Flat or youthful 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 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 children's groups. The disease manifests itself only with violations of the 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 types 3, 5 and 10 into the skin. The papillomavirus penetrates through small cracks and cracks in the skin and infects keratinocytes. It changes the DNA of cells, and they begin to intensively produce collagen, which entails 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 do not have signs of the disease can also become the source of the virus. Warts spread throughout the body during scratching 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 merge with each other, forming a polygonal rash. Often, first, a maternal wart forms, around which smaller, daughter ones then appear. When scratching, the papules grow linearly due to the spread of the virus along the direction of the comb. The nodule can be one or many - 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 on the face - the places of first contact with a viral particle. Although they can spread to other surfaces: the forearms, the mucous membrane of the mouth, or to the red border of the lips.
Diagnostics
It is enough to assess the specific clinical picture and conduct an examination. Rarely resort to the identification of the virus using 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% 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, the formations in most cases are simply monitored because of the high probability of self-healing.
Treatment with folk remedies
There are a large number of 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 (immediately under the skin) is applied to the wart, and covered with a bandage on top. The compress is left overnight. The procedure should be carried out every other day until the papules disappear.
- Vinegar. Once a day, table vinegar is smeared with the surface of the generated skin area until it is completely cured.
- Kalanchoe. Gruel 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 carried out daily.
Forecast and consequences
The prognosis for the appearance of juvenile warts is favorable. The formations do not undergo malignancy and quickly disappear with the normalization of immunity.
To avoid their appearance, you need to thoroughly wash your child's hands after visiting any public places and treat colds and other diseases that reduce immunity in time.
Photo
