Viral warts in children and how they are treated!

Causes of formation

The main factor in the formation of viral warts is the human papilloma virus, which is transmitted by contact.

The causes of infection can be disorders of the barrier function of the skin, which can be caused by:

• Dermatological diseases (atopic dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, etc.);
• Immunodeficiency states with suppressed cellular immunity (AIDS, organ transplantation, etc.);
• Microtraumas, scratches, macerations, cracks on the skin.

Treatment of warts

A specific treatment for warts that would have an effect on the virus has not been developed. The treatment consists in removing the existing elements. The first-line treatment methods with the most evidence of effectiveness are cryodestruction with liquid nitrogen and chemical destruction with salicylic acid preparations.

Other methods can also be used:

• Diathermocoagulation;
• Laser destruction;
• Surgical removal;
• Antiproliferative therapy.

Unfortunately, warts are often resistant to therapy, which requires repeated interventions. Removal does not lead to the destruction of the virus, so relapses are possible after treatment.

Also, warts tend to disappear on their own within 2 years. Therefore, in children under 3 years of age and in cases of a small number of warts that do not bother and do not increase, surveillance tactics are possible.

Features of various treatment methods:

Cryodestruction with liquid nitrogen:

The most widespread and effective method of treatment. It consists in applying liquid nitrogen to the area of ​​skin affected by the virus using a cryodestructor (cryospray) or an applicator. Thanks to the low temperature of nitrogen (-196С), necrosis (death) of virus cells occurs, followed by complete healing. The advantage of this method of treatment is the lack of need for anesthesia, the bloodlessness of the method, and the speed of the procedure. It is worth noting that several procedures are required to remove large and plantar warts.

Chemical destruction:

Application of drugs containing acids on the surface of the wart, which leads to peeling of the affected skin and stimulates the local immune response.  The advantage of this method is the possibility of independent use, bloodlessness.

Radio wave and laser destruction:

Methods of treatment during which radio wave or laser radiation is used, thanks to which the affected areas are destroyed. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia. It has longer healing times than after cryodestruction.

The advantage of the methods is the ability to remove the formation in one procedure, but the methods have a higher percentage of the risk of recurrence

Author: Ksenia Myhorova, dermatovenerologist, trichologist