How to treat warts in children and is it worth sounding the alarm?

They are often confused with dry calluses due to their external similarity and localization features. Incorrect treatment or ignoring the problem leads to relapses, severe pain, and proliferation of tumors. Getting rid of plantar warts is recommended in clinical settings. Doing this at home is much more difficult.

General information

Warts are hypertrophied areas of the epithelium, usually resulting from infection with papillomavirus.
They are benign formations on the skin or mucous membrane. They appear more often in children and adolescents who have a weak immune system. Warts can be single or multiple, oval or round, lighter or darker than the surrounding tissue. If left untreated, they can increase in size and cause discomfort.

Neoplasms are localized in different parts of the body:

• face;
• fingers, especially around nails;
• articular surfaces (knees, elbows);
• soles.

Sometimes found on the mucous membrane of the larynx and nose. Such warts often degenerate into cancerous tumors, and therefore require immediate medical attention.

Hygroma of the finger

The appearance of a finger hygroma is a tumor-like formation (similar to a lump) localized on the finger, in the area of ​​one of the joints (in some cases, multiple). Often the formation reaches 2-3 centimeters in a few days.

Often, hygroma of the finger looks like an ordinary wart, and only a doctor can accurately determine the pathology during examination.

A hygroma on a finger (a photo of which can be found on the Internet) can spontaneously open and, at first glance, disappear from the finger. But, as a rule, after some time the tumor appears again, since the capsule of the formation itself does not disappear anywhere, but continues to produce fluid and be filled with it. In addition, this can provoke the appearance of one more or even several hygromas on the finger (photo).

Of course, hygroma is not life-threatening, but painful and unpleasant sensations can affect the quality of life for the worse.

Symptoms of warts

Signs of warts in children depend on the type of tumor:

• Ordinary, or vulgar. These are the most common growths that have a stalk. The formations are round, ball-like, rising above the skin. Common warts are characterized by uniform pigmentation, and hair growth is possible in the central part. The formations do not bother the child, do not hurt or itch. Vulgar warts form on the legs, arms, and back.
• Youthful, or flat. This type appears in children over 5 years of age. The formations are clear, irregular in shape, do not rise above the skin and do not have a stalk. They are slightly pigmented, the surface is even and smooth. A distinctive feature of this type of wart is the formation of several growths in one area of ​​the body. They are localized on the face, neck, lower legs, hands and never appear in the armpits or skin folds.
• Pointed, or condylomas. Pink growths consisting of multiple neoplasms of the papillary structure. This type of wart appears on areas with thin skin, genitals, and mucous membranes.
• Acrochords, or filamentous. Long, elongated neoplasms that appear on the face and in the armpits. They do not differ in color from the surrounding tissues and grow quickly. Warts are clearly visible, easily injured and cause discomfort.
• Plantars, or spinules. The growths are located on the foot under the big toe, have a deep root, round shape and resemble calluses. Pathologically changed areas of the dermis hurt when walking. To detect warts in time, parents should regularly examine the child's body while bathing or changing clothes.

Types of hygroma

There are different types of hand hygromas:
Mucous cysts - hygromas occur against the background of deforming arthrosis of the joints. Most often they form at the distal interphalangeal joint - in this case, hygroma occurs in the area of ​​the nail phalanx, at the base of the nail. Hygroma on the finger develops when osteophytes, present in deforming arthrosis, begin to irritate the skin, underlying tissues and capsular ligamentous apparatus. Because of this, a hygroma occurs - a formation that is hollow inside, in a transparent capsule, with transparent, jelly-like contents.

When a hygroma appears on the nail phalanx, it begins to put pressure on the growth zone of the nail and deform it.

Treatment of hand hygroma

Treatment boils down to excision of the cyst. Due to the fact that with mucosal cysts the skin over the lump on the hand becomes weak, the formation is excised along with the changed skin. After the operation, plastic surgery is performed - both with free skin grafts and with complex skin reconstructions.

