Are common warts and flat warts caused by the same virus?

Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
Updated on September 13, 2024
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Common warts and flat warts are caused by infections of the same virus, mainly due to Human Papillomavirus (HPV), but not by the same type. There are over one hundred types of HPV, with more than eighty types associated with human diseases. The types of HPV that cause flat warts are mainly type 3 and type 5, while the types that cause common warts are mainly HPV type 1, type 2, type 4, and type 7. Therefore, common warts and flat warts are caused by different types of HPV infections. The appearance of flat warts and common warts is primarily due to minor lesions in the skin and mucous membranes, allowing the virus to enter the epithelial cells of the human body. There, the virus replicates and proliferates, leading to abnormal proliferation and differentiation of epithelial cells, forming benign growths on the epidermis.

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Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
1min 10sec home-news-image

What should I do if new warts grow around the area after freezing common warts?

After cryotherapy for common warts, it is common for new warts to appear around the treated area. This is because common warts are caused by an infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV), a type of viral skin disease that tends to recur. Persistence in treatment is necessary in such cases. Treatments such as liquid nitrogen cryotherapy, carbon dioxide laser therapy, or high-frequency electronic ion cautery can be used. The occurrence of common warts is usually related to decreased immune function in the body. Therefore, it might be beneficial to use immunomodulators, such as interferon or thymopeptides enteric capsules, which have certain inhibitory effects. Concurrently, some traditional Chinese medicines that clear heat and detoxify, soothe the wind and balance the liver, along with other topical Chinese herbal treatments, can be used. A combined approach of Chinese and Western medicine often results in better outcomes. It is also important to engage in appropriate exercise to boost the body's immune system.

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Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
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Will common warts recur after removal?

Common warts can recur after removal. Therefore, after the removal of common warts, it is necessary to completely eliminate the virus in the body to reduce the chances of recurrence. This can often be achieved using antiviral medications in combination with drugs that enhance immune function to prevent relapse. Generally, common warts are caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection leading to a type of growth with a rough surface, resembling cauliflower or papillae. During the infection period, the wart bodies of common warts will significantly enlarge, thus it is important to deal with the proliferating wart bodies in a timely manner. Common warts can be removed surgically, by using carbon dioxide laser methods, or treated with liquid nitrogen freezing methods.

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Written by Zhang Jing
Dermatology Department
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Can common warts be pricked with a needle?

Common warts should not be punctured with a needle. The cause of common warts is a viral infection; they are caused by a type of human papillomavirus and manifest pathologically with hyperkeratosis, incomplete keratinization, and papillomatous proliferation of the epidermis. They do not form a cystic structure. Puncturing them with a needle will not only increase the risk of bacterial infection but also has no therapeutic effect. If you have common warts, the most appropriate action is to visit a hospital for treatment with options such as laser cauterization, cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen, or surgical removal of the lesions. This can completely remove the warts. If there are many warts or they keep recurring, it is also advisable to consult a doctor to see if medication should be combined with the treatment.

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Written by Liu Jing
Dermatology
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Can common warts be removed by soaking in vinegar?

Common warts are infections caused by the human papillomavirus, commonly known as "prickly warts." Using vinegar to soak them is ineffective. It is necessary to enhance local cleanliness, with physical treatment methods being the first choice, such as cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen or combined photodynamic therapy. Treatments may also include laser or surgical options, supported by immunological aids, such as oral thymopentin enteric capsules, and possibly supplemented by Avi A to promote the regression of the warts. Additionally, topical applications of interferon gel and tazarotene cream help inhibit viral replication and soften the keratin layer, respectively. Treatment usually requires about three to four weeks, with follow-up visits every one to two weeks. The cryotherapy can be administered in multiple sessions to prevent picking and the formation of injuries. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
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How long does it take for common warts to fall off after they turn black?

After common warts turn black, they generally fall off within about a week. Common warts, also known as verruca vulgaris, are primarily caused by infection with the human papillomavirus, typically by the type 2 HPV virus. The occurrence of common warts is associated with numerous factors; they often arise when the body's immune system is weakened, or when warts already present are frequently scratched, which can lead to inoculation infection. Common warts can occur on various parts of the body and are commonly found on the hands. The hands are particularly susceptible if they are kept in water for prolonged periods, which can easily trigger the appearance of common warts. Typical lesions of common warts are pea-sized or larger, gray-brown or brown papules with a rough surface and hard texture, forming papillomatous proliferations. If common warts appear, treatment options such as liquid nitrogen freezing or carbon dioxide laser treatment are available at hospitals.