can appear anywhere on your baby's body that grows hair, most likely on their arms, legs, armpits or bottom.
  
  Most cases of folliculitis will get better on their own within 10 days. Keeping your baby's skin well moisturised may help it clear up faster. If your baby's folliculitis doesn't seem to be clearing up within a few days, see your GP. They may prescribe an antibiotic cream to help it clear up faster.
  
  
• Vincent / Public domain

  17 / 51

  Giant hogweed

  Giant hogweed grows wild in the UK. It can grow over three metres tall, and has white flowers that grow in umbrella-shaped clusters. If your baby touches the sap of this plant, it can make their skin extra-sensitive to the sun, which can cause serious burns.
  
  If you think your baby has touched sap from a giant hogweed plant, wash the sap off their skin as soon as possible using soap and cold water, and keep the area covered up and out of the sun for at least 48hrs. If you're concerned about your baby's burn, or if it covers a large area of skin, see your GP.
  
  Learn which other house and garden plants aren't safe for babies and children.
  
  
• brownskinmatters / instagram.com

  18 / 51

  Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD)

  The symptoms of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) include:
  
  

  • small blister-like sores
  • sore throat
  • fever

  
  The small blister-like sores will appear in your baby's mouth and on their hands and feet. They may also spread up your baby's legs and onto their bottom. The sores may be more difficult to see on brown and black skin, particularly in the early stages. It's best to check inside your baby's mouth and on the palms of their hands and soles of their feet, where the skin is usually lighter. The blisters may be extremely sore.
  
  Get the lowdown on hand, foot and mouth disease.
  
  
• Biophoto Associates / Science Source

  19 / 51

  Detail: hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD)

  There are things you can do to help your baby through hand, foot and mouth disease:
  
  

  • If it hurts for your baby to eat or drink, offer smaller but more frequent feeds of their usual milk.
  • If your baby has started solid foods, give them soft, easy-to-eat meals.
  • Baby teething gel may relieve your baby's mouth blisters.
  • Infant paracetamol or infant ibuprofen may help to relieve their pain and reduce their fever.

  
  Learn more about hand, foot and mouth disease and when to take your baby to a doctor.
  
  
• DermPics / ScienceSource

  20 / 51

  Heat rash

  Heat rash (also known as prickly heat, sweat rash or miliaria) is usually completely harmless. It happens because your baby's sweat glands aren't mature yet, so sweat can build up just under their skin, causing a rash.
  
  The rash is unlikely to bother your baby, though it can sometimes be a bit itchy and uncomfortable. It should go away on its own once your baby cools down.
  
  Learn more about heat rash, including ways to prevent it and when to see a pharmacist.
  
  
• iStock.com / konmesa

  21 / 51

  Hives (urticaria)

  If your baby has hives (also known as urticaria or nettle rash), they'll have raised, swollen patches on their skin, which will be very itchy. These often appear in response to some kind of trigger, such as an allergen or a mild infection.
  
  Hives are very common, and they're not contagious. They usually go away on their own within a few hours or days, though they can come back.
  
  Learn about other common triggers for hives, and how to make your baby more comfortable.
  
  
• Dr. P. Marazzi / Science Source

  22 / 51

  Impetigo

  Your baby's impetigo will probably first appear as blisters around their nose and mouth, but it can spread to other parts of their face or body. Depending on the type of impetigo, the blisters may be tiny and burst easily, or be larger and take a few days to burst.
  
  Once the blisters have burst and dried, a scabby tan or yellow-brown crust will form. The crusts will gradually heal and won't leave scars.
  
  Impetigo isn't usually painful, but it can be itchy. Your baby may also have a temperature and swollen lymph glands in their face or neck.
  
  Discover what to do if you think your little one has impetigo.
  
  
• iStock.com / Petardj

  23 / 51

  Ingrown toenail

  A toenail becomes ingrown when it starts to grow into the skin of the toe around it. This is most likely to affect your baby's big toe, but can happen on any toe. It can be uncomfortable for your baby, but there are things you can do at home to help.
  
  Try soaking your baby's foot in warm water three or four times a day, and keep it dry the rest of the time. Let them go barefoot as much as possible. If they're walking, make sure their shoes are wide enough for their feet. Don't try to cut your baby's toenail, or pick at it, as these can make the problem worse.
  
  If your baby's ingrowing toenail is really bothering them, you can give them the appropriate dose of infant paracetamol or ibuprofen. See your GP if:
  
  

  • there are signs of infection, such as swelling or pus, which don't get better within a few days
  • your baby develops a fever, which can be another sign of infection
  • your baby has diabetes

  
  If the toenail is infected, your GP can prescribe antibiotics to clear it up. In some cases, your doctor may refer you to a specialist, who may recommend a minor procedure to remove part or all of the nail.
  
