Flat or adolescent warts are growths on the skin of a viral nature that are characteristic of children and adolescents. Their occurrence 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 this type are widespread in nature and are transmitted through direct contact, mainly in children's groups. The disease manifests itself only with violations of the immune status, and over time, warts can go away on their own.
causes
The appearance of flat warts is due to the introduction of human papillomavirus types 3, 5 and 10 into the skin. The papillomavirus penetrates the skin through small cracks and tears and infects keratinocytes. It changes the cells' DNA and they begin to intensively produce collagen, which leads to the growth of the horny layer 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 show any signs of the disease can also become the source of the virus. Warts spread throughout the body when you scratch or shave.
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 maternal wart forms first, around which smaller, daughter warts then appear. When scratching, the papules grow linearly as the virus spreads along the direction of the ridge. The knot 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 acquire a yellowish or brown tint.
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 face - the places of first contact with a virus particle. But they can also spread to other surfaces: the forearms, the oral mucosa or the red lip edge.
diagnosis
It is sufficient to assess the specific clinical picture and carry out an examination. Rarely resort to identifying the virus using the polymerase chain reaction.
With a large number of warts and ineffectiveness of treatment, a full examination of the patient's body and immune status is carried out. A common process usually indicates more serious health problems.
How do you get rid of flat warts?
- Strengthening the immune system with a drug with an 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 for removing flat warts on the face.
- In rare cases, cryotherapy and laser removal are used.
When warts appear in children, in most cases, due to the high probability of self-healing, the formations are simply monitored.
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 sap 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 full recovery.
- Potato. The pulp 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 on overnight. The procedure should be done every other day until the papules go away.
- Vinegar. Once a day, table vinegar is smeared with the surface of the skin area created until it has healed completely.
- Kalanchoe. Mash from Kalanchoe leaves is applied to the papules, a bandage or gauze napkin is placed over it. The compress is left for several hours. The procedure must be carried out daily.
Forecast and consequences
The prognosis for the appearance of juvenile warts is favorable. The formations do not become cancerous and quickly disappear with the normalization of immunity.
To avoid their occurrence, you need to thoroughly wash your child's hands after visiting public places and treat colds and other diseases that reduce immunity over time.
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