Can filamentous warts be cut off by oneself?

Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
Updated on September 20, 2024
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Filiform warts are caused by infection with the human papillomavirus and are contagious and prone to recurrence. It is advised not to use scissors to cut them off yourself, because the roots of the filiform warts may still be attached to the skin and remain contagious.

The best treatment for filiform warts is to go to a regular hospital's dermatology department and have them removed with a laser. Afterwards, apply interferon spray topically to effectively prevent recurrence. It is also important to avoid spicy and irritating foods, refrain from staying up late, and frequently sun and disinfect bath towels and scrubbing cloths. Do not share these items with family members to avoid infecting them.

If you develop this condition, it is advisable to seek treatment promptly when the warts are small or few in number, otherwise, they could proliferate on your body, potentially appearing on the neck, armpits, and groin.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
1min 1sec home-news-image

Will filiform warts grow back after removal?

Filiform warts are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. This disease is characterized by strong contagiosity and recursivity, with many cases likely experiencing recurrence after the initial treatment. The recurrence period varies; depending on individual immune strength, recurrences may occur about every half a month to one month. Once recurrence happens, it is necessary to treat again and remove the newly appeared warts. Some people may experience repeated recurrences and require multiple treatments to be completely cured. During the treatment period, interferon can be applied topically to prevent excessive viral proliferation. During the treatment period, it is also important to follow a proper diet and lifestyle habits. Bath sponges and towels should be used separately from other family members to prevent cross-contamination. Used items should be sun-dried and disinfected, and it is beneficial to eat foods that clear heat and reduce internal heat.

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Written by Qu Jing
Dermatology
1min 5sec home-news-image

Do filamentous warts have anything to do with being sharp?

Filiform warts and condyloma acuminata both belong to viral warts, which are benign growths caused by the infection of the skin or mucous membranes by the human papillomavirus (HPV). In clinical practice, the HPV subtypes that infect filiform warts and condyloma acuminata are different. Filiform warts are a type of common wart, characterized by their elongated, protruding bodies with keratinized tips, which is why they are called filiform warts. They commonly occur on the neck, forehead, and eyelids. On the other hand, condyloma acuminata is caused by HPV subtypes 6, 11, 16, and 18, among others. Condyloma acuminata is a type of sexually transmitted disease, typically occurring in areas like the anus and external genitalia, and is mainly transmitted through sexual contact. Condyloma acuminata is currently one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases globally.

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Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
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What are filamentous warts?

Filiform warts are a type of skin disease caused by the human papillomavirus infection, and they belong to a kind of common warts, often seen in women, with a certain degree of contagiosity. They are usually related to a decline in the body’s immune function. For example, in cancer patients or those with HIV where the immune system is compromised, filiform warts can easily occur. The clinical presentation of filiform warts typically includes brown or light brown lesions, some of which match the normal skin tone. They appear as elongated, soft, pedunculated growths and can vary in number from several to several hundred. They generally occur on eyelids, neck, and scalp among other areas. For the treatment of filiform warts, options under medical guidance include using carbon dioxide laser therapy, cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen, or removal through high-frequency electrical ion cauterization.

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Written by Li Ya Ping
Dermatology Department
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What causes filamentous warts?

Filiform warts are caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection, and they can spread through direct or indirect contact. They primarily present as single or multiple protruding lesions, occurring typically on eyelids and neck regions. These lesions are slender and soft, having the color of normal skin or slightly brown. Generally, there are no symptoms felt by the patient. In clinical practice, filiform warts can sometimes be confused with skin tags. In some cases, doctors might mistake skin tags as filiform warts, or vice versa, since skin tags also commonly develop in folds of the skin such as the neck and armpits. The treatment of filiform warts mainly involves physical removal methods.

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Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
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Do filiform warts itch?

Filiform warts generally do not itch and are caused by an infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV), which has a certain degree of contagiousness. Filiform warts typically appear in areas such as the neck, armpits, and groin. They do not impact health but can affect appearance. Filiform warts are a special type of common wart. In clinical treatment, the main methods include using carbon dioxide laser treatment or cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen. The occurrence of filiform warts is somewhat related to a decrease in body immunity. If one finds cryotherapy or carbon dioxide laser treatment painful, topical ointments can be an option. Interferon ointments, for instance, can be helpful.