Not only adults, but also children suffer from warts. Its appearance indicates the presence of papillomavirus 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 become infected with papillomavirus; are transmitted from the carrier. They enter the body through diaper rash, minor injuries, abrasions and may not manifest themselves for a long time. Warts in children usually appear on the surface of the skin, mucous membranes 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 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 can scratch it, transferring the virus to healthy areas, including the mucous membranes of the mouth and nose;
- of motherIf the mother's genital organs are affected by papillomas, she can infect the baby during childbirth;
- through everyday objects. It could 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 inside the mother's uterus.
The main causes of warts in children include:
- hormonal imbalances (typical of adolescents);
- diseases that have become chronic;
- frequent colds, for example, flu, ARVI, acute respiratory infections;
- stress, fatigue (typical for schoolchildren);
- lack of vitamins (against this background, a vitamin deficiency develops);
- injuries, diaper rash, which cause alterations in the integrity of the skin;
- communication with a carrier of the virus;
- wear smaller clothes (including shoes).
With little activity, little physical activity, insufficient personal hygiene or visiting baths 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 should teach their children from a young age to wash their hands with soap after going outside and after damaging their skin.
Types of warts in children
A child's warts on a finger, arm or leg may 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, they can merge to form a root;
- floor (another name for juvenile). They often fuse to form a root, usually small in size, and can be aligned in a line;
- thornsThey arise in the plant zone, grow deep, which negatively affects the nerve endings;
- filiform. Natural skin color, large, drooping, finger-shaped.
If the skin of 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. The thorns cause pain when walking, it is recommended not to postpone a visit to the doctor. Filiform warts may appear on the face and neck, which not only causes discomfort, but also looks unsightly. Among the presented list, there may be situations when warts are removed in children and the treatment is carried out under the supervision of a doctor;
When to see a doctor
The first signs are 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 and cause 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 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.
Remove 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 in children are removed 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 small children. Before starting the procedure, local anesthesia is administered and extraction is performed with a scalpel. Then comes the postoperative period, which lasts several weeks. This is necessary to avoid infections in the wound. 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 by an electric current, applied to the affected area and, under the influence of high temperatures, the papilloma is destroyed.
You can remove a wart from a child 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 scab forms at the extraction site and 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, affecting only the affected area and there is no bleeding. This is a painless extraction 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 skin surface, 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; 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 scab and disappears. The procedure is not recommended for young children. Regardless of the method used, after the procedure it is necessary to do everything possible to strengthen the baby's immune system. This will help prevent the new formation 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 patch, a special solution, or with home remedies. Take note! Home 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, relief of inflammation, cauterization) as medications and various procedures. A wart on a child's leg or hands: what can be used:
- dad. Use it to make a compress at night;
- celandine. The juice is applied to the wart three times a day;
- celandine herb. It is mixed with medical Vaseline and applied to the site of the disease;
- garlic. Wrap in a sterilized napkin and apply to the papilloma for 20 minutes;
- apple cider vinegarIt 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 has dried completely;
- honey and onion, mix the honey with the 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 a lot; It can also be mixed with olive oil. Lubricate the area 4 times a day. The use of any medical product should be carried out under the supervision of a doctor. Take note! If after using folk remedies the growth dried up and fell off, there is no guarantee that the wart has been completely eradicated, it may remain in the middle, so it will soon appear again;
Wart on the back, face and nose: how to treat it
These are special areas where the skin is delicate and sensitive. Here it is necessary to remove papillomas with extreme caution so that no scars remain (especially when it comes to the facial area). The first stage of treatment is medication; Your dermatologist may prescribe a mild ointment to be used at night. The child may also be prescribed 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 personal soap and towels from a young age. Parents should monitor how correctly and carefully the child follows their recommendations. Washing your hands is the first thing a child should do after going for a walk and before eating. It is necessary to provide your child with healthy nutrition. It should consist of products containing calcium, fluoride and iron. Include fermented dairy products, fish, cereals, vegetables and fruits in your diet. Cereals such as pearl barley and oats. Food should 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 can make the situation worse.