A tendon ganglion is a cyst that is formed from the tendon sheaths and the walls of the tendon sheaths. Such hygroma of the hand can cause not only pain, but also limitation of motor functions.

Treatment of a tendon ganglion involves removing the formation - this does not pose any technical difficulty. After operations there are practically no relapses or side effects.

Synovial cysts in the area of ​​the wrist joint (hand hygroma) are the most common type of hygroma.

Causes of warts

The main cause of warts in children is the papilloma virus.
Children and adolescents become infected with this pathogen through contact through household items, personal hygiene items, clothing and underwear. Infection occurs in public places, in transport, on playgrounds. It is possible to transmit microorganisms from mother to child during pregnancy. Once on the skin, the virus enters the body through microcracks and wounds. The disease may not manifest itself in any way for a long time. The activation of microorganisms and the appearance of growths occurs under the influence of a number of factors:

• weakened immunity;
• hormonal changes during adolescence;
• unbalanced diet;
• avitaminosis;
• sedentary lifestyle;
• lack of personal hygiene;
• stress, chronic fatigue;
• wearing uncomfortable shoes (relevant for plantar warts).

Important! Neoplasms appear mainly in weakened children with weak immune systems.

Gouty tophi

Gout is a disease associated with impaired purine metabolism. Tophi in gout are deposits of uric acid salts in tissues.

• Men are more likely to suffer from gout, and the main reason for visiting an orthopedist is tophi;
• The location of the tophi varies greatly: from the toes to the auricles.
• their size varies - from a few millimeters to gigantic sizes;
• tophi tumors are dense and painless;
• with chronic injury from shoes, they can become inflamed, infected and suppurate;
• when the tophi are opened, a white mass (urate crystals) is released from them;
• 15-20% of patients with gout are carriers of urate stones.

Treatment tactics:

1. After conservative therapy and stabilization of uricemia levels, removal of tophi is indicated.
2. It is preferable to perform operations for small sizes of tophi tumors, without waiting for their growth or purulent fistulous complications.
3. The operations are local plastic in nature and are individual depending on the size and location of the tophi.

Treatment of warts

The decision on how to get rid of a wart in a child should be made by a doctor.
Independent removal of pathologically overgrown areas is dangerous due to the spread of infection to uninfected areas of the skin. Currently, wart removal is possible in various ways:

• Surgical. The wart is excised with a scalpel under local anesthesia. The resulting wound heals in 1-2 weeks, but after removal a scar often remains. This method is not recommended for small children.
• Electrocoagulation. Neoplasm cells are destroyed under the influence of electric current. The manipulation is performed under local anesthesia. After cauterization, the wound is treated with an antiseptic. After 2-3 days, a crust forms at the site of the wart. It disappears after 5-7 days, a scar is formed in rare cases. Electrocoagulation is not suitable for spine removal.
• Cryodestruction. The method involves cauterization with liquid nitrogen. To remove the tumor, 2-4 procedures will be required. After treatment with nitrogen, a blister forms, then a crust, which falls off over time. The method is suitable for older children.
• Laser. This method of wart removal is painless, does not cause complications and does not leave scars. The laser has an antiseptic effect, eliminating infection of the wound. The procedure takes place under local anesthesia and takes a few minutes.

Before removing a wart from a child, the doctor prescribes medications to strengthen the immune system and reduce viral activity. The virus cannot be completely destroyed: it remains in the body for life.

After operation

Dosed loads on the leg are possible from the next day after surgery. Despite this, in the first two weeks of the postoperative period it is recommended to use additional support for movement (cane) for better and faster healing of the postoperative wound. Complete restoration of the supporting function of the lower limb occurs by 4-6 weeks after surgery.

Recommendations for the prevention of Hallux Valgus from our doctors

There are certain preventive measures that can be taken to avoid or stop the progression of a “bump on the foot.”

