Warts In Children: Causes, Types And Treatment
Warts in children are a type of condition that appears on the skin in a lumpy and hardened way. They are usually of multiple sizes and appear in any area of the body, frequently on the hands, feet and faces. Although they do not pose a potential danger, they can be indications of other pathologies, which makes it advisable to consult with the pediatrician and eliminate them.
Warts in children: the most common causes
The appearance of warts in children and adults usually has a common cause called human papillomavirus. They are a group of little aggressive viruses. There are more than 60 species or types of viruses that manifest with these easily recognizable warts. However, the great drawback consists in its ease of contagion, since with the presence of only one, transmission to other areas increases.
Other causes that favor the appearance of warts are a weak immune system or poor blood circulation. Also touching towels or any contaminated surface increases the risk of contagion.
How do warts appear and how long do they last?
After infection, the virus lodges in a warm, moist place such as folds, scratches, or cuts. This is where these annoying warts start to grow. Its frequency in children is due to the fact that they bite, touch and scratch everything they see on their skin. These warts do not cause pain, however, their presence in the plantar areas causes a lot of discomfort.
Their growth is very fast and they can take up to years to disappear if they are not treated in time. Sometimes the immune system finds a defense against the virus by quickly making the wart disappear.
Types of warts that appear more frequently
There are multiple types of warts that differ depending on the way they appear. Take note of the following:
- Flat warts. They are the most common warts in children and adolescents. They are tiny and bulky, flat in the upper area. They are usually pink, yellow, or brown in color. They appear on the hands, faces and knees and usually appear in bouquets.
- Plantar warts. They are painful and annoying due to their location on the soles of the hands or feet. They can be prevented by avoiding leaving the child to walk barefoot in public areas, such as around the pool, etc.
- Common warts. They are those warts that appear on the fingers, elbows and hands. They are arc-shaped and are usually brown in color, rough in texture and with black dots.
- Thin warts : These are elongated bumps that frequently grow in the eyes, nose, or mouth. They are not very common.
In case a wart breaks out, don’t despair, just apply a topical pain reliever lotion and offer the necessary care to heal a wound.
Treatments to remove warts in children
The best way to prevent the spread of warts is to remove them. For this, it is necessary to consult with a pediatrician and avoid self-medicating. The techniques that are generally available are:
- Laser treatment. This procedure involves placing a laser spot on the persistent wart. It is used on warts that disappear and reappear.
- Freezing Technique : Involves freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen. It is not recommended for warts in children.
- Cauterization. This technique seeks to apply heat to burn the outside of the wart. It can be aggressive as a treatment in children.
- Topical treatments. A great alternative is to apply drugs prescribed by the doctor or over the counter. These are generally made from lactic or salicylic acid which helps to remove diseased skin. This technique can be a little slower, because it makes it difficult for the medicine to penetrate through the skin.
After the application of the treatment the wart falls off or disappears with the days; meanwhile, the doctor’s instructions should be followed. It should be noted that warts may reappear or need several sessions for their complete removal.
However, when the wart appears in the child’s eyes, nose, mouth and / or genitals, it will be necessary to go immediately to the pediatrician. Also, if they appear in the plantar area and cause pain when walking. He will know how to establish the diagnosis and indicate the most appropriate specific treatment.
