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 Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
32sec home-news-image

Flat warts are caused by what?

Flat warts are a type of viral skin disease, primarily caused by the papillomavirus, characterized by skin overgrowths scattered across the skin, resembling the size of mung beans and are light brown flat papules. Flat warts are highly contagious, especially around the neck, backs of hands, face, and chest areas. Therefore, it is crucial to treat flat warts promptly to prevent spread and further infection.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Difference between Sebaceous Nevus and Flat Warts

Sebaceous nevus is primarily associated with localized epidermal growth and development, and is a type of benign hyperplasia. Most people are affected from birth or at a very young age, generally limited to one area and do not spread massively or contagiously across the body. Flat warts are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infections, which are contagious and recurrent, and can appear all over the body, not just in one area. Flat warts are generally dot-like or circular, whereas sebaceous nevi are mostly linear in growth, becoming larger and more proliferative over time. The most common treatment for sebaceous nevus is surgical removal, while flat warts can be selectively removed using laser treatment.

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Written by Qu Jing
Dermatology
1min 1sec home-news-image

Are filiform warts the same as flat warts?

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 Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
1min 4sec home-news-image

Signs before the regression of flat warts

Signs before the regression of flat warts include slight itching in some people, or a numb sensation in others. During the healing process of flat warts, immune cells repair the local skin lesions and release inflammatory factors, causing mild itching. The rash of the flat warts will also turn red, gradually shrink, and then scab over. If the flat warts have been treated with liquid nitrogen freezing or laser, there might be some pain before they regress. However, before the regression of flat warts, many people do not show any special symptoms and most people's flat warts regress unknowingly. The occurrence of flat warts is due to a viral infection, and they can be removed under the guidance of a doctor using liquid nitrogen freezing treatment or laser methods.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Do eye flat warts have to be removed?

Flat warts are caused by a papillomavirus infection and are highly contagious and prone to recurrence. If flat warts appear around the eyes, it is recommended to remove them as soon as possible, otherwise they may continue to increase in number and size, making treatment more difficult later on. If there are only a few warts at the beginning, you can go to a dermatology department in a formal hospital and have them removed directly with a laser. If there are many warts, the effect of laser treatment may not be very good, and it may be appropriate to use some antiviral medications and take some immune-boosting medications. If the results are still not satisfactory, it is advised to visit a dermatology department at a formal hospital for wart burial, which is part of an effective immunotherapy for warts. Regularly strengthen exercise, enhance immune response, avoid spicy and irritating food, and try not to stay up late.