Causes, symptoms and treatment of warts on the feet in children

The appearance of dense formations on the body that do not cause unpleasant symptoms is most often associated with infection with the papilloma virus. Such growths can occur at any age, regardless of the characteristics of the body.

The causes of warts and their removal in children is the most difficult and unpleasant process, since the child’s body is more sensitive to external irritants and not all methods can be used to eliminate such a tumor.

The correct approach to choosing a method for removing warts can prevent the occurrence of a large number of complications. Many experts do not recommend removing tumors yourself.

Before the removal process, it is necessary to diagnose and identify the cause of the tumor and the type to which it belongs, in order to prevent the formation of cancerous tumors.

Types of warts in children

In childhood, warts appear light-colored or flesh-colored, depending on the type of neoplasm and their location.

The following types of benign formations in children are distinguished:

• Common neoplasms are also often referred to as warts vulgaris. Most often they appear on the hands and elbows; in appearance they resemble a small formation that does not greatly exceed the level of the skin, light brown or flesh-colored. Appear as a result of contact with an infected object or person. The virus penetrates the layers of the epidermis in the presence of minor damage to the skin. They appear in single quantities or in groups. The surface of the formation is slightly rough; upon contact, the child does not experience strong unpleasant symptoms, especially if the wart is not damaged;
• Flat growths are a type of wart that occurs most often at an early age and occurs in childhood. Externally, they look like spots of a dense structure that practically do not differ from the surface of the skin. They are most often located in the face and neck area, however, they can appear in small quantities in any other part of the body. The surface of such a growth is most often flesh-colored with a smooth structure;
• Filiform warts – outwardly they look like pedunculated papules or an elongated formation. They are most often observed in the neck and face, mainly around the eyes. When pressed, they can contribute to the appearance of unpleasant symptoms of burning and itching.

Common warts

Flat warts

Filiform warts
The presence of growths that appear as a result of infection with papilloma infection most often signals disturbances in the functioning of the immune system.

Such growths are not dangerous to the child’s life if they do not have unpleasant signs. However, they can cause a feeling of shame and increased attention from peers, especially if the warts are located in the facial area.

Symptoms

If measures are not taken in a timely manner, the wart begins to progress, disrupting the structure of the upper tissues. This provokes pain when moving.

Symptoms of warts or condylomas do not appear immediately, but gradually. Therefore, it is necessary to remember the main signs so as not to start an infection:

• A smooth spot appears on the surface of the skin, which begins to roughen over time.
• A hardened plaque is formed, which does not stand out relative to the upper layer of the epidermis.
• The affected area of ​​skin begins to grow in height and width, forming a characteristic growth.
• The middle of the new growth has a body color with a bluish or yellow tint.
• A wart does not have the structure of normal healthy skin.

If suspected, a wart can be identified visually. To do this, you need to steam your feet and then rub your heel with a rough brush.

Naturally healthy areas of the skin (the upper stratum corneum) will be removed and problem areas will reveal themselves. A darkened growth will appear that may hurt, burn, or sting when walking. Sometimes, rubbing them with shoes causes slight bleeding.

For comparison, photos of warts on the heel can be found on the Internet.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis of warts is carried out in a medical institution; the procedure most often consists of the following steps:

• Visual examination of the patient;
• , urine and stool analysis
• PCR analysis , which will identify the papilloma virus;
• Taking a sample for histology - this type of analysis allows for timely identification of malignant formations.

If the formation is damaged or increases in size, additional types of tests may be prescribed, with the help of which a specialist determines the most appropriate method for removing the growth.

Wart removal

The method of removing the formation is determined depending on the location of the growth. Experts say that many growths in childhood tend to disappear on their own after a certain time without the need for special procedures.

Mandatory removal of warts is necessary in cases where the formation quickly increases in size, causes discomfort, or produces a cloudy liquid when pressed.

A huge number of methods for removing warts are used; a qualified specialist will help you determine the correct method.

Laser removal

The technique is carried out using a special laser beam, which cuts off the growth, burning the skin cells, and reduces the likelihood of infection.

The advantages of this type of procedure:

• This removal method does not damage healthy cells , so there are no scars left on the skin;
• The method is safe and prevents infection;
• There are no unpleasant symptoms , the procedure is painless and suitable for removing formations of various sizes.

