A wart in a child's mouth

1. Reasons for appearance
2. What do warts look like in a child's mouth?
3. Treatment options
   1. Oral health
   2. Antiviral drugs
   3. Immunomodulatory agents
   4. Vitamin complexes
   5. Folk recipes
   6. Wart removal

A wart in a child’s mouth is a benign neoplasm on the mucous membrane, caused by the human papillomavirus. This disease indicates a decrease in immunity and requires a whole range of measures to eliminate.

Causes of neoplasms

Warts in a child’s mouth are a fairly rare disease that is caused by infection of the body with the human papillomavirus. The virus can remain in the body for years, but begin to actively multiply only when immunity decreases, as a result of which benign growths form on the body and mucous membranes. And if the appearance of warts on the skin indicates a decrease in immunity, then the appearance of such growths in a child’s mouth indicates an extreme decrease in the protective functions of the body.

Causes of warts in children's mouths:

1. Infection of baby from mother. The mother is in closest contact with the child. That is why most often he gets the virus from her. This can happen in the womb, during labor, lactation, or being together.
2. Domestic infection. You can get papillomavirus from any family member by using shared towels, combs, household items and dishes.
3. Transmission of the virus in a social environment. Children often become infected with HPV in preschool educational institutions, children's centers, clinics, and sports clubs.
4. Autoinfection. If a child has vulgar warts on his hands, and he puts his hands in his mouth or bites his nails, these growths may also appear on the mucous membranes.
5. Hormonal changes. Often this reason occurs during adolescence, when hormonal changes occur. This leads to a decrease in immunity and the body’s inability to resist viruses.
6. Poor nutrition. An insufficient amount of vegetables and fruits, meat, fish and offal in the diet leads to an increase in the activity of viral protein structures and the appearance of warts on the child’s skin and mucous membranes.
7. Stressful situations. Doctors note that warts appear more actively on the skin and mucous membranes of children if children are exposed to stressful situations - conflicts in the team, misunderstanding from family and friends, worries about school.
8. Medication abuse. This is especially true for such a group of drugs as antibiotics. Their appointment must be accompanied by clear diagnostic measures confirming the need for admission. They have an extremely negative effect on the immune system, depriving it of its ability to fight viral pathogens.
9. Chronic diseases. Here it is worth paying attention to disruptions in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, endocrine system and neurological diseases.
10. Violation of hygiene rules. Lack of proper oral care has a detrimental effect on local immunity and contributes to the proliferation of the virus.

Read also why papillomas occur in a child’s mouth.

What do warts look like in a child's mouth?

Photos of warts in the mouth in children

Papillomavirus, leading to changes in epidermal and mucous structures, can cause the formation of several types of growths at once. These include simple or vulgar warts, spiny warts, flat or juvenile warts, filiform papillomas and genital warts.

There are the following types of warts in the mouth of children:

1. Condylomas acuminata. They are located mainly on the tongue. They are petal-shaped with a slightly pointed end. Soft and, as a rule, no different in color from the area on which they are located.
2. Filiform papillomas. These are also soft but long processes attached to the mucosa by a stalk. In their normal state they are light in color, but in the mouth they are often injured, so they change color to a darker one. May contain blood veins. Their location is the inside of the cheeks.
3. Flat warts. These tumors appear predominantly on the gums or inner sublabial area. They are represented by small round seals of white or deep red color.

Despite the fact that on forums there are quite often photos of warts in a child’s mouth and it is not difficult to determine what exactly parents are dealing with, an immediate visit to a doctor is required to develop the correct treatment regimen.

Methods for treating warts

Treatment of warts in children involves a whole range of measures, and therapy for tumors in the mouth is also supplemented by mandatory specific manipulations on oral hygiene. Let's take a closer look at how to treat pathogenic tumors. But we draw your attention to the fact that the popular treatment methods presented can only be applied after agreement with the child’s pediatrician, immunologist or dentist.

Oral health

Involves such mandatory manipulations as brushing your teeth twice (morning and evening), using dental floss and mouthwash after each meal.

Treatment of carious lesions is mandatory for the prevention of warts in the mouth in children. It is also important to remove tartar, if any. Although such deposits are extremely rare in children.

It is necessary to eat foods that promote oral health - onions and garlic, apples, carrots. It would be useful to use chewing gum in cases where it is not possible to rinse your mouth after eating.

Antiviral drugs

In the photo, antiviral drugs for warts in the mouth in children

The main purpose of taking these drugs is to target viruses that cause mutation of epidermal and mucous cells, which subsequently leads to the formation of warts and papillomas. This happens through the activation of killer cells - macrophages, which absorb most infectious agents (viruses, fungi, bacteria).

