What are filamentous warts?

Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
Updated on September 05, 2024
00:00
00:00

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.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Jing
Dermatology Department
1min 17sec home-news-image

The difference between skin tags and filiform warts

Skin tags and filiform warts are two completely different skin conditions. In terms of etiology, skin tags are benign skin tumors, also known as soft fibromas. Filiform warts, on the other hand, are an infectious skin disease caused by human papillomavirus infection. Regarding the location of occurrence, skin tags commonly develop in areas of skin folds such as the neck and armpits. Filiform warts, aside from these areas, can also occur in other locations, such as the face and trunk. Regarding the appearance of the skin lesions, skin tags can be filamentous, but they can also be spherical, and their surface doesn't have any keratinized material, making their texture very soft overall. Filiform warts are filamentous growths with a keratinized surface, making them appear harder and feel rougher to the touch. Both conditions can be treated with lasers. However, since filiform warts are a viral skin disease with some contagiousness, it is important to seek medical advice and laser removal at a hospital as soon as they are discovered.

doctor image
home-news-image
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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
46sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
51sec home-news-image

Can filiform warts be transmitted between spouses?

Filiform warts are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, which is quite contagious. Transmission between spouses can be more severe due to prolonged contact, or sharing items like towels and bath mitts, which can lead to infection. Once one person is infected, it is crucial to seek standardized treatment at a hospital. The most common treatment currently used is laser removal, which in most cases can cure the condition in one or two sessions. However, some patients may experience recurrent outbreaks, requiring laser treatment each time to prevent the warts from multiplying and spreading. During treatment, towels and bath mitts should be frequently disinfected and not shared. Additionally, it is recommended to engage in regular exercise to boost the immune system, or take oral medications that enhance immunity to prevent recurrence.

doctor image
home-news-image
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.