Disadvantages of the procedure:

• Burns may occur if the laser beam is used incorrectly;
• It is necessary to treat the removal site.

After completing the technique, it is recommended to treat the removal site for 7-10 days with special antiseptic solutions.

This removal method is suitable for absolutely all formations, however, no more than 2 warts are removed in one procedure.

The laser removal procedure is used from the age of 6 months as prescribed by a doctor. The cost of the procedure varies from 500 rubles per growth.

Cryodestruction

The essence of this method is to influence the formation of low temperatures, which freeze the cells and lead to the death of the papilloma virus. The procedure usually takes a few minutes.

After applying nitrogen to the formation, the growth darkens and a blister with cloudy contents appears; after several days, a crust forms on the blister, which falls off on its own.

Advantage of the procedure:

• There is no need to prepare for removal;
• The procedure takes a short time;
• Almost no traces remain;
• The risk of infection during removal is reduced to a minimum.

Disadvantages of the procedure:

• The procedure is painful;
• In rare cases, burns remain on the skin;
• Long recovery period;
• Several procedures are used to remove large growths.

After cryodestruction, it is necessary to avoid moisture in the affected area for several days.

After damage to the integrity of the bladder, it is necessary to treat the wound with a special antiseptic. It is prohibited to independently pierce and remove the crust from the affected area.

The use of the procedure is contraindicated for patients with an increased level of sensitivity, as well as in the presence of viral diseases that are accompanied by an increased level of body temperature.

The liquid nitrogen removal procedure is prescribed for patients over 3 years of age. The cost of the procedure starts from 200 rubles, depending on the number of growths.

Radio wave removal

The removal procedure is carried out using a radio knife, which removes infected cells. Thanks to radio waves, cells are completely removed and healthy areas are cauterized, which is necessary to prevent further infection.

Before starting the procedure, you must undergo blood and urine tests. The specialist also takes scrapings from the growth to determine the type of formation. It is recommended for children to use local anesthesia before starting the procedure.

Benefits of the procedure:

• Removal does not take much time;
• Adverse symptoms are rare;
• There are no scars or swelling;
• There are virtually no relapses.

Disadvantages of the procedure:

• Not suitable for large formations;
• High cost compared to other methods;

The technique is not used for formations that are located in the facial area.

After removal, a crust forms on the skin, which should be treated with an antiseptic for several days. On the first day, contact with water is prohibited.

Applicable for ages over 4 years. The cost of removal varies from 500 rubles depending on the size of the wart.

Electrocoagulation

During the procedure, the warts are cauterized using an electric current. For this, a special apparatus with a tip is used; the intensity of the electric current is determined depending on the size of the growth.

Advantages of the method:

• The procedure takes no more than 10-15 minutes;
• Can be used for any size of growth;
• After removing the growth, it is possible to diagnose the wart for the presence of malignant cells;

Disadvantages of the method:

• May leave marks after removal;
• There is a risk of the appearance of new cells infected with the virus;
• After removal, pigment spots may form on the skin;
• The recovery period lasts up to 10 days.

After exposure to electric current, dry skin particles appear in the area of ​​the wart, which fall off on their own after a few days.

For several days, it is not recommended to contact with water and treat the skin with special antiseptic agents recommended by the doctor. It is necessary to prevent contact of sunlight and other types of external factors on the wound.

The procedure is not performed in the chest and face area. Allowed from the age of 6 years. The cost of the procedure is from 800 rubles .

Surgical removal

Surgical removal of warts is carried out only when absolutely necessary. The medical worker, using the necessary instrument, removes the growth along with the root.

After removal, the incision is treated with an antiseptic and stitches are applied.

Benefits of the procedure:

• Allows you to remove large formations;
• Prevents the formation of re-infection.

Disadvantages of the procedure:

• The procedure is painful and requires anesthesia;
• Scars and scars remain;
• Long recovery period after removal;
• Complications may develop in the form of suppuration and swelling.
• The procedure takes a long time.

After the procedure, the patient must treat the wound with an antiseptic for 5 days and wear a bandage. After which the child must visit a doctor to have the stitches removed.

This method of removing warts is used for all parts of the body. It is recommended to use this type of removal from the age of 6 years in case of urgent need.

The cost depends on the size of the growth and is determined individually for each child.

How can I remove a plantar wart?

