Not only adults, but also children experience warts. Their appearance indicates the presence of papilloma viruses in the body. Warts in children are a benign formation, the result of a weakened immune system of the child.
Causes of warts in children
Adolescents and children going through puberty are at risk, since at this stage of life, due to changes in hormone levels, the body weakens and the immune system deteriorates. Since this disease is a type of benign tumor, its course and treatment should be monitored by a doctor. It is easy to contract the human papilloma virus; are transmitted by the bearer. They enter the body through diaper rash, minor wounds, abrasions and may not manifest themselves for a long time. Warts in children often appear on the surface of the skin, on the mucosa of the nose and larynx. The latent period of development lasts from one month to six months after reproduction, the virus affects the DNA cells;
Warts in a child on the hands or other parts of the body appear as a result of:
- independent infection. If a child has a wart, he or she can scratch it, transferring the virus to healthy areas, including the mucous membranes of the mouth and nose;
- from mother. If the mother's genital organs are affected by papillomas, she can infect the baby during childbirth;
- through everyday objects. It could be other people's toys, clothes, shoes, the touch of an infected child with a healthy child, hugs.
The baby can also be infected through the placenta while in the womb.
The main causes of warts in children include:
- hormonal imbalances (typical of adolescents);
- illnesses that have become chronic;
- frequent colds, for example, flu, ARVI, acute respiratory infections;
- stress, fatigue (typical of schoolchildren);
- lack of vitamins (in this context, a vitamin deficiency develops);
- lesions, diaper rash, leading to violation of the integrity of the skin;
- communication with a carrier of the virus;
- wear smaller clothing (including shoes).
With low activity, little physical activity, insufficient personal hygiene or visiting bathhouses or swimming pools, you can contract the human papillomavirus (HPV). Infection can occur at school, in transport, while walking on the street, in public places. Take note! Parents need to teach their children from childhood to wash their hands with soap after going outside and after damaging their skin.
Types of warts in children
A child's wart on a finger, arm or leg can be one or several. The main types of warts in children include:
- simple. They are also called ordinary or vulgar. This is the most common type. If there are several, they can join together to form a root;
- flat (another name for young). They often merge, forming a single root, usually small, and can align on a single line;
- thorns. They arise in the sole area, grow deep, which negatively affects the nerve endings;
- filiform. Large, sagging, finger-shaped skin, natural color.
If the skin in the affected area has a gray or brown tint, this indicates the presence of a vulgar wart. Juvenile warts have a yellow or burgundy tint. Thorns cause pain when walking, it is advisable not to postpone a visit to the doctor. Filiform warts may appear on the face and neck, which not only cause discomfort, but also have an unsightly appearance. In the presented list there may be situations when warts are removed in children, the treatment is carried out under the supervision of a doctor;
When to see a doctor
The first signs are a reason to consult a dermatologist. Remember that warts in children do not go away on their own; a formed papilloma will lead to the formation of others which can join to form a root; Such warts grow deep into the skin, causing discomfort, various diseases and health problems. The virus will deplete the child's immune system, which will become lethargic, inactive and will often be susceptible to various diseases. The professional clinic employs qualified doctors, uses modern equipment and the latest treatment methods. Make an appointment with a dermatologist, he will carry out an examination and select an effective treatment.
Removal of warts in children
If the papilloma is located in an open area, the child must remove the wart immediately. To do this, professional doctors use the following methods:
- operation;
- electrocoagulation;
- use of laser;
- cryotherapy.
During surgery, warts are removed in children using a scalpel. In all other cases, special equipment is used. The choice of removal method depends on various factors: benign or malignant formation, its "age", localization, multiple or single, etc.
Operation
This method does not apply to young children. Before starting the procedure, local anesthesia is administered and removal is performed with a scalpel. Next comes the postoperative period, the duration of which reaches several weeks. This is necessary to avoid infection in the wound. The surgery is performed in a clinic.
