What do flat warts look like?
Flat warts are a common skin disease mainly caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. It usually appears as small, flat, smooth papules on the surface of the skin that may be similar in color to or slightly darker than the surrounding skin. Flat warts are more common in teenagers and children and are common on exposed areas such as the face, back of hands and forearms. The following will introduce flat warts in detail in terms of appearance characteristics, causes, treatments and preventive measures.
1. Appearance characteristics of flat warts
Flat warts typically look like:
| Features | Description |
|---|---|
| shape | Small, flat, round, or oval papules |
| size | Diameter is usually 1-5mm |
| color | Skin color, hazel or pink |
| surface | Smooth, no obvious roughness |
| Distribution | Often appear in groups and can be arranged in lines |
2. Causes of flat warts
Flat warts are caused by HPV infection and are mainly spread through direct contact. The following are common transmission routes:
| Transmission route | Description |
|---|---|
| direct contact | Skin contact with an infected person |
| indirect contact | Sharing personal items such as towels and clothing |
| self-propagation | The virus spreads to other parts of the body after scratching |
3. Treatment methods for flat warts
There are various treatment methods for flat warts, and you can choose a suitable plan according to your condition:
| Treatment | Description |
|---|---|
| drug treatment | Topical retinoic acid, salicylic acid, etc. |
| physical therapy | Cryotherapy, laser treatment, etc. |
| Immunotherapy | Stimulate the body's immune response |
| fade naturally | Some patients may resolve spontaneously |
4. Preventive measures for flat warts
The key to preventing flat warts is to avoid HPV infection:
| Precautions | Specific methods |
|---|---|
| personal hygiene | Wash your hands frequently and avoid sharing personal items |
| skin protection | Avoid skin damage and reduce the chance of infection |
| Immunity boost | Balanced diet, regular work and rest |
| timely treatment | Seek medical attention promptly if you notice symptoms |
5. Common misunderstandings about flat warts
There are some common misunderstandings about flat warts that need to be clarified:
| Misunderstanding | facts |
|---|---|
| Flat warts can become cancerous | Most will not become cancerous |
| