Flat or youthful warts are growths on the skin of a viral nature, 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 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 immune status, and over time, 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 small cracks and crevices in the skin and infects keratinocytes. It changes the cells' DNA and they begin to intensively produce collagen, leading 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 have no signs of the disease can also become the source of the virus. Warts spread throughout the body during scraping 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 together and form polygonal eruptions. Often a mother wart is first formed, around which a smaller daughter then appears. When scratched, 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 body resistance. In color, the formations do not differ from healthy skin, but sometimes they get a yellowish or brown hue.
The surface of the rash is smooth and is not accompanied by itching, pain or burning. Papules are mainly located on the skin of the hands or on the face - the sites 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 edge of the lips.
Diagnostics
It is enough to assess the specific clinical picture and conduct a study. Rarely suggests virus identification by the polymerase chain reaction.
With a large number of warts and ineffectiveness of treatment, a complete examination of the body and the patient's 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% 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 occur in children, the formations are monitored in most cases simply because of the high probability of self-healing.
Treatment with folk medicine
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 nodules are lubricated with celandine juice several times a day until complete recovery.
- Potato. The gruel from the top layer of the potato (just below 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, lubricate table vinegar with the surface of the formed 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 must be performed daily.
Prediction and consequences
The prognosis for the appearance of juvenile warts is favorable. The formations do not undergo malignancy and disappear rapidly with normalization of immunity.
To avoid their appearance, thoroughly wash your child's hands after visiting public places and treat colds and other illnesses that reduce immunity in a timely manner.
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