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 baby.
Causes of warts in children
Adolescents and children going through puberty are at risk, since at this stage of life, due to changes in hormonal levels, the body weakens and immunity deteriorates. Since this disease is a type of benign tumor, its course and treatment must be monitored by a doctor. It is easy to get infected with papilloma viruses, they are transmitted by the carrier. They enter the body through diaper rash, minor injuries, scratches and may not appear for a long time. Warts in children often appear on the surface of the skin, mucous membrane of the nose and larynx. The latent period of development lasts from one month to six months after reproduction, the virus affects 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 can scratch it, transferring the virus to healthy areas, including the mucous membrane of the mouth and nose;
- from the mother. If the mother's genitals are affected by papillomas, she can infect the baby during birth;
- through everyday objects. These can be other people's toys, clothes, shoes, touching an infected child with a healthy child, hugs.
The baby can also be infected through the placenta while in the mother's womb.
The main causes of warts in children include:
- hormonal imbalances (typical for teenagers);
- diseases that have become chronic;
- frequent colds, for example, flu, ARVI, acute respiratory infections;
- stress, fatigue (typical for school students);
- lack of vitamins (against this background, vitamin deficiency develops);
- injuries, diaper rashes, which lead to damage to the integrity of the skin;
- communication with a virus carrier;
- wearing smaller clothing (including shoes).
With low activity, little physical activity, insufficient personal hygiene or visits to baths or swimming pools, you can become infected with the human papillomavirus (HPV). Infection can occur at school, transport, while walking on the street, in public places. Consider! Parents should teach their child from childhood to wash their hands with soap after going outside and after damaging the skin.
Types of warts in children
A child's warts 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 of them, then they can be joined to form a root;
- flat (another name for young people). They often join, forming a root, usually small in size and can be lined up in a row;
- thorn. They arise in the sole area, grow deep, which negatively affects the nerve endings;
- filiform. Large, hanging, 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 shade. The back causes pain while walking, it is recommended not to postpone the visit to the doctor. Filiform warts can appear on the face and neck, which not only cause discomfort, but also look unaesthetic. Among the presented list, there may be situations when warts are removed for children, the treatment is carried out under the supervision of a doctor.
When you see a doctor
The first signs are reason to consult a dermatologist. Remember that warts in children do not go away on their own; Such warts grow deep in the skin, causing discomfort, various diseases and health problems. The virus will deplete the child's immune system, he will become lethargic, inactive and often 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 conduct an examination and choose an effective treatment.
Removal of warts in children
If the papilloma is in an open area, the child should remove the wart immediately. To do this, professional doctors use the following methods:
- operation;
- electrocoagulation;
- use of laser;
- cryotherapy.
During the operation, 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", location, multiple or single, etc.
operation
This method is not suitable for small children. Before starting the procedure, local anesthesia is given and the removal is performed with a scalpel. Then comes the postoperative period, the duration of which reaches several weeks. This is necessary to avoid infection in the wound. The operation is performed in a clinic.
Electrocoagulation
The procedure involves the use of a special apparatus consisting of an electrode shaped like a loop. The loop 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 method of treatment after the procedure, the area is treated with an antiseptic. A crust forms at the removal site, which disappears after a week (maximum 10 days). A scar may remain at the site of formation.
Laser application
An effective treatment method that is non-contact. Laser rays penetrate deep into the skin, affecting only the affected area and there is no bleeding. This is a painless removal method, the procedure takes a few minutes, the wound heals without side effects or complications. The advantage of the method is the absence of marks on the skin surface, which is important for open areas.
Cryotherapy
The procedure involves the use of liquid nitrogen, the wart is raised 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 small children. Regardless of the method used, after the procedure you should make every effort to strengthen the baby's immune system. This will help to avoid the re-formation of papillomas.
Treatment
Treatment of warts in children is carried out under the supervision of a doctor. The specialist can prescribe the removal of the papilloma and choose an intensive course of treatment consisting of medications. There are cases when warts on a child's leg are treated with a special patch, solution or using folk remedies. Consider! Folk remedies act as a preventive or additional method to the main drug treatment, but do not act as a special way to get rid of warts.
Folk remedies
There are vegetables that have the same effect (freezing, relief of inflammation, cauterization) as various medications and procedures. A wart on a child's leg or hands - what can be used:
- potatoes. Use it to make a compress at night;
- celandine. The liquid 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 it in a sterile napkin and apply it 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 is completely dry;
- honey and onion, mix honey with onion juice. This method is not recommended if you are allergic to honey;
- tomato. Apply tomato pulp to the wart once a day.
Wormwood oil helps well and can be mixed with olive oil. Lubricate the area 4 times a day. The use of any medical product should be done under the supervision of a doctor. Consider! If, after using folk remedies, the growth has dried up and fallen off, there is no guarantee that the wart has completely disappeared, it may remain in the middle, so it will soon appear again.
Warts on the back, face, nose - how to treat it
These are special areas where the skin is delicate and sensitive. It is necessary to remove the papillomas here with extreme care so that no marks remain (especially when it comes to the face area). The first stage of treatment is medication, a dermatologist can prescribe a mild ointment, which should be used at night. Medicines that stimulate the immune system may also be prescribed to the child. To remove papillomas on the face or back, experts recommend using laser therapy. This will allow you to avoid scars after the procedure.
Tips for parents
To avoid the formation of warts in children, teach your child hygiene, the use of personal soap and towels from childhood. Parents should monitor how accurately and carefully the child follows their recommendations. Washing hands is the first thing a child should do after going outside and before eating. It is necessary to provide your child with healthy food. It should consist of products containing calcium, fluoride and iron. Include fermented milk products, fish, whole grains, vegetables and fruits in your diet. Cereals such as pearl barley and oatmeal. Food should contain a full range of vitamins and microelements.
Walking in the fresh air and sports are integral elements of a child's life. This is what will help strengthen the baby's immunity. If a child is injured, for example, falls and develops a wound, treat it with an antiseptic. Minimal stress – maximum benefit for the child. If a wart appears, make an appointment with a pediatric dermatologist. Do not self-medicate, this can make the situation worse.