The following remedies are most often used to treat warts in a child’s mouth:

1. Interferon. The active substance is leukocyte human interferon. The product is available in the form of lyophilized powder in ampoules. A solution for irrigation of the nasal passages is prepared from it using water for injection. You can also do inhalations with this solution. The frequency of use is several times a day, the duration, depending on the doctor’s prescription, ranges from 1 week to several months. Contraindications include liver dysfunction, renal failure, central nervous system dysfunction, incorrect functioning of the endocrine system, and cardiovascular diseases. Approved for use in children over 1 year of age. Price - from 94 rubles per pack of 10 ampoules in Russia. It is not presented in its pure form in Ukraine; only expensive analogues are on sale - Inferon, Alfaferon.
2. Cycloferon. The active ingredient is acridone acetic acid. Used in children aged 4 years and older. Contraindicated in case of liver dysfunction. Available in the form of a solution for injection and tablets for oral administration. In the treatment of warts in children in the mouth, it is better to use tablets. They are taken at the age of 4 to 6 years - 1 per day, from 7 to 11 years - 2 per day, over 12 years - 3 per day. The duration of treatment is determined by the doctor; often several courses are necessary with an interval of 2-3 weeks. Price - from 800 rubles for 50 pcs. in Russia (from 474 hryvnia for 50 pieces in Ukraine).
3. Papilovir. A preparation based on carbolic acid, sodium and potassium hydroxide, perlite oil, red pepper, garlic extract, propolis. This remedy is used both externally and internally; it is taken orally to treat warts in a child’s mouth. For it, take nozzle No. 1, shake the bottle of liquid and take 15 drops of a homogeneous preparation. It is added to 50 ml of purified water and taken at a time. The course of treatment is 30 days. For use in children over 3 years of age. The only contraindication for use is the presence of an allergy to any of the components of the drug. Price - from 999 rubles in Russia (from 339 hryvnia in Ukraine).

Immunomodulatory agents

Photo of immunomodulatory drugs for warts in a child’s mouth

As noted above, the key to effectively combating papillomavirus and the warts it causes is to boost immunity. Immunomodulatory drugs should cope with this task. They provoke the body to produce natural components that have a detrimental effect on viruses.

The following medications are used to treat warts in children’s mouths:

1. Lycopid. A complex drug based on glucosaminylmuramyl dipeptide. The product should dissolve under the tongue 30 minutes before meals. The duration of therapy is 10 days, but the dosage, depending on the individual characteristics of the child, should be prescribed by an immunologist. Contraindications for use are body temperature above 38 degrees, thyroid dysfunction and a tendency to allergies. Approved for the treatment of children over 3 years of age. Price - from 310 rubles for 10 pcs. in Russia (from 250 hryvnia for 10 pieces in Ukraine).
2. Isoprinosine. The action of this drug is based on inosine pranobex. Used in children weighing at least 15 kg. Prescribed 50 mg of the drug per 1 kg of weight. This daily dose must be divided into several doses and given at equal intervals. The course of treatment with an antiviral agent lasts from 2 weeks to 1 month. Contraindications include diseases of the joints, kidneys, bladder, and disturbances in the functioning of the heart. Price - from 597 rubles for 20 pcs. in Russia (from 410 hryvnia for 20 pieces in Ukraine).
3. Allokin-Alpha. The main component of the product is alloferon. Since the drug has a very strong immunomodulatory effect, it is used exclusively as prescribed by a doctor and is sold by prescription. Used to treat warts in the mouth in children over 12 years of age. The drug is administered by injection, strictly under the skin, and not into the muscle. Adults are given one injection every other day for 12 days. Children may need a smaller dose. Contraindication for use is the presence of autoimmune diseases. Price - from 3,750 rubles for 3 ampoules in Russia (from 1,999 hryvnia for 3 ampoules in Ukraine).

Vitamin complexes

An important role in the treatment of warts in a child’s mouth is played by the use of a balanced complex of vitamins and minerals. Today the market is replete with a huge number of medications recommended as balanced complexes.

The following are very popular among doctors and parents:

1. Omega 3 Solgar. This is an extract from salmon fish oil, the main component is omega-3 fatty acids. An indispensable component for improving children's immunity, as well as maintaining the heart, protecting blood vessels, accelerating metabolism, and stimulating memory. For the treatment of warts in the mouth of children, drink 1 capsule per day with meals, preferably in the morning. The price of the drug is from 1300 rubles in Russia (from 450 hryvnia in Ukraine).
2. Supradin. This vitamin complex comes in several forms. Most popular among parents and loved by children - in the form of chewable lozenges. Consists of vitamins, minerals and lecithin - a substance that helps speed up chemical reactions in cells. Rich in choline and Omega-3. Price - from 360 rubles in Russia, from 150 hryvnia in Ukraine.
3. Pikovit. It is also represented by a complex including vitamins B, A, D, E, PP. Suitable for children aged 1 year and older. Available in the form of syrup and tablets. Tablets are used 1 pc. once a day, syrup - 1 teaspoon once a day. Price - from 150 rubles for 30 pcs.; from 250 rubles per 150 ml in Russia (from 110 hryvnia and 140 hryvnia, respectively, in Ukraine).
4. Alphabet. The complex is used in pediatric practice for children from 3 to 7 years old. Contains 11 vitamins and 8 minerals. This preparation contains calcium, iodine and copper, which are not found in many others, and they are extremely necessary for the skin and mucous membranes. Take 2 capsules. once a day. Price - 250 rubles for 60 pcs. in Russia (from 92 hryvnia for 60 pieces in Ukraine).

