Flat or juvenile warts are skin growths of a viral nature that are common in children and adolescents. Their appearance is due to the failure of the immune system at a young age and the inability to resist certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). The disease is caused by HPV types 3, 5, and 10. These types of viruses are quite common in nature and spread through direct contact, especially in groups of children. The disease only manifests as a violation of the immune state, and over time, the warts may go away on their own.
Cause
The appearance of flat warts is due to the penetration of human papillomavirus types 3, 5, and 10 into the skin. The papillomavirus penetrates through small cracks and fissures in the skin and infects keratinocytes. It alters the DNA of the cells and they begin to produce collagen intensively, leading to growth of the stratum corneum and the formation of warts.
The virus is spread through direct contact with infected people, children develop primarily after contact with other children in kindergarten and school, but adult carriers who show no signs of the disease can also become a source of the virus. Warts spread throughout the body during scratching or shaving.
Symptoms
In case of viral infection, flat, round or oval nodules up to 3 mm in diameter appear on the skin. Papules can merge with each other to form polygonal eruptions. Often a maternal wart is formed first, around which smaller, girl warts appear. When scratched, the papules grow linearly due to the spread of the virus in the direction of the comb. The knot can be one or more - it depends on the degree of resistance of the body. In color, the formations are no different from healthy skin, but they sometimes take on a yellowish or brown hue.
The surface of the rash is smooth and is not accompanied by itching, pain or a burning sensation. Papules are located primarily on the skin of the hands or on the face - at the site of first contact with the virus particle. Although they can spread to other surfaces: the forearm, the mucous membranes of the mouth, or the red border of the lips.
Diagnostics
It is sufficient to evaluate the given clinical picture and perform an examination. They rarely seek to identify the virus by polymerase chain reaction.
In the event of a large number of warts and treatment failure, a full examination is performed of the body and the patient's immune status. A common process usually indicates more serious health problems.
How to get rid of flat warts?
- Strengthening the immune system with an anthelmintic drug.
- Keratolytic and antiviral agents are also used: 5% salicyl resorcinol ointment, oxoline ointment, ointment or cream with interferon alfa-2, 10% silver nitrate solution. Silver nitrate is not recommended for removing flat warts on the face.
- In rare cases, cryotherapy and laser removal are used.
When warts appear in children, the formations are in most cases simply monitored because of the high probability of self-healing.
Treatment with folk remedies
There are a number of effective ways to treat warts with folk remedies. They are based on the use of plants and materials with keratolytic properties:
- Bloodweed. The juice from the stem of the plant helps dissolve the top layer of warts. The lumps are smeared several times a day with celandine juice until complete healing.
- Potato. The peel from the top layer of the potato (just below the peel) is applied to the wart and covered with a bandage on top. Leave the compress overnight. The procedure should be done every other day until the papules disappear.
- Vinegar. Apply table vinegar once a day to the resulting skin surface until it is completely healed.
- Kalanchoe. The fat from the Kalanchoe leaves is applied to the papula, a bandage or gauze napkin is placed on top. The compaction is left for several hours. The procedure should be performed daily.
Forecast and consequences
The prognosis for the appearance of juvenile warts is favorable. The formations do not become malignant and rapidly disappear as immunity normalizes.
To avoid their appearance, you should wash your child’s hands thoroughly after visiting public places and treat colds and other illnesses that reduce immunity in a timely manner.
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