What are filamentous warts?

Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
Updated on September 05, 2024
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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 Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
59sec home-news-image

What is the difference between skin tags and filiform warts?

Skin tags and filiform warts are clearly distinct. Clinically, skin tags are a type of soft external appearance, a skin soft fibroma, non-infectious, and somewhat hereditary; on the other hand, filiform warts are caused by a viral infection, offering a raised, smooth growth on the skin surface, and are somewhat infectious. The causes of each are different: filiform warts are due to human papillomavirus infections and commonly occur on the face and neck; whereas skin tags are mainly caused by skin aging. Treatment for filiform warts typically involves the use of lasers or cryotherapy, while skin tags may also be removed surgically or treated effectively with liquid nitrogen cryotherapy. Thus, there are differences in both the causes and clinical presentations of the two.

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Written by Liu Jing
Dermatology
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Filiform warts are caused by what?

Filiform warts, also known as skin tags, often have a certain family history and are common among overweight adults, particularly around the neck area. It is important to enhance skin cleanliness. Partially, the cause is a viral infection by the Human Papillomavirus, abbreviated as HPV. When necessary, physical treatments such as cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen or laser removal commonly used in clinical settings can be adopted to remove the warts. These methods are complemented by immune modulation, such as taking oral thymopentin enteric capsules, and applying interferon gel on the affected skin area to inhibit viral replication. The contagiousness is not very strong. It is advised to disinfect underwear and avoid harmful stimuli such as scratching or squeezing. (Please follow medical advice when using medications.)

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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.

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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.