Electrocoagulation
The procedure involves the use of a special device consisting of a loop-shaped electrode. The ring is heated using an electric current applied to the affected area, and under the influence of high temperature, the papilloma is destroyed.
You can remove a wart from a child in this way under local or general anesthesia.
This is an effective treatment method; after the procedure, the area is treated with an antiseptic. A scab forms at the site of removal which disappears after a week (maximum 10 days). A scar may remain at the site of formation.
Laser application
An effective non-contact treatment method. The laser beams penetrate deep into the skin, affecting only the affected area and without bleeding. This is a painless removal method, the procedure lasts a few minutes, the wound heals without side effects or complications. The advantage of the method is the absence of marks on the surface of the skin, which is important for open areas.
Cryotherapy
The procedure involves the use of liquid nitrogen, the wart is frozen under the influence of low temperatures. The procedure does not cause bleeding; several sessions are required to completely remove the papilloma. A scar may remain; after the procedure, a blister appears at the site of formation, which over time turns into a crust and disappears. The procedure is not recommended for young children. Regardless of the method used, after the procedure every effort should be made to strengthen the child's immune system. This will help avoid the reformation of papillomas.
Treatment
Treatment of warts in children is carried out under the supervision of a doctor. The specialist can prescribe both the removal of the papilloma and the selection of an intensive course of treatment consisting of drugs. There are cases when warts on a child's leg are treated with a plaster, solution or using special folk remedies. Take note! Folk remedies act as a preventive or additional method to the main drug treatment, but do not act as a separate way to eliminate warts.
Folk remedies
There are vegetables that have the same effect (freezing, relieving inflammation, cauterizing) as drugs and various procedures. A wart on the leg or hands of a child – what can be used:
- potato. Use it to make a night compress;
- celandine. The juice is applied to the wart three times a day;
- celandine herb. It is mixed with medical petroleum jelly and applied to the site of the disease;
- garlic. Wrap in a sterile napkin and apply to the papilloma for 20 minutes;
- apple cider vinegar. It is mixed with water 2: 1, a swab is applied to the affected area;
- aloe. Apply the sheet to the wart, wrap the area with a bandage, change the sheet after it has completely dried;
- honey and onion, mix honey with onion juice. This method is not recommended if you are allergic to honey;
- tomato. Apply tomato pulp on the wart once a day.
Wormwood oil helps well; it can also be mixed with olive oil. Lubricate the area 4 times a day. The use of any medical product must be under the supervision of a doctor. Take note! If, after using folk remedies, the wart has dried up and fallen off, there is no guarantee that the wart has been completely eradicated, it may remain in the center and then will soon reappear;
Wart on the back, face, nose: how to treat
These are special areas where the skin is delicate and sensitive. It is necessary to remove papillomas here with extreme caution so that no scars remain (especially when it comes to the facial area). The first phase of treatment involves medication; a dermatologist may prescribe a gentle ointment, to be used at night. The child may also be prescribed drugs that stimulate the immune system. To remove papillomas on the face or back, experts recommend using laser therapy. This will allow you to avoid scarring after the procedure.
Advice for parents
To avoid the formation of warts in children, teach your child hygiene, the use of soap and personal towels from childhood. Parents should monitor the correctness and attention with which the child follows their recommendations. Washing hands is the first thing a child should do after walking outside and before eating. It is necessary to provide your child with healthy nutrition. It should consist of products containing calcium, fluoride and iron. Include fermented milk products, fish, cereals, vegetables and fruits in your diet. Grains like pearl barley and oatmeal. Food must contain a full range of vitamins and trace elements.
Walking outdoors and playing sports are an integral part of a child's life. This is what will help strengthen the child's immunity. If a child is injured, for example, falls and a wound forms, treat it with an antiseptic. Minimum stress – maximum benefit for the child. If a wart appears, make an appointment with a pediatric dermatologist. Don't self-medicate, this could make the situation worse.