Flat Warts: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Flat warts, also known as verruca plana, are small, smooth growths that often appear on the face, hands, and legs.

They are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and can spread through skin contact or contaminated surfaces.

While they do not cause serious health problems, they can be itchy, uncomfortable, and cosmetically bothersome, especially

when they develop in clusters. Understanding their causes, symptoms, and treatment options can help manage them effectively.

Causes of Flat Warts

Flat warts develop due to an HPV infection, particularly types 3, 10, 28, and 49, which affect the outer layer of the skin. Several factors contribute to their occurrence

HPV Infection: The virus spreads through direct skin contact, contaminated objects, or small cuts and scratches.
Weakened Immune System: Conditions like HIV/AIDS, chemotherapy, or certain medications increase the risk.
Frequent Skin Irritation: Shaving, minor injuries, and scratching can allow the virus to enter the skin.
Touching Infected Areas: Rubbing or picking at warts can cause them to spread.
Sharing Personal Items: Using towels, razors, or nail clippers that have been in contact with infected skin can transfer the virus.

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Symptoms of Flat Warts

Flat warts are small, slightly raised, and have a flat or smooth surface. They are often flesh-coloured, pink, or light brown and appear in groups. Key symptoms include:

Clusters of multiple warts, sometimes forming in large numbers.
Common locations Found on the face, hands, legs, and sometimes other body parts.
Mild itching or irritation especially in areas exposed to frequent friction.

Treatment for Flat Warts

Several options are available to treat flat warts on the face and hands while minimizing the chances of recurrence.

Topical Treatments:

- Salicylic acid helps remove infected skin gradually.
- Retinoid creams slow down wart cell growth and reduce their size.

Medical Procedures:

- Cryotherapy (Liquid nitrogen freezing) is a common wart removal method.
- Laser therapy targets and destroys wart tissue.
- Electrosurgery removes warts using heat or electric current.

Immunotherapy:

- Boosts the body’s natural defences to help clear the virus.

Preventing Flat Warts

Since flat warts are contagious, taking precautions can help prevent their spread:

Wash hands frequently to reduce the risk of infection.
Avoid touching or scratching flat warts on the face to prevent spreading.
Do not share personal items like razors, towels, or nail clippers.
Keep skin healthy and moisturized to prevent small cuts that allow HPV to enter.

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Conclusion

Flat warts are common skin growths caused by HPV infection and often appear on the face, hands, and legs. Though they are usually harmless, they can cause itching and discomfort. Treatments such as topical medications, cryotherapy, and laser removal can help eliminate them. Preventive measures can reduce the risk of recurrence and help maintain clear skin.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, flat warts can spread through touch, scratching, or shaving, especially on the face, hands, and legs. Avoiding direct contact with infected areas helps prevent their spread.

Flat warts on the face can be treated with topical medications, cryotherapy, or laser therapy. Early treatment can prevent them from spreading or becoming persistent.

Some individuals may experience mild itching or irritation, especially in areas with friction or frequent movement. However, they are usually painless.

No, in some cases, flat warts may go away on their own as the immune system fights the virus. However, treatment is recommended if they spread, cause discomfort, or persist for a long time.

After wart removal, avoid touching or scratching the treated area, keep the skin clean, and use prescribed ointments to aid healing and prevent recurrence.