  Get tips on how to care for your child's feet to prevent ingrowing toenails.
  
  
• Dr. P. Marazzi / Science Source

  24 / 51

  Jaundice

  More than half of all babies develop a yellowish tinge to their skin in the first few days after birth. If your baby has brown or black skin, you are more likely to notice a yellow tinge to the white of their eyes, or on the palms of their hands or soles of their feet.
  
  If your baby was born full term, it will usually take a week or two for their skin and eye colour to return to normal. It may take a bit longer if they were born early.
  
  Learn more about jaundice.
  
  
• Catherine Mchomvu for BabyCenter

  25 / 51

  Detail: jaundice

  Jaundice happens when too much of a natural chemical called bilirubin builds up in your baby's body. Whether or not your baby needs hospital treatment will depend on your baby’s bilirubin levels.
  
  Find out when your baby's jaundice might need treatment.
  
  
• Photo Researchers / Science Source

  26 / 51

  Lyme disease

  Sometimes, a tick bite can lead to lyme disease. This is a serious bacterial infection that needs prompt treatment. If your baby is bitten by a tick, look out for a spreading rash or ring around the site of the bite. If you spot this, take your baby to your GP.
  
  Find out how to remove a tick on your baby.
  
  
• Lowell Georgia / Science Source

  27 / 51

  Measles

  If your baby has measles, their first symptoms can include:
  
  

  • runny nose
  • fever
  • cough
  • sore, red, swollen eyes
  • small white spots in their mouth

  
  Two to four days after these symptoms start, a red, blotchy rash will develop on your baby's head and neck. On brown and black skin, the rash can be harder to see. This will then spread to the rest of their body, developing a bumpy texture. It may also be itchy for your baby.
  
  As the rash appears, your baby's fever may rise. The rash usually lasts about five days, turning a brownish colour as it fades.
  
  Discover what to do if you think your baby has measles.
  
  
• Mediscan / Alamy Stock Photo

  28 / 51

  Meningitis

  Meningitis is a serious infection that can develop very quickly. The most distinctive feature is a rash that doesn't disappear when you press a glass to it. The rash can be harder to see on brown and black skin. Check paler areas of your baby's body, such as the soles of the feet, the palms and the tummy. But the rash doesn't always appear, and when it does, the infection is usually already advanced. Earlier symptoms may include:
  
  

  • fever
  • general flu-like symptoms
  • unusually shrill crying
  • not wanting to be touched
  • vomiting or refusing food
  • a stiff neck or body

  
  If you suspect your baby may have meningitis, see a doctor straight away: don't wait.
  
  Learn more about how to tell if your baby has meningitis.
  
  
• Photo Researchers / Science Source

  29 / 51

  Milia

  Milia are tiny, slightly raised white spots that may appear on your baby's face, usually across their nose, cheeks, chin, forehead, or around their eyes. They can also crop up on your baby's chest.
  
  Almost half of all babies develop milia. They're caused by blocked pores, and are completely harmless for your baby.
  
  Discover how long it may take for your baby's milia to clear up.
  
  
• brownskinmatters / instagram.com

  30 / 51

  Molluscum contagiosum (water warts)

  Molluscum contagiosum appears as small, raised, dome-shaped spots. They're typically pink or red on white skin or a beige colour on brown and black skin. Each spot has a dimple in the middle, and there are usually about 20 to 30 spots at any one time.
  
  The spots can appear anywhere on your child's body, often the chest, tummy, back, armpits, behind the knees or around their nappy area. They shouldn't be painful for your little one, though they can sometimes be uncomfortably itchy.
  
  Discover what to do if you think your child may have molluscum contagiosum.
  
  
• Dr. P. Marazzi / Science Source

  31 / 51

  Detail: molluscum contagiosum (water warts)

  The spots almost always clear up by themselves so treatment isn't usually recommended. However, it's still a good idea to visit your GP, just so they can confirm what's causing the spots, and check for any signs of infection.
  
  Find out more about molluscum contagiosum.
  
  
• Voisin / Phanie / Science Source

  32 / 51

  Mosquito bite

  A mosquito bite can leave an itchy, raised bump on your baby's skin. Use a cold compress to soothe the itching, and then try to stop your baby from scratching the bite. Keep your baby's nails short so that they can't scratch too hard. If the bite seems to be bothering your baby, ask your pharmacist for a soothing cream.
  
  Discover how to treat insect bites and stings.
  
  
• Dr. P. Marazzi / Science Source

  33 / 51

  Mouth ulcer

  Mouth ulcers are sores that can appear anywhere in the mouth, most often on the inside of the cheek or lips. They usually look white or pale yellow, though the area around them may look red or swollen.
  
  Your baby may just get the one ulcer, or several at once. They're not usually very painful, though they can be uncomfortable for your little one.
  