1. 1. Eat right.
   Eliminate spicy and salty foods from the menu, limit your intake of carbohydrates and sugar. Add vegetables and fruits to your diet. Watch your weight, because as we wrote earlier, extra pounds increase the load on the feet and provoke deformation.
2. 2. Do exercises for your feet.
   Spend 5-10 minutes doing simple exercises. The main condition for gymnastics is its regularity. Daily exercise strengthens the muscles and ligaments of the foot:

1. — scatter small objects on the floor and collect them with your fingers (pens, pencils, eraser, sheet of paper);
2. - walk on your toes and heels;
3. — draw with your fingers in the air or on the sand (floor) whatever your heart desires;
4. - spread your fingers so that they do not touch. Hold in this position for at least a minute;
5. - Roll a water bottle with your foot.

1. 3. Foot massage.
   You can do foot massage yourself at home. Follow the basic rules:

1. — Hands should be warm and dry.
2. — Massage 2 times a day: morning and evening.
3. - Rub your feet and toes. Use tapping and stroking movements, focusing on the inner surface of the sole.
4. — Fingers should be massaged from the tips towards the foot.
5. - Finish the massage by bending and straightening your toes.

1. 4. Foot baths.
   After a hard day, warm foot baths are wonderfully relaxing and soothing. Add herbs, salt or soda. After completing the procedure, rinse your feet with cool water and gently rub the soles with a soft towel.
2. 5.Wear the right shoes.
   Fashionistas need to minimize wearing high-heeled shoes with a narrow toe. Everyday shoes should have a stable heel - no higher than 4-5 cm, with a rounded toe, with a soft and flexible sole.
3. 6. Choose orthopedic insoles.
   Orthopedic insoles are recommended for all people and can be worn at any age. The insoles relieve the toes, redistributing pressure along the foot. Properly selected insoles are insoles that are made using a special machine to fit your foot.
4. 7. Use orthoses.
   Orthoses are special interdigital separator inserts that are located between the thumb and second toe. There are also different types of pads that protect the feet from corns. You can purchase them and get a consultation at any orthopedic salon in St. Petersburg.
5. 8. Give your legs a rest.
   If work requires constant standing, it is necessary to warm up your legs at certain intervals (lower and raise your toes, “fan out” your toes, etc.).

Our Clinic provides treatment under federal quotas, which means that citizens of the Russian Federation have the opportunity to receive help free of charge. Make an appointment with an orthopedic traumatologist or on the website.

Prevention of warts

Preventive measures are aimed at strengthening the immune system:

• taking vitamin complexes;
• good nutrition;
• physical activity;
• walks in the open air;
• limited stay in public places (if possible).

The answer to the question of how to remove warts from children in the least traumatic and effective way will be answered by the doctors of the SM-Doctor clinic. A dermatologist will quickly and objectively make a diagnosis and prescribe treatment. Remember that removing tumors on your own is dangerous for the child’s health.

Hygroma of the wrist joint

Most often, wrist hygroma occurs on the dorsum of the joint and looks like an ordinary lump on the hand - round and tumor-like. Hygroma is inactive, painless, dense, elastic consistency, with unchanged skin. According to statistics, almost 70% of hygromas are formed on the back of the wrist.

If the hygroma occurs on the dorsum of the hand, then it is clearly visible when the joint is flexed.

Much less commonly, wrist hygroma develops on the palmar surface of the wrist joint, in the area of ​​the radial artery (in the place where the pulse is usually checked). This arrangement makes the surgical procedure very difficult.

Treatment of hygroma on the wrist

Treatment of such a hygroma is very difficult, since you have to very carefully isolate the cyst in the area of ​​the radial artery, trying not to damage it. Carelessness during surgery can result in serious injury to the artery, which can disrupt the blood supply to the hand. Hygroma on the wrist requires the most professional and careful treatment, so only an experienced surgeon can perform a correct and effective operation.