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Treatment of flat warts entails some difficulty

Flat warts, also known as verruca plana or plane warts, are a type of skin condition caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Flat warts are often caused by specific strains of HPV, such as HPV types 3, 10, 28, and 49.

The difficulty is found in two sections:

  • On the one hand, the lesions tend to be resistant to treatments.
  • On the other hand, they are located in areas of the skin that are important from a cosmetic point of view, so aggressive treatments that can leave scars should be avoided.

The best treatment is their chemical destruction using various topical preparations which eliminate skin cells infected by the virus. These treatments can irritate the skin. The concentration of these products and the frequency of their application varies from one person to another depending on the location of the lesions and their skin type.

It is common for scars to form after removing warts, as most removal methods involve destroying the layer of skin containing the wart. Flat warts can sometimes resolve on their own without treatment, but they may persist for months or even years. If treatment is desired, options include the following.

Treatment options may include:

Topical Medications:

Over-the-counter treatments like salicylic acid or prescription medications such as imiquimod may be used to remove flat warts.

Cryotherapy:

This involves freezing the warts with liquid nitrogen to destroy the affected tissue.

Electrocautery or Laser Therapy:

In some cases, a healthcare provider may use heat or laser therapy to remove the warts.

Options to purchase for flat warts

Flat warts can appear on various parts of the body, but they are most commonly found on the face, neck, hands, wrists, and knees. They tend to grow in clusters and may be more numerous than other types of warts.

Appearance:

Flat warts are typically small, smooth, and flat-topped growths on the skin. They can vary in color, but they are often slightly lighter than the surrounding skin. These warts are usually round or oval in shape and can range in size from a pinhead to a pencil eraser.

Source. Merck Manual

Flat warts are usually painless and do not typically cause itching or discomfort. However, they can be cosmetically bothersome, especially when they appear on the face or other visible areas.

Transmission:

HPV is highly contagious, and flat warts can spread from person to person through direct skin-to-skin contact. They can also be spread indirectly through contaminated surfaces or objects, such as towels and razors.

Preventing the spread of flat warts can be achieved by practicing good hygiene, avoiding direct contact with warts on other people, and refraining from picking or scratching warts. Additionally, HPV vaccines are available and can help protect against some of the HPV strains that cause warts and certain types of cancer.

It’s important to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment if you suspect you have flat warts. They can provide guidance on the best approach for your specific case.

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