  Your baby may have got an ulcer from accidently biting their cheek or lip, or perhaps a sharp piece of food cut your baby's mouth a little. Illness or tiredness can also trigger ulcers.
  
  Mouth ulcers aren't contagious, and they usually clear up on their own within 10 to 14 days. In the meantime, a mouth ulcer can make eating uncomfortable for your baby, so try feeding them softer foods.
  
  Brushing your baby's teeth extra carefully with a soft toothbrush will also help. See your GP if the ulcer lasts for more than a few weeks, keeps coming back, or seems to be very painful for your baby.
  
  
• Dr. P. Marazzi / Science Source

  34 / 51

  Nappy rash

  Nappy rash causes a red puffy rash around your baby's genitals, bottom, and the folds of their thighs. The rash can sometimes look pimply, and may feel warm to the touch. Your baby may often get nappy rash during their first year, and wetness is the main cause, though thrush can also contribute.
  
  Discover the best ways to prevent and treat nappy rash.
  
  
• Dr. P. Marazzi / Science Source

  35 / 51

  Oral thrush

  White spots or patches in your baby's mouth may be a sign of thrush. These patches will look a little like cottage cheese or milk curds. Your baby's mouth may be quite sore and they might be reluctant to feed.
  
  Discover what to do if you think your baby may have thrush.
  
  
• Dr. P. Marazzi / Science Source

  36 / 51

  Ear infection (otitis media)

  Pus coming out of your baby's ear is a sure sign of an ear infection. Your baby will probably also have a fever and be generally unwell.
  
  Discover what causes ear infections and how to treat them.
  
  
• Dr. P. Marazzi / Science Source

  37 / 51

  Papular urticaria

  Papular urticaria is a mild allergic reaction to an insect bite or sting, often from fleas, mites or bed bugs. It causes itchy, red bumps around the site of a bite, which can sometimes develop into fluid-filled blisters.
  
  Papular urticaria usually clears up by itself, though it can sometimes come back if your child gets another bite or sting. In most cases, it stops coming back, or becomes milder, as your child grows. If the spots or blisters are bothering your baby, or there's any sign of infection, see your GP.
  
  Learn more about treating insect bites and stings.
  
  
• Scott Camazine / Science Source

  38 / 51

  Poison ivy, oak and sumac

  Poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac are plants that usually grow in the US, but are sometimes imported to the UK. If your baby comes into contact with one of these plants, they may have an allergic reaction that will cause a rash. This will appear on your baby's skin as swollen, red patches, which will develop into blisters a day or two later. The blisters will crust over after few days, but they will be very itchy in the meantime.
  
  Poison ivy, oak, and sumac rashes usually get better on their own within about two weeks, though severe cases can last for up to a month. If you're worried about your baby's rash, or if it covers large areas of skin, see your GP.
  
  Discover which other house and garden plants aren't safe for your baby.
  
  
• brownskinmatters / instagram.com

  39 / 51

  Ringworm

  In spite of the name, ringworm is caused by a fungal infection, and has nothing to do with worms. If your baby has it, they'll have a rash that looks like one or several red rings, which can appear anywhere on the body. On brown and black skin, the affected areas will look darker than the rest of the skin. The rings will be crusty or scaly on the outside and smooth in the middle. They may also feel itchy. As the fungus grows, the rings get larger, ranging in size from a few millimetres to a few centimetres.
  
  Ringworm can also affect your little one's scalp, though this is less common in young babies. Scalp ringworm can be dry and crusty, or moist and filled with pus. It is easy to confuse ringworm with dandruff or cradle cap.
  
  Discover what causes ringworm.
  
  
• Biophoto Associates / Science Source

  40 / 51

  Detail: ringworm

  Get a diagnosis from your doctor or pharmacist before attempting to treat ringworm. Ringworm on the body is treated with an antifungal cream. This will get rid of ringworm after between two weeks and four weeks, depending which cream you're using.
  
  Discover how to prevent a ringworm infection happening again.
  
  
• Photo Researchers / Science Source

  41 / 51

  Roseola

  The first symptoms of roseola include:
  
  

  • sudden fever of 38 degrees C to 42 degrees C
  • runny nose, cough or sore throat
  • puffy eyes
  • swollen glands in your baby's neck
  • mild diarrhoea

  
  Your baby may also seem generally under the weather and not feel like eating much. Their fever may last for three days to four days before suddenly disappearing. Once the fever subsides a pinkish-red spotty rash appears. The rash may be harder to see on brown and black skin. It's most likely to start on your baby's chest, and tummy or back, but can spread anywhere on their body. It usually fades within a few days.
  
  Discover what to do if you think your baby has roseola.
  
  
• MissHayes

  42 / 51

  Rubella (German measles)

  The first sign of rubella is small, pinkish-red spots that first appear on your baby's face and neck, and then spread elsewhere on their body. If your baby has brown or black skin, it can be harder to see the spots (as you can see from the above image), but you may notice that their skin feels rough or bumpy.
  
