Not only adults, but children also suffer from warts. Their appearance indicates the presence of the papilloma virus in the body. Warts in children are benign formations, the result of the baby's weak immune system.
Causes of warts in children
Teenagers and children going through puberty are at risk, because at this stage of life, due to changes in hormone levels, the body becomes weak and immunity declines. Since this disease is a benign tumor, its course and treatment should be monitored by a doctor. It is easily infected with the papilloma virus; it is sent from the carrier. They enter the body through diaper rash, minor injuries, abrasions, and may not manifest for a long time. Warts in children often appear on the surface of the skin, mucous membrane of the nose, and larynx. The period of latent development lasts from one month to six months after reproduction, the virus infects DNA cells.
Warts in children on the hands or other parts of the body appear as a result of:
- free infection. If a child has a wart, he can scratch it, transferring the virus to healthy areas, including the mucous membranes of the mouth and nose;
- from mother. If the genital organs of the mother are affected by papilloma, she can infect the baby during childbirth;
- through everyday objects. This can be other people's toys, clothes, shoes, the touch of an infected baby to a healthy child, a hug.
Babies can also be infected through the placenta while in the mother's womb.
The main causes of warts in children include:
- hormonal imbalance (typical of teenagers);
- diseases that have become chronic;
- frequent colds, for example, flu, ARVI, acute respiratory infections;
- stress, fatigue (common for schoolchildren);
- vitamin deficiency (against this background, vitamin deficiency develops);
- injury, diaper rash, which leads to disruption of the integrity of the skin;
- communication with virus carriers;
- wear smaller clothes (including shoes).
With low activity, little physical activity, insufficient personal hygiene, or visiting the bathhouse or swimming pool, you can be infected with the human papillomavirus (HPV). Infection can occur at school, in transport, while walking on the street, in public places. Take note! Parents should teach their children from an early age to wash their hands with soap after going out and after damaging their skin.
Types of warts in children
Children's warts on fingers, arms, or legs may be one or several. The main types of warts in children include:
- briefThey are also called common or rough. This is the most common type. If there are several of them, then they can combine to form one cause;
- flat (another name for ageless). They often combine, forming a single root, usually small in size, and can be lined up in a row;
- thorn. They arise in a single area, grow deeply, which has a negative effect on nerve endings;
- filiformes. Big, saggy, finger shaped, natural skin color.
If the skin in the affected area has a gray or brown color, this indicates the presence of rough warts. Juvenile warts have a yellow or burgundy color. The spine causes 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, there may be situations where wart removal for children is carried out under the supervision of a doctor.
When you 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; Such warts grow deep into the skin, causing discomfort, various diseases, and health problems. This virus will weaken the child's immune system, he will become lethargic, inactive, and will often be exposed to various diseases. Professional clinics employ qualified doctors, using modern equipment and the latest treatment methods. Make an appointment with a dermatologist, he will conduct an examination and choose an effective treatment.
Remove 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:
- operations;
- electrocoagulation;
- use of lasers;
- 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, "age", its 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 performed with a scalpel. After that comes the postoperative period, which lasts several weeks. This is necessary to prevent infection of the wound. Surgery is performed in the clinic.
Electrocoagulation
This procedure involves the use of a special apparatus consisting of loop-shaped electrodes. The loop is heated using electric current, applied to the affected area, and under the influence of high temperature the papilloma is destroyed.
You can remove warts from children 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 crust forms at the removal site, which disappears after a week (maximum 10 days). Scars may remain at the site of formation.
Laser applications
An effective method of treatment without contact. The laser beam penetrates deep into the skin, affecting only the affected area, and there is no 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
This procedure involves the use of liquid nitrogen, the wart is frozen under the influence of low temperature. This procedure does not cause bleeding; several sessions are required to remove the papilloma completely. Scars may remain; after the procedure, blisters appear at the site of formation, which over time turn into crusts and disappear. This procedure is not recommended for small children. Regardless of the method used, after the procedure you need to make every effort to strengthen the baby's immune system. This will help prevent papilloma re-formation.
Treatment
Treatment of warts in children is carried out under the supervision of a doctor. Specialists can prescribe both papilloma removal and choose an intensive course of treatment consisting of drugs. There are cases when warts on children's legs are treated with special patches, solutions, or using folk remedies. Take note! Folk remedies act as a preventive method or in addition to the main drug treatment, but do not act as a separate way to get rid of warts.
People's recovery
There are vegetables that have the same effect (freezing, relieving inflammation, cauterization) as medicines and various procedures. Warts on children's legs or hands - what can be used:
- potatoes. Use it to make a compress at night;
- celandine. Juice is used on warts 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, applied to the affected area;
- agarwoodApply 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 warts 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 medicinal product must be under the supervision of a physician. Take note! If, after using folk remedies, the growth has dried up and fallen off, there is no guarantee that the wart has been completely eliminated, so it will reappear.
Warts on the back, face, nose - how to treat
This is a special area where the skin is delicate and sensitive. It is necessary to remove the papilloma here very carefully so that no scars remain (especially when it comes to the face area). The first stage of treatment is medication; dermatologists can prescribe a gentle ointment, which should be used at night. Children may also be given 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.
Tips for parents
To prevent the formation of warts in children, teach your child hygiene, the use of personal soap and towels from an early age. Parents should monitor the child properly and carefully follow their recommendations. Washing hands is the first thing children 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, fluorine, and iron. Include fermented milk products, fish, grains, vegetables and fruits in your diet. Grains such as pearl barley and oats. Food must contain a full range of vitamins and microelements.
Walking in the fresh air and playing sports are important elements in a child's life. This will help strengthen the baby's immunity. If the child is injured, for example, falls and a wound forms, treat it with an antiseptic. Minimum stress - maximum benefit for the baby. If warts appear, make an appointment with a pediatric dermatologist. Do not self-medicate, this can worsen the condition.