What causes filamentous warts?

Written by Li Ya Ping
Dermatology Department
Updated on September 27, 2024
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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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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
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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 Liu Gang
Dermatology
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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 Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
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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.)