Causes, types and features of removing warts in children: how to remove them, how to get rid of

The appearance of warts is considered a common occurrence among children. In most cases, babies painlessly tolerate a viral disease, but symptomatic manifestations of HPV can cause a lot of inconvenience to a child.

In order to protect the child’s body from infection or the development of complications, parents should familiarize themselves with preventive measures and effective methods of treating skin growths.

Causes and factors contributing to their appearance in children

The penetration of the papilloma virus into the children’s body is the main cause of the appearance of warts on the skin. However, the formation of growths occurs not only with a direct infection. There are many other factors that contribute to the occurrence of neoplasms. Among them:

• decrease in general or local immunity;
• vitamin and mineral deficiency;
• diseases of internal organs;
• the presence of a parasitic invasion;
• long-term medication;
• neglect of the rules of personal hygiene;
• disruption of the endocrine system;
• allergic reactions;
• unbalanced diet;
• strong emotional upheavals;
• wearing uncomfortable shoes;
• hypothermia of the extremities in winter.

Possible routes of infection

The main methods of infection with the virus include:

1. Contact-household – the transmission of infection is carried out in contact with household items that were previously used by the carrier of the virus. Also, a child can become infected during hugs and kisses.
2. Self-infection – occurs as a result of peeling or combing warty growths. The virus penetrates healthy tissues, damages them and provokes the development of new formations on the skin and mucous membranes.
3. Vertical – occurs when a child passes through the birth canal and is considered a manifestation of a congenital rather than an acquired infection.

Varieties

Neoplasms on the skin in children can be of various sizes, shapes and shades, which allows them to be divided into several categories:

1. Ordinary – rather solid formations of brown, beige or gray. Seals are formed in the form of a cluster of small growths around one large papilloma, but they are also found in a single copy.
2. Plantar – differ from ordinary ones in their rough texture and large size, have a yellowish tint and often grow into the skin, causing discomfort in the child while walking. The growths look like dry corns, but due to the presence of dark blotches in the structure, they are easy to recognize.
3. Filiform – elongated warts, narrow at the base and widened at the top. The formations are long, thin, they are easy to injure and notice on the skin. Color – flesh, yellow or brown.
4. Flat – appear in adolescents during a hormonal surge. The growths are small elevations of a pinkish hue, no larger than 5 mm in size. Papillomas are located in a line and sometimes merge, forming a large seal.

Localization (on the hands, finger, legs, knee, foot) and the degree of danger

Warty growths most often appear on the hands , because the interaction with objects and the study of the world around us primarily occur through tactile contact. Also read how a plantar wart is trimmed in a child , symptoms and treatment.

Neoplasms of the ordinary type affect the fingers, are located on the knee and elbow joints. The growths cause discomfort, so children scratch them, which affects the growth and spread of warts throughout the body.

Flat warts occur in children older than 10 years. They are localized on the back , palms, face, neck and chest, giving the child not only inconvenience while wearing clothes, but also psychological discomfort.

On the feet and toes, only plantar warts form, which deform and grow inward, forming the stratum corneum.

Violation of the integrity of the skin is accompanied by swelling, bleeding, itching and redness. With prolonged presence on the skin, plantar seals affect neighboring areas and begin to darken.

Filamentous papillomas rarely appear in children. You can notice them in the armpits, around the mouth, nose or eyes. The growths are injured from clothing and accessories, become inflamed and spread to other areas.

Methods of treatment

Many parents are sure that treating warts  does not make sense, because over time they can fall off on their own. However, this statement is true only for flat formations that appeared in adolescence. In other cases, it is worth starting complex therapy, after consulting with a specialist.

Treatment of warty growths includes the use of medicines, folk remedies and radical methods that guarantee the rapid destruction of any neoplasms on the child’s body.

Medications

With the appearance of papillomas  and their rapid growth, the doctor prescribes antiviral and immunostimulating drugs that can minimize the risk of developing undesirable consequences.

Currently, there are many remedies for warts – they are fast-acting, dispensed without a prescription and, in the absence of contraindications, are safe for children.

How to withdraw with ointments and creams?

Ointments for removing growths block the reproduction of pathogens, providing a mild effect on the affected areas. With their help, you can get rid of warts on the elbows, palms, neck and back.

Dermatologists recommend using drugs such as Viferon, Oxolinic Ointment and Panavir. The doctor should prescribe the duration of the course of treatment and the required dosage only after diagnosing the problem.