  Some children feel totally fine while they have rubella, but your little one may develop other symptoms, such as:
  
  

  • fever
  • stuffy or runny nose
  • red inflamed eyes
  • swollen glands

  
  Find out how rubella is spread.
• Dr. P. Marazzi / Science Source

  43 / 51

  Detail: rubella (German measles)

  See your doctor if you think your child has rubella. Give the surgery a call first though, and let them know why you're booking the appointment. Rubella is very infectious, and can be dangerous for pregnant women.
  
  Find out more about treating rubella.
• Dr. P. Marazzi / Science Source

  44 / 51

  Scabies

  If your baby gets scabies, they'll develop an extremely itchy, bumpy rash. The rash can be harder to see on brown and black skin. Check paler areas of your baby's skin, such as their wrists, fingers, palms of their hands and soles of their feet.
  
  The rash often starts around the hands or feet, and can spread to the whole body. You may also notice little silvery lines on your baby's skin.
  
  Learn more about scabies.
  
  
• brownskinmatters / instagram.com

  45 / 51

  Detail: scabies

  See your doctor if you think your baby has scabies. They will prescribe an insecticide cream that you'll need to spread over your baby's body. Even parts of their body that don't seem to be infected must be treated.
  
  Find out more about treating scabies.
  
  
• Biophoto Associates / Science Source

  46 / 51

  Scarlet fever (scarlatina)

  If your baby has scarlet fever, their first symptoms will probably be:
  
  

  • sore throat
  • headache
  • fever
  • swollen glands
  • nausea or vomiting

  
  Up to two days after your little one starts feeling under the weather, they'll develop the scarlet fever rash. This looks a bit like sunburn, and feels a bit like sandpaper. The rash is harder to see on brown and black skin, but you'll still be able to feel the rough texture. It usually starts on the chest or stomach, before spreading to the rest of their body.
  
  Discover what to do if you think your little one has scarlet fever.
  
  
• Dr. H.C. Robinson / Science Source

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  Slapped cheek syndrome

  If your baby has slapped cheek syndrome, they will have a blotchy red rash on their cheeks. A red, lacy rash may also appear on their body and limbs. They may have a slight fever and feel achy and flu-like. Or they may have no other symptoms at all.
  
  Discover what causes slapped cheek syndrome and how to treat it.
  
  
• Western Ophthalmic Hospital / Science Source

  48 / 51

  Stye

  If your baby has a stye, you'll notice a small red or yellow bump, on or in their eyelid. A stye can be uncomfortable for your baby, particularly when they touch it. Their eyes may also water more than usual.
  
  Discover what causes styes and how to treat them.
  
  
• Dr. P. Marazzi / Science Source

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  Tonsillitis

  Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils, the almond-shaped glands that bulge out on both sides of the back of your child's throat. You may be able to see it by looking into their mouth - his tonsils may look red and swollen, and there may be white spots on them.
  
  Other signs of tonsillitis include:
  
  

  • a sore throat, which can make it hard for your little one to swallow
  • general cold and flu symptoms, such as a cough, headache, earache, or seeming generally under the weather
  • fever
  • swollen glands in his neck
  • bad breath

  
  Discover what to do if you think your baby has tonsillitis.
  
  
• SPL / Science Source

  50 / 51

  Umbilical hernia

  A hernia is a lump under the skin, in the tummy or groin. A hernia happens because your baby's muscles haven't developed fully. An umbilical hernia occurs around the tummy button and affects up to one in six babies. It's more common in some ethnic groups, particularly babies of African descent.
  
  Learn more about how to tell if your baby has a hernia and when hernias need treatment.
  
  
• Biophoto Associates / Science Source

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  Warts and verrucas

  If your baby has common warts, they're most likely to appear on their hands, though they can appear elsewhere. They look like raised, grainy bumps. The bumps will probably be the same colour as your baby's skin, but they may also be lighter or darker. The warts often contain one or more little black dots.
  
  There are other types of warts, too:
  
  

  • Flat warts are smaller and smoother than common warts. They are most likely to appear on your baby's face.
  • Verrucas (plantar warts). These are likely to appear on the soles of your baby's feet and can be quite painful.

  
  Most warts will go away without treatment within a couple of months, although some can take several years. Warts can sometimes be treated if they bother your baby so talk to your pharmacist if you're worried.
  
  More information:
  
  

  • Check out our photo gallery of common birthmarks.
  • Learn more about when to take your baby to the doctor.
  • Find out when to keep your little one home from childcare.

Francesca Whiting

Francesca Whiting is an editor at BabyCentre. She’s responsible for making sure BabyCentre’s health content is accurate, helpful and easy to understand.

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