Are filiform warts the same as flat warts?

Written by Qu Jing
Dermatology
Updated on September 09, 2024
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Filiform warts and flat warts are different. They have commonalities in that both are benign growths caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection of the skin and mucous membranes. However, they differ in their virus subtypes and shapes. Filiform warts are a type of common wart, characterized by their elongated, thin protrusions with keratinized tips, hence named filiform warts. These often occur in areas such as the neck, forehead, and eyelids. Flat warts are caused by HPV type 3 infections, typically occurring on the face, backs of hands, and forearms. The typical lesions are rice grain- or soybean-sized flat elevated papules with smooth surfaces, either the color of normal skin or light brown. They are numerous and densely packed. Scratching them can lead to a string of bead-like arrangements along the direction of the scratch.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Can flat warts be removed by cautery?

Flat warts are caused by papillomavirus infection. This disease is highly contagious and recurrent, making treatment complex. Generally, if there are only a few at the onset, laser removal can be used, followed by topical application of interferon to prevent recurrence. If there are many flat warts, laser treatment may not be very effective. Oral and topical medications are alternative options, such as antiviral drugs and immune-boosting medications, supplemented with topical application of interferon or localized interferon injections. If these methods are not effective enough, you may consider undergoing wart immunotherapy at a hospital, which generally yields better results overall. Laser treatment is suitable for flat warts, but only when they are few in number.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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How to eradicate flat warts?

Flat warts are a common dermatological disease that often appear on the face, neck, and backs of the hands, caused by a viral infection of the skin. For the treatment of flat warts, it is suggested to use laser, cryotherapy, or oral interferon medications. If one aims to completely eliminate flat warts, using laser and cryotherapy is relatively effective. However, no matter the method, there is always a possibility of recurrence. Thus, it is crucial to enhance one's own immunity. Additionally, it is advised to eat more vegetables and fruits in the diet.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Is flat wart serious?

Flat warts are caused by an infection with the human papillomavirus, commonly known as HPV. This disease currently has a particularly high incidence rate, with most people having one or more flat warts on their skin. Once they appear, they can be completely cured with proper treatment. This condition is not considered particularly severe, but it is highly contagious and recurrent. When bathing at home, it's important to use separate towels or washcloths from other family members to prevent cross-infection. It is also advisable to avoid spicy and irritating foods, avoid staying up late, exercise regularly, and strengthen the immune system for a faster recovery from the disease.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Can flat warts be treated with laser?

Flat warts are a disease caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, and they are highly contagious and recurrent. Generally, they can be treated with laser therapy, but this method is mainly for patients with fewer growths. If there are many growths, the effectiveness of laser treatment may not be very good, and extensive laser use can easily cause scarring or leave laser marks. For multiple flat warts, the most common approach is still to use immunotherapy, or to take antiviral medications orally and topically over the long term. During the treatment of flat warts, it is important to avoid sharing towels or bath mitts to prevent cross-infection, although laser treatment can still be quite effective for smaller flat warts.

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Written by Liu Jing
Dermatology
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How is flat wart caused?

Flat warts are caused by a viral infection, with HPV as the pathogen. They commonly occur on exposed areas such as the face and the backs of the hands, and are most frequently seen in adult women and children. It is necessary to strengthen immunity and provide symptomatic treatment. When necessary, physical treatments can be used to promote the disappearance of the warts, such as the commonly used methods of liquid nitrogen freezing or laser treatments. Oral administration of thymopeptide enteric capsules or pimecrolimus granules can also be used. For particularly stubborn cases, in addition to the support of traditional Chinese medicine, treatment may also need to include skin photodynamic therapy. This involves a basic treatment course of once a week for three continuous weeks, applying a photosensitizer to the affected area followed by exposure to a certain light source.