Genital warts in children: Easy to spread but not harmful

Although genital warts in children do not have a major effect on the baby's health, they still need to be closely monitored to avoid spreading to others.

In terms of medicine, genital warts in children is quite harmless because the disease only affects the child's skin surface. However, in other aspects such as aesthetics or movement, this situation can make the baby uncomfortable. The following article, aFamilyToday Health will give you the necessary information about the cause, how to help prevent and the best treatment.

What is genital warts in children?

Genital warts are when an area of ​​skin becomes hard and rough, you can also call it by the name warts. Genital warts come in many sizes, colors, shapes and appear anywhere on the body. Some other information about the disease include:

The disease is uncommon in infants

Girls are more likely to get genital warts than boys

The disease is most common in children between the ages of 12 and 16

10-20% of children get warts caused by genital warts

Genital warts usually have a skin-like outer layer, but sometimes the nodules will darken a bit.

What causes genital warts in children?

Genital warts in children are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), which is classified as an overgrown skin that doesn't cause cancer. Genital warts form when a virus enters the skin through an open wound, such as a scratch. The virus then promotes the rapid growth of cells in the outer layer of the skin.

Types of genital warts in children

The warts caused by genital warts are usually painless but will still be uncomfortable if the papules are touched several times when the baby moves. Different types of warts are caused by genital warts that grow on different parts of the body. Some pimples have a smooth and flat appearance while others have a rough, swollen appearance.

Common types of genital warts include:

Common genital warts: The warts are easily seen on the fingers, hands, knees, and elbows. They are domed, gray-brown with a rough surface with black dots.

Flat genital warts: The warts will be flat and about the size of your fingertips. The flat warts can be pink, light brown, or yellow. Additionally, pimples usually appear on the face but can still persist in areas such as the arms, knees, or hands.

Verrucas: While most warts caused by genital warts are painless, warts under the feet are the opposite. Your baby will feel quite uncomfortable when active.

Filiform warts: The warts will be pink in color, shaped like a finger. They usually grow on or around the mouth, eyes, or nose.

Genital warts: Genital warts develop on the genitals. The pimple will be quite soft and will not have a rough surface like other types of acne.

Preventing genital warts in children

The viruses that cause genital warts are usually transmitted from person to person. It takes several months after an infectious virus has entered the body for the new warts to appear. Some young children are more susceptible to warts than their peers. Babies with compromised immune systems, such as those who have had an organ transplant, are at increased risk of developing genital warts. In addition, if a child has a nail biting or skin-peeling problem, the risk of infection is quite high.

Children get this virus in many ways: Sharing towels and toys or while playing with friends. Of course, there is no sure way to prevent the risk of completely spreading the disease. On the other hand, there are a few methods that will help reduce the incidence of genital warts in children, such as:

Encourage your child to wear flip flops when going to the beach or swimming pool instead of wearing bare feet

Remind young children not to share towels, brushes or nail clippers with anyone

If a family member has the disease, have them spray diluted bleach all over the bathroom each time you shower.

A cure for genital warts in children at home

As information has been mentioned earlier, genital warts are not harmful to the health of young children. Doctors have suggested that 40% of children with this disease will recover on their own within two years without treatment. However, many babies feel uncomfortable with this condition, such as warts on the feet, because they can interfere with daily activities. Therefore, consider using the following methods:

Apply castor oil on top of the pimple

Use over-the-counter medications after consulting your pharmacist

Crush 1 vitamin C tablet, then mix a little more water and gently dab on the rough skin several times

Stick a bandage on the pimples for 6 days, then use warm water to remove the tape.

However, keep in mind that not all is 100% effective, and genital warts in children can return at any time.

When should I take my child to the doctor?

If the above methods have not worked, you should consider bringing your baby to the doctor for more effective treatments. There are usually two ways to heal: Destroy the warts or boost the immune system to push the body to clear the condition more quickly.

If you choose the method of destruction, the doctor will do it in 3 ways:

Freeze the wart with liquid nitrogen

Use lasers to destroy warts

Apply salicylic acid (BHA) and lactic acid (AHA) to soften the affected area.

For strengthening the immune system, the doctor can perform methods:

Injecting substances such as antigens into the wart

Some topical products such as squaric acid to enhance the immunity in the skin needing treatment

Assign your baby to use Tagamet to stimulate the immune system and clear the warts. This medication must be taken for two or three months to have a noticeable effect.

Children are more susceptible to skin infections, such as genital warts due to hyperactivity. However, do not be too worried if the situation does not make your baby uncomfortable. Also, follow the suggestions mentioned to limit your risk.