Pediatric Thumb Lesion: Diagnostic Evaluation of a Suspected Wart

Case at a Glance

A 7-year-old male presented with a concerning lesion on his thumb that his parents suspected might be a wart. The family sought medical guidance for proper identification and treatment recommendations.

Patient's Story

The parents of a 7-year-old boy noticed an unusual growth on their child's thumb and became concerned about its nature and potential treatment needs. They were uncertain whether the lesion was a common wart or another type of skin condition requiring different management.

Initial Assessment

Upon clinical examination, the lesion on the patient's thumb was evaluated for characteristic features of common warts, including surface texture, borders, and overall appearance. Digital photographs were taken to document the lesion's morphology.

The Diagnostic Journey

The clinical presentation was consistent with a common wart (verruca vulgaris). The lesion displayed typical characteristics including a rough, hyperkeratotic surface with small dark spots representing thrombosed capillaries. The location on the thumb is a common site for viral warts in children due to frequent hand contact and minor trauma.

Final Diagnosis

Common wart (verruca vulgaris) on the thumb

Treatment Plan

Over-the-counter wart treatment was recommended as first-line therapy. Options include topical salicylic acid preparations applied according to manufacturer instructions. Parents were advised to follow proper application techniques and monitor for treatment response.

Outcome and Follow-up

The family expressed satisfaction with the diagnosis and treatment recommendations. They were counseled on realistic expectations for wart treatment, including potential treatment duration and the benign nature of the condition. Follow-up was recommended if the lesion failed to respond to conservative treatment or if new concerns arose.