Typically, cryotherapy is used to remove plantar warts. The neoplasm is exposed to very low temperatures (usually liquid nitrogen), this leads to its damage and destruction. Warts can also be removed using electrocoagulation (burning with electric current), laser surgery, or radio wave surgery.

Make an appointment with a doctor in . In our clinic, your wart will be examined by an experienced specialist, if necessary, an examination will be prescribed (which can be carried out right there, we have modern diagnostic equipment, our own laboratory), we will remove the tumor quickly and painlessly. You will be able to leave the clinic almost immediately after surgery. Call

The material was prepared by oncologist, dermatovenereologist at the Medicine 24/7 clinic, Ekaterina Yuryevna Vertieva.

Drug treatment

To remove warts, you can use special medications, the action of which is aimed at eliminating the virus not only from the skin, but also inside the body.

Treatment of children with medications is carried out strictly as prescribed by the attending physician.

Many medicinal solutions that are aimed at removing warts contain chemical compounds, which can negatively affect the child’s health.

The drug for removing the papilloma virus is selected depending on the area where the benign type of formation is located.

Warts on hands and fingers

The appearance of warts on the hands is most often localized in the elbows, palms and fingers.

The most commonly used methods for removal are:

• Vitamin complexes , the action of which is aimed at enhancing the immune system against the papilloma virus;
• Drugs to enhance the protective functions of the immune system - prescribed to fight viruses inside the body and prevent its reappearance;
• Viferon suppositories - used before bedtime for 10 days. Suitable from the age of 1 year. Average cost 240 rubles ;
• Interferon - recommended to be used strictly as prescribed by a doctor, eliminates viral infection in the body and increases the protective processes of the immune system. Prescribed from the age of 4 years individually for each patient. Average cost 100 rubles ;
• External removal methods - the action is aimed at removing skin cells that are damaged by the virus: Salipod patch - allows you to fight small warts. The patch is applied once to the child’s clean skin and left until it peels off on its own. Allowed for use from the age of 6 years. Average cost 90 rubles ;
• Super Celandine - prescribed before bed, a small drop is applied to the wart and left for a few minutes, the duration of therapy is no more than 5 days. Use with caution for children over 7 years of age; it can cause burns and poisoning. Price 120 rubles .

Viferon candles

Interferon

Salipod patch

Super Celandine
When removing with externally applied preparations, you must carefully ensure that the substance does not get on the child’s mucous membranes. In such situations, you should rinse your mucous membranes with plenty of water and contact a medical facility.

Warts on the legs and feet

The skin on the legs is much rougher than on the body, so removing warts is much more difficult.

Warts can be localized both on the feet or soles, as well as on the heels (such warts are called plantar warts), and on the calves, knees and thighs of the legs.

The following medications are approved for the treatment of warts on the legs:

• Antiviral drugs – used to remove the virus from the child’s body: Cycloferon – used once a day for 5-6 days. Appointed from the age of 6 years. Average cost 230 rubles ;
• Echinacea tincture is a plant-based antiviral drug. Apply 5 drops along with any liquid. Duration up to 10 days. Allowed from the age of 3 years. Average cost 60 rubles ;

Cycloferon

Echinacea tincture

Cryopharma

Duofilm
In addition to the use of pharmaceutical drugs, experts recommend keeping the child clean and ensuring that the body receives all the necessary vitamins.

Warts on the face

Removal of growths on the face is carried out with extreme caution. Experts do not recommend using solutions that contain chemical compounds in the facial area.

Recommended use:

• Viferon - available in the form of ointment and cream, has an antiviral effect on the epidermis, penetrates deeply into the layers and destroys the papilloma virus. Apply twice daily for up to 10 days. Recommended from the age of 1 year. Cost 230 rubles ;
• Oxolinic ointment - applied twice a day to the formation, prevents the reappearance of the virus on the skin. The duration of therapy is up to 10 days, acceptable for children over 2 years of age. Average cost 90 rubles ;
• Tea tree extract – refers to antiviral and antimicrobial substances. Use by spot application with a cotton swab in the morning and evening, avoid contact with the eye area. Duration of treatment is up to 15 days. Used in children over 3 years of age. The average cost is 40 rubles .

Viferon ointment

Oksolin

Tea tree extract
It is recommended to remove warts from sensitive skin on the face under the supervision of a physician.
It is prohibited to independently use products to remove formations on a child’s face.