Immunostimulating pills

Violation of the protective functions of the body is one of the possible causes of the appearance of neoplasms. To restore immunity, children are shown taking vitamin-mineral complexes.

Children of the younger age category are often prescribed Supradin Kids and Pikovit vitamins. Adolescents – the drug “Hexavit”, designed to increase the body’s resistance to colds and infectious diseases.

plasters

To remove single growths, modern pharmacology suggests that patients use a patch with salicylic acid, which creates an unfavorable environment for the development of warts.

The active substance penetrates deep into the structure of the skin, due to which the virus dies, and the seal gradually dries up and disappears.

How to get rid of them with the help of folk remedies

Alternative medicine copes with the elimination of neoplasms no worse than other methods. Treatment with folk remedies involves the use of various herbs that have anti-inflammatory and wound-healing effects, which allows you to painlessly remove seals.

Gentle lotions and compresses

An effective remedy for warts is a compress from a decoction of celandine. To prepare it, one tablespoon of dry raw materials should be poured into 200 ml of water, put on medium heat and cook for 15 minutes.

Then cool the product, strain and soak a cotton pad with the decoction. The medicine should be applied to the affected areas twice a day for 15-20 minutes.

Homemade lotions and rubs

Using homemade lotions is a good option for removing warty growths. Recipes based on aloe are especially popular.

The leaf of the plant must be washed well, cut and squeezed out the juice. Wipe papillomas with the resulting liquid 2-3 times a day. The course of treatment should not exceed 7 days.

Radical methods of treatment, what is the best way to remove the build-up?

In the event that medication and folk remedies do not help, the doctor may suggest removing the seals surgically.

Surgery to remove warts

Excision of the seal occurs with a scalpel and is carried out in the presence of malignant tumors. The large size of the wart and the impossibility of using another method to eliminate the growth are also indications for the procedure.

Electrocoagulation

A unique surgical method of influencing warty growths of any density. The technology involves the use of electric current, which has an electrodynamic effect on the tissue.

Freezing with liquid nitrogen

A simple and affordable way to remove warts without the use of anesthesia. Freezing of papillomas  is carried out with a special tool at a mark of -25 to -50 degrees. At such a low temperature, the growth cells are destroyed and die.

Healthy skin during the burning out of the growths with nitrogen is not affected, which allows you to get a satisfactory cosmetic effect.

laser therapy

Removal of formations is carried out by a laser device, under the influence of which pathogenic microorganisms, viruses and bacteria instantly die.

After the procedure, a small spot remains at the site of the growth. Over time, it disappears. The recovery period after laser therapy is 8-10 days.

Specificity of treatment on the face

According to dermatologists, warts located on the face of a child do not require serious treatment. Within two years, such formations disappear on their own, which means that it makes no sense to act on them with medicines or physiotherapeutic methods.

Given the sensitivity of thin skin and the delicacy of the location, unprofessional removal of papilloma can lead to changes in pigmentation and scarring, so you should consult a doctor before carrying out any procedures.

Prevention of wart growths in children

Simple preventive measures aimed at increasing immunity and body resistance to viruses will help prevent the appearance of neoplasms in children.

You need to remember a few important rules and stick to them:

1. Limit the use of sweets, flour, fatty and normalize the diet.
2. Take mineral and vitamin complexes intended for children.
3. Lead an active lifestyle and avoid stressful situations.
4. Dress for the weather to avoid the possibility of hypothermia.
5. When in contact with an infected person, wash hands thoroughly with soap and avoid sharing objects.
6. Wounds and cuts must be disinfected with hydrogen peroxide, iodine or brilliant green.
7. Wear appropriately sized shoes made from natural materials.
8. Periodically treat the feet with a special disinfectant that prevents the spread of infection.
9. When visiting the shared showers or swimming pool, do not walk barefoot and use rubber flip flops.

Recommendations for parents

For parents concerned about the health of their child, experts recommend:

1. Include more fresh vegetables and fruits in your daily diet.
2. Provide the baby with individual personal hygiene items, bedding and utensils.
3. Teach your child to follow the rules of personal hygiene.
4. If there are warts on the body, explain that it is impossible to comb the growths, as this can lead to the spread of infection.
5. Noticing neoplasms on the skin, immediately show the child to a dermatologist.

Removing warts is a complex procedure that should only be carried out by a qualified specialist. At the first signs of the appearance of growths on the body of a child, you should not postpone a visit to the doctor, because the timely diagnosis of the disease plays an important role in the effectiveness of therapy and the prevention of complications.