Not only adults, but also children suffer from 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, because at this stage of life, due to hormonal changes, the body weakens and immunity deteriorates. Since this disease is a type of benign tumor, its course and treatment should be monitored by a doctor. It is easy to become infected with papilloma viruses; they are transmitted by the carrier. 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 mucous membranes of the nose and larynx. The latent development period 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 or she may scratch it, thereby transferring the virus to healthy areas, including the mucous membranes of the mouth and nose;
- of the mother. If the mother's genitals are affected by papillomas, she can infect the baby during childbirth;
- through everyday objects. This can be other people's toys, clothes, shoes, contact of an infected baby with a healthy child, hugs.
The baby can also become infected through the placenta while in the mother's 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 (against this background, vitamin deficiency develops);
- injuries, diaper rash, leading to disruption of the integrity of the skin;
- communication with a virus carrier;
- wear smaller clothes (including shoes).
With low activity, little physical activity, insufficient personal hygiene or visiting public baths or swimming pools, you can become infected with the human papilloma virus (HPV). Infection can occur at school, in transport, while walking on the street, in public places. Attention ! Parents should teach their child 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 more. 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, then they can merge to form a single root;
- dish (another name for young). They often merge to form a single root, usually small, and may line up in a single line;
- thorns. They arise at the level of the sole, develop deeply, which negatively affects the nerve endings;
- filiform. Natural skin color, large, sagging, finger-shaped.
If the skin in the affected area has a gray or brown tint, this indicates the presence of a common wart. Juvenile warts have a yellow or burgundy tint. Thorns cause pain when walking, it is recommended not to delay the visit to the doctor. Filiform warts can appear on the face and neck, which not only cause discomfort, but also look unsightly. Among the presented list there may be situations in which warts are removed in children; 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 disappear on their own: one formed papilloma will lead to the formation of others, they can unite to form a single root; These warts grow deep in the skin, causing discomfort, various diseases and health problems. The virus will deplete the child's immune system, they will become lethargic, inactive and will often be susceptible to various illnesses. 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 select an effective treatment.
Removing warts in children
If the papilloma is in an open area, the child should immediately remove the wart. To do this, professional doctors use the following methods:
- operation;
- electrocoagulation;
- laser use;
- 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", location, multiple or single, etc.
Operation
This method does not apply to small children. Before starting the procedure, local anesthesia is administered and removal is carried out with a scalpel. Then comes the postoperative period, the duration of which reaches several weeks. This is necessary to avoid infection of the wound. The operation is carried out in a clinic.
Electrocoagulation
The procedure involves the use of a special device consisting of a loop-shaped electrode. 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 under local or general anesthesia.
This is an effective treatment method; 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, contactless treatment method. The laser beams penetrate deep into the skin, only affecting the affected area and there is no bleeding. This is a painless ablation method, the procedure lasts a few minutes, the wound heals without side effects and 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 necessary to completely eliminate the papilloma. A scar may remain; after the procedure, a blister appears at the site of formation, which eventually turns into a crust and disappears. The procedure is not recommended for young children. Regardless of the method used, after the procedure you should do everything possible to strengthen the baby'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 removal of the papilloma and select intensive treatment consisting of medications. There are cases when warts on a child's leg are treated with a special patch, solution or with the help of folk remedies. Attention ! Folk remedies act as a preventive or complementary method to the main drug treatment, but do not act as a separate way to get rid of warts.
Folk remedies
There are vegetables that have the same effect (freezing, relieving inflammation, cauterization) as medications and various procedures. A wart on a child's leg or hands – what can be used:
- potato. Use it to make a compress in the evening;
- 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 towel and apply to the papilloma for 20 minutes;
- apple cider vinegar. It is mixed with water 2: 1, a tampon is applied to the affected area;
- aloe. Apply the sheet to the wart, wrap the area with a bandage, change the sheet once 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; it can also be mixed with olive oil. Lubricate the area 4 times a day. The use of any medical product must be done under the supervision of a doctor. Attention ! If, after using folk remedies, the growth has dried up and fallen off, there is no guarantee that the wart has been completely eradicated; she can stay in the middle and will therefore reappear soon.
Wart on the back, face, nose - how to treat
These are particular areas where the skin is delicate and sensitive. It is necessary here to remove papillomas with extreme caution so that no scars remain (especially when it comes to the facial area). The first step in treatment is medication; a dermatologist can prescribe a gentle ointment, to be used in the evening. The child may also be prescribed medications that stimulate the immune system. To eliminate papillomas on the face or back, experts recommend using laser therapy. This will help you avoid scarring after the procedure.
Advice for parents
To prevent warts from forming in children, teach your child hygiene, the use of personal soap and towels from childhood. Parents should monitor how correctly and carefully the child follows their recommendations. Washing your hands is the first thing a child should do after walking outside and before eating. It is necessary to offer your child a healthy diet. It must consist of products containing calcium, fluoride and iron. Include fermented milk products, fish, cereals, vegetables and fruits in your diet. Cereals like pearl barley and oatmeal. Foods should contain a full range of vitamins and microelements.
Walking in the fresh air and playing sports are an integral part of a child’s life. This is what will help strengthen the baby’s immunity. If a child is injured, for example if they fall and a sore forms, treat them with an antiseptic. Minimum stress – maximum benefit for the baby. If a wart appears, make an appointment with a pediatric dermatologist. Do not self-medicate, this could make the situation worse.