Not only adults but also children get warts. Its appearance indicates the presence of papillomavirus in the body. Warts in children are a benign formation that is the result of a weakened immune system in the baby.
Causes of warts in children
Adolescents and children in puberty are at risk, since at this stage of life, due to changes in hormonal levels, the body becomes weak and immunity deteriorates. As it is a benign type of tumor, its course and treatment must 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 injuries, abrasions and may not manifest themselves for a long time. Warts in children often appear on the surface of the skin, on the mucous membrane of the nose and in the larynx. The latent period of development lasts from one to six months after reproduction, the virus affects DNA cells;
Warts on the hands or other parts of a child's body appear as a result of:
- independent infection. If a child has a wart, he or she may scratch it, 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. These can be toys, clothes, other people's shoes, the touch of an infected baby to 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 of teenagers);
- 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 a violation of 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 going to bathhouses or swimming pools, you can become infected with the human papillomavirus (HPV). Infection can occur at school, in transport, when walking on the street, in public places. Take note! Parents need to teach their children from childhood to wash their hands with soap after leaving the house and after injuring 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 common or vulgar. This is the most common type. If there are several of them, they can merge to form a root;
- apartment (another name for young man). Often they merge, forming a root, usually small in size, and can line up in one line;
- thorns. They appear in the sole region, grow deeply, which negatively affects the nerve endings;
- filiform. Large, flaccid, finger-shaped skin, natural color.
If the skin in the affected area is gray or brown in color, this indicates the presence of a common wart. Juvenile warts have a yellow or burgundy hue. Pimples cause pain when walking, it is recommended not to postpone a doctor's appointment. Filiform warts can appear on the face and neck, which not only cause discomfort but also look unaesthetic. In the presented list, there may be situations when the removal of warts in children 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; one papilloma formed will lead to the formation of others that can join together to form a root; These warts grow deep into the skin, causing discomfort, various diseases and health problems. The virus will deplete the child's immune system, he 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 conduct an examination and select an effective treatment.
Removing warts in children
If the papilloma is in an open area, the child needs to 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 with a scalpel. In all other cases, special equipment is used. The choice of removal method depends on several factors: benign or malignant formation, its "age", location, multiple or single, etc.
Operation
This method does not apply to young children. Before starting the procedure, local anesthesia is administered and removal is carried out using a scalpel. Then comes the postoperative period, which lasts several weeks. This is necessary to prevent wound infection. The surgery is performed 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 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 site of removal that 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 rays penetrate deeply into the skin, only affecting the affected area, and there is no bleeding. It 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 freezes 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 over time turns into a crust and disappears. The procedure is not recommended for young children. Regardless of the method used, after the procedure it is necessary to make every effort to strengthen the baby's immune system. This will help prevent papillomas from reforming.
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 select an intensive treatment consisting of medications. There are cases when warts on a child's leg are treated with a patch, special solution or 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 get rid of warts.
Folk remedies
There are vegetables that have the same effect (freezing, relieving inflammation, cauterization) as different medications and procedures. A wart on a child's leg or hands – what can be used:
- potato. Use it to make a compress at night;
- celandine. The juice is applied to the wart three times a day;
- celandine grass. It is mixed with medical petroleum jelly and applied to the disease site;
- 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 cotton 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 dries completely;
- honey and onion, mix honey with onion juice. This method is not recommended if you are allergic to honey;
- tomato. Apply tomato paste to the wart once a day.
Wormwood oil helps well; can also be mixed with olive oil. Lubricate the area 4 times a day. The use of any medical product should be under the supervision of a physician. Take note! If, after using folk remedies, the growth dries up and falls off, there is no guarantee that the wart has been completely eradicated, it may remain in the middle, then it will soon appear again;
Wart on 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 care so that there are no scars left (especially when it comes to the facial area). The first stage of treatment is medication; The dermatologist may prescribe a mild ointment, which should be used at night. The child may also receive medications 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 soap and personal towels from childhood. Parents should monitor how correctly and carefully the child follows their recommendations. Washing their hands is the first thing a child should do after leaving home 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 milk products, fish, cereals, vegetables and fruits in your diet. Cereals 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 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 a wound forms, 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, this could make the situation worse.