Not only adults, but also children have warts. Their appearance indicates the presence of papilloma virus in the body. Warts in children are benign formations, 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 changes in the hormonal level, the body weakens and immunity deteriorates. Given that this disease is a type of benign tumor, its course and treatment should be monitored by a doctor. It is easy to get infected with papilloma viruses, they are transmitted from the carrier. They enter the body through diaper rash, minor injuries, scratches and may not manifest themselves 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 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, they can scratch it, transferring the virus to healthy areas, including the lining of the mouth and nose;
- from the mother. If the mother's genital organs are affected by papillomas, she can infect the baby during childbirth;
- through everyday objects. These can be other people's toys, clothes, shoes, touching an infected baby to 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 are:
- hormonal imbalance (typical for teenagers);
- diseases that have become chronic;
- frequent colds, for example, flu, ARVI, acute respiratory infections;
- stress, fatigue (typical for schoolchildren);
- lack of vitamins (vitamin deficiency develops against this background);
- injuries, diaper rash, which leads to damage to the integrity of the skin;
- communication with a virus carrier;
- wearing less clothing (including shoes).
With low activity, little physical activity, insufficient personal hygiene or visiting a swimming pool or swimming pool, you can become infected with the human papillomavirus (HPV). Infection can occur at school, in transport, while walking on the street, in public places. Keep in mind! Parents must teach their children from childhood to wash their hands with soap after going outside and after skin damage.
Types of warts in children
A child's wart on a finger, hand 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 of them, then they can be combined into one root;
- apartment (another name for youth). They often join, forming a single root, usually of small size, and can be arranged in a single line;
- spine. They arise in the area of the sole, grow deep, which negatively affects the nerve endings;
- filiformes. Large, relaxed, finger-shaped, natural skin color.
If the skin in the affected area has a gray or brown tint, this indicates the presence of a vulgar wart. Young warts have a yellow or burgundy shade. Spines cause pain when walking, it is recommended not to delay a 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 may be situations in which warts are removed for children, treatment is carried out under the supervision of a doctor.
When to see a doctor
The first signs are the reason to consult a dermatologist. Remember that warts in children do not go away on their own; Such warts grow deep into the skin, causing discomfort, various diseases and health problems. The virus will weaken the child's immune system, he will become lethargic, inactive and often susceptible to various diseases. The professional practice employs qualified doctors, uses modern equipment and the latest treatment methods. Make an appointment with a dermatologist, he will perform an examination and choose an effective treatment.
Removal of 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;
- use of lasers;
- cryotherapy.
During surgery, warts in children are removed with 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 the start of the procedure, local anesthesia is applied and removal with a scalpel. After that comes the postoperative period, which lasts several weeks. This is necessary to avoid infection in the wound. The operation is performed in the clinic.
Electrocoagulation
The procedure involves the use of a special apparatus consisting of an electrode in the form of a loop. The loop is heated by electric current, applied to the affected area, and under the influence of high temperature, the papilloma is destroyed.
In this way, you can remove a child's wart 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 place of removal, 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 method of removal, the procedure takes 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, it takes several sessions to completely remove the papilloma. After the procedure, a scar may remain, a blister appears at the site of formation, which turns into a crust over time and disappears. The procedure is not recommended for small children. Regardless of the method used, after the procedure you must make every effort to strengthen the baby's immune system. This will help to avoid papilloma re-formation.
Treatment
Treatment of warts in children is carried out under the supervision of a doctor. The specialist can also prescribe the removal of papillomas and choose an intensive treatment consisting of drugs. There are cases when warts on a child's leg are treated with a special patch, solution or using folk remedies. Keep in mind! Folk remedies act as a preventive or additional method to the main drug treatment, but they do not act as a special way to get rid of warts.
Folk remedies
There are vegetables that have the same effect (freezing, reducing inflammation, cauterization) as drugs and various procedures. A wart on a child's leg or hands - what can be used:
- potatoes. Use it to make poultices at night;
- celandine. The juice is applied to the wart three times a day;
- celandine grass. It is mixed with medical vaseline 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 tampon 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;
- tomatoes. Apply tomato pulp on the wart once a day.
Wormwood oil helps well; Lubricate the area 4 times a day. The use of any medicinal product must be under the supervision of a physician. Keep in mind! If after using folk remedies the growth has dried up and fallen off, there is no guarantee that the wart has been completely eradicated, it may remain in the middle, and will soon appear again.
Warts on the back, face, nose - how to treat
These are special areas where the skin is tender and sensitive. Papillomas here need to be removed extremely carefully so as not to leave scars (especially when it comes to the face area). The first stage of treatment is medicine, the dermatologist can prescribe a gentle ointment, which should be used at night. Medicines that stimulate the immune system can 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 scarring after the procedure.
Advice 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 correctly and carefully 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 a healthy diet. It should consist of products containing calcium, fluoride and iron. Include fermented dairy products, fish, grains, vegetables and fruits in your diet. Cereals such as pearl barley and oatmeal. Food must contain a full range of vitamins and microelements.
Walking in the fresh air and playing sports are integral elements of a child's life. This is what will help strengthen the baby's immunity. If the child is injured, for example, falls and develops a wound, treat it 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, it can make the situation worse.