Folk recipes

There are many folk remedies known to help get rid of warts in a child’s mouth. However, treatment with folk remedies should begin with a visit to the doctor, since each natural component, in addition to its effect on viruses, also has many other properties, for example, it can lower or increase blood pressure, have a choleretic or diuretic effect, etc., which can negatively affect baby's health.

Folk remedies for warts in children's mouths:

1. Sagebrush. To prepare a medicine from wormwood, you will need 3 large spoons of dried or 5 spoons of fresh, finely chopped herbs. It must be poured with boiling water and left until it cools completely. Then strain off the sediment and rinse your mouth with this decoction at least 3 times a day.
2. Rowan. Rowan juice helps a lot in fighting warts in a child’s mouth. To prepare it, you need to take several bunches of ripe rowan, rinse well and crush. Then you will need gauze through which to strain the resulting juice. Apply this liquid onto the wart precisely, using a cotton swab, trying to avoid getting the juice on the mucous membrane around the growth.
3. Garlic. Garlic is an excellent antiviral agent. Take a few cloves of garlic, pass them through a press and also squeeze out the juice using gauze. Apply to the wart in your child's mouth several times a day. This manipulation will also serve as a good prevention of colds.
4. Celandine. Celandine has destructive effects on warts. But if an alcohol tincture of this plant is suitable for combating skin manifestations of HPV, then in the mouth you can only use the juice of fresh plants, also diluted with honey in a 1:1 ratio. Apply it to warts several times a day.
5. Calendula. The medicinal properties of calendula are widely known, aimed at combating many viruses, including papillomavirus. You need to take 2 tablespoons of calendula flowers and pour boiling water over them. Leave for several hours, strain and rinse your mouth with the resulting decoction several times a day.
6. Green tea. Green tea is often used to combat warts. You can either rinse your mouth with it or take it orally. Thanks to this, it not only affects warts in the mouth of children, but also helps to generally cope with the virus in the body. However, you need to be careful, as green tea can increase blood pressure. Therefore, this recipe is not suitable for children prone to hypertension and increased intracranial pressure.
7. Egg white. If a wart in a child’s mouth is at the stage of formation and only appears slightly on the mucous membrane, you can lubricate it with chicken protein. This must be done several times a day.
8. Castor oil. Castor oil often appears in folk recipes. They need to treat the tumor overnight. This must be done very carefully, using the minimum possible amount of castor oil, as it can cause stomach upset.
9. Milk thistle. For internal use, an infusion of milk thistle is suitable: 2 teaspoons of dry medicinal herb are poured with a glass of boiling water, infused and filtered, taken in equal parts in 4-5 doses during the day.
10. Honey. Honey is a powerful immunostimulating and antiviral agent. If the child is not allergic to bee products, it is consumed several times a day. It must be borne in mind that when honey is added to drinks whose temperature is above 40°C, it loses all its beneficial qualities. Therefore, if you give your child hot tea or milk with honey, do not mix them.

Removing warts in children

Removal of warts in children is used in three cases: if the problem cannot be corrected with the help of drug treatment, when the wart begins to change color and increase in size, and also if the tumor is injured.

The oral cavity is an area where it is impossible to apply the full range of methods designed, for example, to remove epidermal pathological growths. In particular, cryodestruction, electrocoagulation and radio wave excision are not used on the mucosa. Here, only surgery or laser therapy can quickly solve the problem.

Methods for removing warts in a child’s mouth:

1. Surgical. With its help, mainly flat tumors are treated. This is a classic surgical excision of altered tissues, which also affects some healthy ones. Requires long-term rehabilitation and is performed in a hospital setting. Most often, such operations are performed in maxillofacial departments by dental surgeons. The price of the operation is from 3 thousand rubles in Russia (from 1000 hryvnia in Ukraine).
2. Laser therapy. Genital condylomas and filiform papillomas are excised with a special laser. This is a low-traumatic operation that can be performed in the dental office of a clinic or even if equipment is available in the office of a dermatological center. Hospitalization is not necessary, and healing occurs quickly. The price of the procedure is from 1000 rubles in Russia (from 600 hryvnia in Ukraine).

Doctors recommend not to ignore warts in a child’s mouth, as they contribute to the spread of the virus throughout the body. And they draw patients’ attention to the fact that surgery is not an alternative to drug treatment. Drug therapy - antiviral drugs, immunomodulators, and vitamin complexes - must be carried out in parallel with surgical excision or laser therapy. This is the only way to prevent relapse of the disease.

1. Related article: Which doctor should I contact for oral papillomas?