The appearance of warts is a most common symptom among children and, although most of the time they are benign, they can cause discomfort. Its presence is caused by infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV), to which children are more exposed than adults because they are not vaccinated and have a still developing immune system. In this way, the virus penetrates the epidermis and induces the multiplication of cells, which is why it appears as a hardness on the skin.
There are many ways that HPV can come into contact with the skin, such as shared towels or creams. Damp skin is more sensitive to these infections, so your child should always wear flip-flops in the changing rooms or swimming pools. Also, if the child scratches the warts, it is likely that they end up spreading them to other parts of the body. It is what is called autoinoculation.
It’s almost as important to take steps to prevent warts as it is to prevent them from spreading once they’ve appeared on your child’s body. Among the good practices to avoid its appearance is the regular treatment of dryness and cracks in the skin, especially that of the hands, with a suitable cream. The child must exercise extreme hand and foot hygiene and, in no case, share toiletries with other people. Poor circulation is another factor that can favor the appearance of warts, so alternate hot and cold water baths will help prevent them.
If, even after following the above precautions, your child develops warts, care should be focused on avoiding self-contagion to other parts of the body. For this, it is essential not to tear off the warts and avoid biting your nails. This would cause breaks in the skin, a vector for the spread of the virus. Instruments such as nail clippers, files or pumice stones should not be used on the affected parts and it is preferable instead to cut the hangnails with pointed scissors. As for textiles, clothes and towels that have come into contact with the wart should be washed at 60 degrees.
In most cases, the warts will disappear after a few weeks without causing further damage to your child. Beyond the punctual itching -in fact, they are usually asymptomatic-, the reasons for going to the doctor will be limited to inflammation or bleeding from the wart, if they appear on top of another previously diagnosed skin disease or if they are a recurring problem. Surgical or laser treatments are the most common alternatives for curing these infections.
However, your child may be emotionally affected by the presence of warts on his hands or feet, an even more pressing nuisance with the arrival of good weather. Luckily, there are some home remedies that will help you remit warts, such as tea tree oil or dandelion milk. Apply one of these treatments, cover the warts with a tape, and encourage your child to enjoy while they are submerged.
