What are the most obvious signs of HPV in children?

Generally speaking, HPV refers to human papillomavirus. Children infected with human papillomavirus may develop symptoms such as skin warts, flat warts, genital warts, skin itching and pain, and wound ulcers. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention and follow medical advice for treatment. Specific details are as follows:

1. Skin Warts: Children may develop small hard nodules or warts on fingers, backs of hands, soles of feet, knees, or genital areas. These warts could be signs of human papillomavirus infection, typically presenting as raised growths on the skin surface, possibly accompanied by pain or itching.

2. Flat Warts: Flat warts are smooth, hard, flat-topped small spots, usually light-colored, commonly found on exposed areas such as the face and back of the hands in children. They appear as flat, smooth-surfaced, firm papules of varying sizes and are among the common symptoms of human papillomavirus infection.

3. Genital Warts: In older children or adolescents, human papillomavirus infection may manifest as genital warts. These warts typically appear on the penis, glans, urethral opening, and sometimes in the perineal area, possibly accompanied by mild pain or discomfort.

4. Skin Itching and Pain: Areas infected with human papillomavirus may feel itchy or painful, which could cause discomfort or irritability in children. This sensation of itching and pain is usually caused by the virus irritating the skin's nerve endings and is a common symptom of human papillomavirus infection.

5. Wound Ulcers: In some cases, human papillomavirus infection may lead to wounds or ulcers on the skin. These wounds may be slow to heal and prone to secondary infection. Therefore, parents should closely monitor any wounds or ulcers on a child's skin and seek timely medical attention.

Following human papillomavirus infection, children may not immediately show symptoms, or the symptoms may be very mild. However, if children develop these symptoms or if parents suspect possible human papillomavirus infection, they should promptly take the child for medical evaluation. Doctors may perform tests such as the acetic acid white test or histopathological biopsy to confirm human papillomavirus infection and formulate an appropriate treatment plan based on the clinical condition.