Introduction:
Flat warts are noncancerous (benign) bumps on the skin that are smooth and small. They are flatter and smaller than other warts, roughly the size of a pinhead. They can be yellowish-brown, pink, or the color of skin. Flat warts typically appear in clusters. These flat warts are most commonly found on the face and the hands. They can also spread through shaving. A flat wart usually does not cause pain, but it can be difficult to treat.
Whom Do Flat Warts Affect?
Flat warts are also known as juvenile warts, as they are observed mostly in children and teenagers than in adults.
What Do Flat Warts Look Like?
Flat warts are smaller than other types of warts and, unlike other types, have a smooth top. They are only slightly raised and are sometimes barely visible. Flat warts can be oval or round in shape and range in size from 1 to 3 millimeters. The color ranges from yellowish brown to pinkish. They can form clusters of 20 to 200 warts. Flat warts frequently appear near a scratch or break in the skin. Men may get them by shaving their beards, while women may get them on their legs.
What Causes Flat Warts?
Flat warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), and there are more than 100 types of HPV. Flat warts are caused by HPV types 3, 10, 28, and 49. These HPV strains are not cancerous (benign). The same strain of HPV responsible for genital warts does not cause them. HPV can survive in warm, moist environments. When the virus infects the body, it grows and thrives on warm and moist areas of the skin. The virus causes the top layer of the skin to thicken.
What Are the Risk Factors for Developing Warts?
The risk factors for developing warts are:
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Touching an object that has been exposed to HPV.
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Open cuts and scrapes.
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Poor personal hygiene.
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Having a compromised immune system.
Are Flat Warts Contagious?
HPV, the virus that causes flat warts, is contagious. Although it is not highly contagious, it can spread through skin-to-skin contact. HPV can enter the body through a small skin break, cut, or scratch. Flat warts can also spread from one part of the body to another. HPV can be contracted by touching contaminated objects or surfaces in rare cases.
There are several things one can do to avoid getting warts:
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Clothing, towels, and other personal items should not be shared with others.
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Avoid skin-to-skin contact with people who have warts.
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In public locker rooms, wear shower shoes or flip-flops.
How Are Flat Warts Diagnosed?
If one notices any lumps or bumps on the skin, schedule an appointment with the healthcare provider. They may be able to identify flat warts based on their appearance. However, they may occasionally request a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. They may refer to a dermatologist for treatment.
How to Get Rid of Flat Warts?
Flat warts rarely require treatment. They usually go away independently, but it could take months or years. The time it takes for them to disappear is determined by several factors, including the overall health and the location of warts on the body. According to reports, up to 78 percent of flat warts disappear within two years.
One can use over-the-counter (OTC) wart removers to treat flat warts immediately. These medications contain salicylic acid and work by dissolving the layer of skin infected by the HPV virus. However, scientific evidence does not support their efficacy, and they can irritate the skin. If the flat warts are painful, spreading, or affecting the quality of life. Flat wart removal options can be discussed with the provider. Remember that removal methods may not eliminate warts. They can sometimes cause warts to spread or reappear. Treatment can also result in pain and scarring.
To avoid scarring, the provider may recommend a gentle treatment to remove flat warts on the face or hands. In addition, they can prescribe a topical cream that will irritate the skin, allowing you to peel warts away. Retinoic acid or benzoyl peroxide may be present in these creams. Other options for wart removal include:
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Burning: To remove warts, the healthcare provider will use an electric needle (electrocautery) or a laser.
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Cantharidin: Cantharidin will be applied to warts by the provider. Cantharidin is a chemical that causes blisters to form beneath warts, allowing them to be removed from the skin.
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Cryotherapy: In cryotherapy the provider will use liquid nitrogen to freeze and remove warts.
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Surgical Removal (Excision): The provider will use a scalpel to cut or scrape warts away.
How to Prevent Flat Warts?
Warts are caused by an infectious virus and spread through touch. To stop the spread of the HPV virus that causes flat warts, take the following precautions:
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Avoid rubbing, picking, or scratching warts.
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After touching or treating warts, wash hands thoroughly.
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Refrain from getting hands on other people's warts.
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Avoid sharing towels or other personal items.
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If a child has warts, keep their toys clean and avoid playing with other children who have warts.
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Maintain clean and dry skin.
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In public pool areas or locker rooms, wear flip-flops or shower shoes.
Conclusion
Flat warts are small, flat bumps that appear mostly on the face or hands. They usually go away by themselves but can take years to disappear completely. Contact the healthcare provider if flat warts cause pain or appear infected.
