Understanding and Treating Warts in Children: A Success Story
At Village Dermatology, we pride ourselves on offering comprehensive, compassionate care for skin conditions of all ages. Warts, though common, can significantly impact a child’s comfort and confidence. Today, we’re sharing a success story about a 10-year-old patient treated for warts at our Katy and Memorial Houston offices.
Case Overview
The young boy, an established patient at our practice, presented with pink, cauliflower-like papules on his right elbow and upper arm. These lesions, medically referred to as Verruca Vulgaris, were enlarging and had not been treated before this visit.
During the consultation, the child was cheerful and accompanied by his mother and our medical assistant. Upon examination, he appeared well-nourished, well-developed, and in no acute distress.
What Are Verruca Vulgaris?
Verruca Vulgaris, or common warts, are benign skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). These rough, raised lesions often develop in children due to minor trauma to areas like the hands, knees, or elbows, which increases their vulnerability to HPV.
Treatment Approach: Cryotherapy
After evaluating the patient, we recommended cryotherapy, a trusted and effective method for wart removal. This treatment involves using liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy the wart tissue, allowing the skin to heal naturally.
Procedure Details:
Six warts on the right elbow and upper arm were treated.
Liquid nitrogen was carefully applied, causing controlled tissue damage to remove the warts.
The patient’s mother provided informed consent after discussing potential side effects, including scabbing, blistering, pigmentation changes, and the possibility of recurrence.
Post-Treatment Care and Follow-Up
Following cryotherapy, it’s essential to ensure proper care to optimize healing and minimize complications. The family was advised to:
Keep the treated area clean and dry.
Avoid picking or scratching the scabs to prevent scarring or infection.
Contact the office if signs of infection, like swelling or increased redness, occur.
A follow-up appointment was scheduled to evaluate the patient’s progress and determine if further treatments would be necessary.
Preventing and Managing Warts
Warts are highly contagious and can recur if preventive steps are not taken. We recommend the following:
Teach children to avoid picking at warts.
Practice good hygiene, including regular handwashing.
Cover warts with bandages in public settings, such as school or sports activities, to prevent spreading the virus.
Why Choose Village Dermatology?
At Village Dermatology, we provide expert care for warts and other skin conditions. Our treatments, such as cryotherapy, are safe and effective for children. We understand the emotional and physical challenges that come with skin conditions and strive to create a supportive, family-friendly environment.
Ready to Address Your Skin Concerns?
If your child has warts or other skin concerns, explore our dedicated page on warts to learn more about treatment options. Schedule an appointment with us today and let’s work together to ensure your child’s skin health and confidence.