Flat wart

Flat warts are a type of wart characterized by their flat top appearance. They are also known as verruca plana. Flat warts are caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), specifically strains that tend to affect the skin's surface without causing the typical raised appearance of other warts. These warts are most commonly found on the face, neck, hands, and knees. Due to their flat appearance, they may be less noticeable than other types of warts but can spread more easily due to their propensity for appearing in clusters.

Causes and Transmission

Flat warts are caused by certain strains of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), particularly HPV types 3, 10, 28, and 49. The virus is capable of infecting the top layer of skin, leading to the rapid growth of cells on the outer skin layer, which results in the formation of warts. HPV is highly contagious and can be transmitted through direct contact with a wart or with something that touched a wart, such as towels or other personal items.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of flat warts is the appearance of small, flat-topped, slightly raised lesions on the skin. These warts are smoother than other types, have a flat top, and can be pink, light brown, or yellow. They often appear in large numbers, sometimes in clusters of 20 to 100 at a time. While they are generally not painful, their location on visible areas such as the face and hands can cause cosmetic concerns.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of flat warts is primarily based on their appearance. A healthcare provider can usually diagnose these warts by examining the skin. In some cases, a biopsy may be performed to rule out other skin conditions and to confirm the diagnosis, especially if the appearance is atypical or if the warts do not respond to standard treatments.

Treatment

Treatment for flat warts aims to remove the warts and reduce the risk of spreading. Options include:

• Topical treatments with salicylic acid, which help to peel off the wart.
• Cryotherapy, which involves freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen.
• Laser therapy, which uses a concentrated beam of light to remove the wart.
• Immunotherapy, which aims to boost the immune system's response to fight off the virus.

It's important to note that while treatments can remove warts, they do not cure the underlying HPV infection, and warts may recur.

Prevention

Preventing the spread of HPV and flat warts involves practicing good hygiene, avoiding direct contact with warts, and not sharing personal items like towels or razors. The use of protective barriers, such as gloves or bandages, over warts can also help prevent their spread. Vaccination against HPV can provide protection against certain strains of the virus that cause warts.

See Also

• Wart
• Human Papillomavirus
• Cryotherapy
• Immunotherapy