Causes

The cause of warts on the heel is usually microscopic cracks that appear on the legs. Infection can be acquired in establishments such as baths, steam rooms or fitness centers. The virus is able to hide its activity for a long time, gradually destroying epidermal tissue.

Over time, neoplasms begin to form, which, after entering the active phase, are quite difficult to cure. Sometimes this takes about a year.

Traditional treatment recipes

Various traditional treatment recipes can be used to eliminate warts.

The most commonly used:

• Celandine - Apply the juice of a freshly harvested plant to the wart and apply a patch. The procedure should be repeated twice a day, for up to 5 days. Do not apply to the face area. Used from the age of 5 years;
• Garlic is a natural antiviral substance. Cut a clove of garlic in half and apply it to the growth, secure with a bandage or plaster, and leave overnight. Repeat the technique until the wart is completely eliminated. Appointed from the age of 2 years;
• Ice – helps freeze and eliminate infected cells. An ice cube should be wrapped in a piece of calico and applied to the wart for a few minutes. Repeat the procedure daily until the wart is completely eliminated. Not recommended for use in the eye area. Appointed from the age of 3 years;
• Potatoes – half a potato tuber must be grated on a fine grater and the resulting mixture should be applied to the wart and fixed with a band-aid. Can be used on all areas of the body. Perform daily before bed for up to 6 days. Can be used from 3 years of age;
• Lemon – apply a small piece of lemon to the growth and secure with a bandage or plaster. Performed once a day for no more than 5 days. Do not apply to the face area. Recommended from the age of 4 years.

To achieve results using traditional medicine, it is necessary to observe regularity.

Before starting therapy using traditional treatment, you must consult a doctor and check the child’s individual sensitivity to the components.

When to see a doctor?

Most warts do not pose a health threat and do not require treatment.

Medical assistance is also required in the following cases:

• increase in the size and number of warts;
• painful sensation, susceptibility to injury;
• lack of clear boundaries;
• uneven color or constant change.

Self-medication of warts is strictly contraindicated ; the doctor must check all growths and make sure that they are not malignant and are not dangerous to health.

If symptoms appear, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist; the doctor chooses treatment methods depending on the type and size of warts , some of them do not require medical intervention. Others must be treated immediately, using medications, traditional recipes and surgery as part of therapy.

Prevention methods

To reduce the risk of warts, preventive methods should be followed:

• Eat plenty of vitamins and minerals;
• Treat scratches on the skin;
• Reduce contact with infected people;
• After visiting public places, wash your hands with antibacterial soap;
• In places with high humidity levels, use removable shoes;
• Spend more time outdoors.

Following simple prevention methods can reduce the likelihood of skin growths forming.

If a wart has formed, you should not try to remove the growth on the child’s body yourself; it is better to seek help from specialists to carry out the necessary type of diagnosis.

Reviews

Reviews of drugs for the treatment of warts in children:

Review of Dufilm

Review of Echinacea Tincture

Review of Interferon

Review of Cryopharm

Review of Oxolinic ointment

Review of the Salipod patch

Review of Viferon (candles)

Review of Super Cleaner

Review of Cycloferon

Review of Viferon (ointment)

Why, why do growths appear?

The growth of warts is associated with the penetration of the human papillomavirus (HPV) into the body. At the slightest damage to the skin (scratches, microcracks, cuts), the child runs the risk of becoming infected with this virus.

The virus is easily transmitted from an infected person to a healthy person through personal contacts and the use of household items. Contact with an infected person does not guarantee transmission of the virus. A person with a strong immune system can avoid papillomatosis.

Thus, it is the underdevelopment of the immune system and an active lifestyle, leading to bruises and cuts, that explains the frequent appearance of warts in children. It is known that in children, warts account for about 33% of all dermatological problems.

The main factors for the activation of HPV in a child include:

• Weakened immunity, which is accompanied by frequent colds.
• Failure to comply with personal hygiene rules.
• Visit to the swimming pool.
• Frequent stress and overwork.

It is easy to catch papilloma even if your skin is in poor condition. The virus actively spreads in damaged epithelial cells. Most often, HPV appears in children with severe allergic reactions and excessive sweating. Also read how to trim a plantar wart in a child, symptoms and treatment.

Important!

Please note that it is impossible to become infected with the papilloma virus on the beach, since it dies when exposed to the rays of the sun.