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 Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
1min 5sec home-news-image

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 Liu Gang
Dermatology
54sec home-news-image

Can filamentous warts be cut off by oneself?

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
57sec home-news-image

What should be noted after laser treatment for filamentous warts?

Filiform warts are caused by papillomavirus infection. This disease is contagious and recurrent. Generally, after laser treatment, there will be small wounds on the treated area. It is important to protect these wounds. Avoid washing with water as much as possible and wait until scabs form before bathing. When bathing, try not to scrub the area with a bath towel. If some warts are not completely removed, scrubbing can cause the virus to spread and lead to recurrent infections. If a recurrence occurs, it is essential to go to the hospital for another laser treatment. Do not wait until the warts have grown significantly before seeking laser treatment. Towels or bath towels that you have used should be sun-dried and disinfected, and used separately from those of other family members to prevent the virus from spreading to them. Regular exercise to boost immunity can also be beneficial in preventing recurrence.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
45sec home-news-image

Are filiform warts prone to recurrence?

Filiform warts are caused by an infection with the human papillomavirus, and are highly contagious. They typically grow in the folds of the skin, such as the neck or armpits. Once detected, it is advised to seek laser treatment at a dermatology department of a reputable hospital. After laser removal, recurrence is common within half a month to a month. If recurrence is observed, it is best to remove them promptly, and after several repetitions, they can generally be completely cured. Due to the contagious nature of this condition, it is advisable not to share face towels with family members to avoid cross-infection. Additionally, one should avoid frequently scratching the affected areas, as this can lead to further spreading.

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Written by He Da Wei
Dermatology
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Can the ointment for filiform warts be effective?

Filiform warts are a type of common wart that can occur on any part of the body. Filiform warts are characterized by their raised surfaces with keratinized tips, and are commonly found on the neck, forehead, eyelids, and underarms. These are benign growths caused by an infection of the skin with the human papillomavirus. Topical medications are generally less effective, and physical treatments such as carbon dioxide laser therapy are commonly used and quite effective. Typically, about a week after treatment, the treated area can scab over and gradually fall off to return to normal. The majority of people can be cured with one treatment. For those with recurrent conditions, it is advisable to use Chinese medicine to adjust the constitution in conjunction with the treatment.