Flat or juvenile warts are growths on the skin of a viral nature, characteristic of children and young people. Its appearance is due to the failure of the immune system at a young age and its inability to resist certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). The disease is caused by HPV types 3, 5 and 10. Viruses of these types are quite common in nature and are transmitted by direct contact, mainly in groups of children. The disease manifests itself only with violations of the immune status and, over time, the warts can disappear on their own.
Causes
The appearance of flat warts is due to the introduction of human papillomavirus types 3, 5 and 10 into the skin. Papillomaviruses penetrate through small cracks and cracks in the skin and infect keratinocytes. It changes the cells' DNA, and they begin to produce collagen intensively, which leads to the growth of the stratum corneum and the formation of warts.
The virus is transmitted through direct contact with infected people, children develop mainly after contact with other children in kindergarten or school, but adult carriers who do not show signs of the disease can also become the source of the virus. Warts spread all over the body during scratching or shaving.
Symptoms
When infected with a virus, flat, round, or oval nodules up to 3 mm in diameter appear on the skin. The papules can fuse, forming polygonal eruptions. Often, first a maternal wart forms, around which other smaller ones, daughters, appear. When scratching, the papules grow linearly due to the spread of the virus along the direction of the comb. The nodule can be one or several - it depends on the degree of resistance of the body. In color, the formations do not differ from healthy skin, but sometimes take on a yellowish or brown hue.
The surface of the rash is smooth and is not accompanied by itching, pain, or burning. The papules are mainly located on the skin of the hands or face - the sites of first contact with a viral particle. Although they can spread to other surfaces: the forearms, the mucous membrane of the mouth or the red edge of the lips.
Diagnosis
All you have to do is assess the specific clinical picture and take an exam. They rarely resort to virus identification by the polymerase chain reaction.
With a large number of warts and treatment ineffectiveness, a complete examination of the patient's body and immune status is performed. A common process usually indicates more serious health problems.
How to get rid of flat warts?
- Strengthening the immune system with a drug with an anthelmintic effect.
- Keratolytic and antiviral agents are also used: 5% salicylic resorcinol ointment, oxolinic ointment, alpha-2 interferon ointment or cream, 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, in most cases, are simply monitored because of the high probability of self-healing.
Treatment with folk remedies
There are many effective methods of treating warts with folk remedies. They are based on the use of plants and substances with keratolytic properties:
- Celandine. The juice from the stem of this plant helps dissolve the top layer of warts. The nodules are lubricated with celandine juice several times a day until complete recovery.
- Potato. Porridge from the top layer of the potato (just below the skin) is applied to the wart and covered with a bandage over the top. The compress is left overnight. The procedure must be performed every other day until the papules disappear.
- Vinegar. Once a day, table vinegar is spread over the surface of the generated area of the skin until it is completely cured.
- Kalanchoe. Kalanchoe leaf porridge is applied to the papule, a bandage or gauze napkin is placed on top. The compress is left for several hours. The procedure must be performed daily.
Forecast and consequences
The prognosis for the appearance of juvenile warts is favorable. The formations do not undergo malignancy and quickly disappear with normalization of immunity.
To avoid their appearance, you need to wash your child's hands thoroughly after visiting any public place and treating colds and other illnesses that reduce immunity over time.
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