Flat or young warts are tumors on the skin that are viral in 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 fight off certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). The disease is caused by HPV types 3, 5 and 10. This type of virus is quite common and is spread through direct contact, especially in groups of children. The disease manifests itself only with a violation of immune status, and over time, warts can disappear on their own.
Cause
The appearance of flat warts is due to the introduction of human papillomavirus types 3, 5 and 10 into the skin. Papillomavirus penetrates through cracks and small fissures in the skin and infects keratinocytes. It alters the DNA of the cells, and they begin to produce collagen intensively, which requires the growth of the stratum corneum and the formation of warts.
The virus is spread 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 be a source of the virus. Warts spread throughout 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. Papules can merge with each other, forming a polygon eruption. Often, first, maternal warts form, in which smaller, daughters then appear. When scratching, papules grow linearly due to the spread of the virus along the direction of the comb. Nodules can be one or many - it depends on the level of resistance of the body. In color, the formations do not differ from healthy skin, but sometimes they acquire a yellowish or brown color.
The surface of the rash is smooth and not accompanied by itching, pain, or burning. Papules are localized mainly on the skin of the hands or on the face - the site of first contact with viral particles. Although it can spread to other surfaces: the forearms, the mucous membranes of the mouth, or to the red border of the lips.
Diagnostics
It is enough to evaluate a particular clinical picture and conduct an examination. Rarely use virus identification using polymerase chain reaction.
With a large number of warts and the ineffectiveness of treatment, a complete examination of the patient’s body and immune status is performed. Normal processes usually indicate more serious health problems.
How to Get Rid of Flat Warts?
- Strengthens the immune system with drugs with anthelmintic effect.
- Keratolytic and antiviral agents are also used: 5%salicylic-resorcinol ointment, oxolinic ointment, ointment or cream with interferon alpha-2, 10%silver nitrate solution. Silver nitrate is not recommended to get rid of flat warts on the face.
- In rare cases, cryotherapy and laser removal are used.
When warts appear in children, the formation in most cases is only monitored because of the high probability for self-healing.
Treatment with folk remedies
There are many effective methods to treat warts with folk remedies. They are based on the use of plants and materials with keratolytic properties:
- Celandine. The juice from the stems of this plant helps dissolve the top layer of warts. Nodules are lubricated with celandine juice several times a day until complete recovery.
- Potatoes. Porridge from the top layer of potatoes (just under the skin) is applied to the warts, and covered with a bandage on top. Compressed left overnight. This procedure should be performed daily until the papules disappear.
- Vinegar. Once a day, table vinegar is rubbed on the surface of the resulting skin area until it is completely healed.
- Kalanchoe. Porridge from the leaves of Kalanchoe 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.
Predictions and consequences
The prognosis for the appearance of juvenile warts is good. The formation is not violent and quickly disappears with the normalization of immunity.
To avoid their appearance, you need to wash your child’s hands thoroughly after visiting any public place and treat colds and other illnesses that reduce immunity in time.
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