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 Liu Jing

Dermatology

54sec

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Is the recurrence rate of common warts high?

Common warts, commonly known as verruca vulgaris, are infectious due to human papillomavirus infection and have a high recurrence rate. For example, warts occurring on the feet are called plantar warts, which often have a long disease course and require multiple cryotherapy treatments, even more than ten times, and can recur and reoccur. It is necessary to enhance skin cleanliness, avoid external factors such as injuries, and provide active and effective antiviral treatment and immunomodulatory supportive symptomatic treatment. Early intervention with physical treatments, such as cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen, laser treatment, or even surgical removal of the wart, can be combined with oral medications like thymosin enteric capsules and topical interferon gel to suppress virus replication.

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Written by Liu Gang

Dermatology

53sec

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What harm does not treating common warts do to the body?

Common warts are caused by papillomavirus infections. This disease is contagious and recurrent, with the most common sites of occurrence being the soles of the feet or the palms and fingers. It is important to treat this disease in a standardized and timely manner, otherwise, it may grow increasingly numerous. Warts that develop on the soles can multiply over time, causing pain while walking. If they continue to increase, some may become inflamed, infected, suppurate, or exude fluid. When warts increase in number on the hands, they can affect work, as contact with hard materials can cause pain. Therefore, it is crucial to seek standardized treatment upon discovering this disease. Although it does not significantly affect an individual's health, it can impact one’s daily life and work.

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Written by Huang Ling Juan

Dermatology

56sec

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Can common warts be cut with scissors?

Common warts should not be cut with scissors. Common warts are a type of viral skin infection caused by the human papillomavirus resulting in benign growths. Using scissors to cut them can easily lead to further infections, so it is not recommended to use scissors to remove common warts. If you have common warts, you can visit the dermatology department of a standard hospital. If the warts are small, you can apply creams containing retinoic acid or imiquimod cream. If topical medications are not effective, treatments like liquid nitrogen freezing or carbon dioxide laser treatment can be employed. The occurrence of common warts is also somewhat related to a decrease in the body's immune function, so it is important to exercise regularly to boost the immune system and avoid staying up late.

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Written by Liu Gang

Dermatology

52sec

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How to eradicate common warts

Common warts are caused by human papillomavirus infection. This disease is contagious and recurrent. Currently, the most common treatment is cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen. Generally, small warts can often be completely removed with one treatment. Slightly larger warts may require two to three, or even three to four cryotherapy sessions, but they can ultimately be completely cured. Clinically, a topical remedy called Wart-Off can also be used to completely cure the warts, although this method may take a longer period. During the treatment period, avoid consuming spicy and stimulating foods, as they may cause the virus to grow more rapidly. Try to avoid scratching the affected area, as this behavior could potentially spread the disease and lead to more growth. It is also important to protect the normal skin during treatment.

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Written by Huang Ling Juan

Dermatology

1min 8sec

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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.