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 an early 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 this type 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 state, and over time, warts can disappear on their own.
Causes
The appearance of flat warts is due to the introduction of types 3, 5 and 10 of the human papillomavirus in the skin. The papilloma virus penetrates through tiny cracks and crevices in the skin and infects keratinocytes. It changes the DNA of the cells 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 have signs of the disease can also become the source. of the virus. Warts are spread all over the body by scratching or shaving.
Symptoms
When infected with a virus, flat, round, or oval nodules up to 3 mm in diameter appear on the skin. Papules can fuse with each other, forming polygonal eruptions. Often first, a maternal wart forms, around which later the youngest 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 more, it depends on the degree of resistance of the body. In color, the formations do not differ from healthy skin, but sometimes they acquire a yellowish or brown tint.
The surface of the rash is smooth and is not accompanied by itching, pain, or burning. Papules are located mainly on the skin of the hands or on the face, the places of the first contact with a viral particle. Although they can spread to other surfaces: the forearms, the mucosa of the mouth or the red edge of the lips.
Diagnostics
It is enough to assess the specific clinical picture and conduct an examination. Identification of the virus by polymerase chain reaction is rarely used.
With a large number of warts and ineffectiveness of treatment, a comprehensive examination of the patient's body and immune status is carried out. 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: salicylic resorcinol ointment 5%, oxolinic ointment, interferon alpha-2 ointment or cream, silver nitrate solution 10%. 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 controlled due to the high probability of self-healing.
Treatment with home remedies.
There are many effective methods of treating warts with home remedies. They are based on the use of plants and substances with keratolytic properties:
- Celandine. The juice from the stems 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. The mush from the top layer of the potato (just under the skin) is applied to the wart and covered with a bandage on top. The compress is left overnight. The procedure should be done every other day until the papules disappear.
- Vinegar. Once a day, table vinegar is smeared on the surface of the generated skin area until it is completely healed.
- Kalanchoe. Porridge from Kalanchoe leaves is applied to the papule, a bandage or gauze napkin is placed on top. The compress is left for several hours. The procedure should be done daily.
Prognosis and consequences
The prognosis for the appearance of juvenile warts is favorable. The formations do not suffer from malignancy and quickly disappear with the normalization of immunity.
To avoid its occurrence, you should wash your child's hands well after visiting any public place and treat colds and other diseases that reduce immunity in time.
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