Papillomavirus skin infections and children. An overview on cutaneous and anogenital warts treatment

Human papillomavirus (HPV) skin infections manifest mainly as cutaneous (CWs) and anogenital warts (AGWs). They are quite frequent in children, and genital infections raise problems concerning the nature of transmission, including the possibility of child sexual abuse. HPV skin infections may resolve spontaneously, and the treatment choice should consider the efficacy and tolerability of different therapies. This paper provides an overview of treatments available in children for CWs and AGWs: cryotherapy, salicylic acid, photodynamic therapy, surgery and mechanical therapies, nitric-zinc complex, podophyllin, imiquimod, intralesional immunotherapy, sinecatechins, topical antivirals, such as cidofovir, and other therapies. HPV vaccines have changed the incidence of HPV-related diseases, especially in HPV-naïve people, but their effectiveness in already infected patients is being investigated.