Flat Warts
Recent statistics show that flat wart cases had been gradually increasing over the past 5 years. What are flat warts anyway? Flat wart is a type of wart that usually affects children more than adults. It is an abnormal growth of benign tumor in the skin.
Typically, warts are described as bumpy, elevated hard skin thickening which is rough and marked with black dots on top. However, flat warts are different in appearance. They are small – approximately a diameter of a pinhead, little or no elevated portion, and usually blend with the color of the skin, although they can be light brown, pinkish or yellowish at times. Although flat warts are commonly seen on the face, they can also show on knees, hands and arms. Flat warts can emerge one by one or can be found in clusters. Sometimes, the number can reach up to 110 flat warts in one cluster. These blemishes can cause great worry among people because these warts can cause embarrassment and consciousness. Sometimes, there are occasions when these warts sting or itch.
Flat warts come in many names. They are also called juvenile warts, subungual warts, verrucae planae juveniles, filiform warts, verruca vulgaris, plane juvenile warts and a lot more. If you hear some pertain to flat warts in a different name, do not get confused.
Like any other warts, flat warts are caused by a virus called human papillomavirus or HPV. Unfortunately, there are about over 50 types of HPV viruses with more than 130 strains. Every HPV type and strain has the ability to create unique variations of warts according to their action and target. Flat warts are usually caused by HPV Type 3, although there are many more that can cause it. Warts are very contagious and can be passed from person to person by means of direct skin-to-skin contact. Another way of transmitting it is from contact with articles which are contaminated with the HPV virus such as used towels or make up brush. Avoid borrowing articles like make-up, which are commonly used in contact with the skin as this is one of the most common causes of flat warts on the faces of women.
Fortunately, flat warts can be treated. However, even if you leave it untreated, it will resolve and disappear on their own. This is because viruses are self-limiting and usually disappears after its peak period. Warts last for a while, from a few months to even several years. Non-surgical treatment such as exfoliating agents like salycilic acid can be used. Cauterization and surgery are used for larger wart growth extent.