Flat or juvenile warts are growths on the skin of a viral nature, characteristic of children and young people. Their appearance is due to the failure of the immune system at a young age and its inability to resist some 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 through direct contact, mainly in children. The disease manifests itself only with disorders of the immune status and over time, the warts can disappear on their own.
Reasons
The appearance of flat warts is due to the introduction into the skin of human papillomavirus types 3, 5 and 10. 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 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 the source of the virus can also be adult carriers who have no signs of the disease. Warts spread all over the body during scratching or shaving.
Symptoms
When infected with the virus, flat, round or oval nodules up to 3 mm in diameter appear on the skin. The papules can merge with each other, forming polygonal eruptions. Often a mother's wart forms first, around which smaller daughters then 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 many - depending on the degree of resistance of the body. The formations do not differ from healthy skin, but sometimes acquire a yellowish or brown hue.
The surface of the rash is smooth and is not accompanied by itching, pain or burning. The papules are localized 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 lining of the mouth or to the red border of the lips.
Diagnosis
It is sufficient to assess the specific clinical picture and to conduct an examination. Rarely resort to the identification of the virus by polymerase chain reaction.
In case of a large number of warts and ineffectiveness of the treatment, 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?
- Strengthen the immune system with a drug with anthelmintic effect.
- Keratolytic and antiviral agents are also used: 5% salicylic-resorcinol ointment, 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 observed due to 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 stems of this plant helps to dissolve the top layer of warts. The nodes are lubricated with celandine juice several times a day until complete recovery.
- potatoes. The mash from the top layer of potatoes (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 performed every other day until the papules disappear.
- vinegar. Once a day, table vinegar is applied to the surface of the formed area of skin until it is completely cured.
- Kalanchoe. Kalanchoe leaf pulp 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 performed daily.
Prognosis and consequences
The prognosis for the appearance of juvenile warts is favorable. The formations are not subject to malignancy and quickly disappear with the normalization of immunity.
To avoid them, 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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