Flat warts or juvenile warts are virulent skin lesions characteristic of children and adolescents. Their 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 types 3, 5 and 10 of HPV. Viruses of this type are quite common in nature and are transmitted by direct contact, mainly in children's groups. The disease manifests itself only with violations of the immune system and over time, the warts can disappear on their own.
Causes
The appearance of flat warts is due to the introduction of human papillomavirus type 3, 5 and 10 into the skin. The papillomavirus penetrates through small cracks and crevices in the skin and infects keratinocytes. It changes the DNA of the cells and they begin to produce intensive collagen, which involves the development 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 adults who do not have signs of the disease can also become a 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 blades can merge with each other, forming polygonal explosions. Often, first, a mother wart is formed, around which smaller, daughter-like warts appear. During scratching, the papules grow linearly due to the spread of the virus in 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 acquire a yellowish or brown tinge.
The surface of the rash is smooth and is not accompanied by itching, pain or burning. The bumps are located mainly on the skin of the hands or on the face - the points of the first contact with a viral particle. Although they can spread to other surfaces: the forearms, the mucous membrane of the mouth or the red outline of the lips.
Diagnostics
As long as the specific clinical picture is evaluated and examined. They rarely resort to virus identification using the polymerase chain reaction.
With a large number of warts and ineffective treatment, a complete examination of the patient's body and immune status is performed. A common procedure usually indicates more serious health problems.
How to get rid of flat warts?
- Strengthening the immune system with a drug with anthelmintic effect.
- Keratolytic and antiviral agents are also used: salicylate-resorcinol ointment 5%, oxolinic 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 in most cases are simply monitored due to the high probability of self-healing.
Treatment with folk remedies
There are many effective methods of treating warts with folk remedies. Based on the use of plants and substances with keratolytic properties:
- Celandine. The juice from the stems of this plant helps to dissolve the upper layer of warts. The nodules are lubricated with selandine juice several times a day until complete recovery.
- Potato. The oatmeal from the top layer of the potato (just below the skin) is applied to the warts 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, the table vinegar is smeared on the surface of the created skin area until it is completely healed.
- Kalanchoe. Gruel from Kalanchoe leaves is applied to the bladder, a bandage or gauze napkin is placed on top. The compress is left for several hours. The procedure must be done daily.
Prediction and consequences
The prognosis for the appearance of juvenile warts is favorable. The formations are not malignant and disappear quickly with the normalization of immunity.
To prevent them from appearing, you should wash your child's hands thoroughly after visiting public places and treat colds and other diseases that reduce immunity in a timely manner.
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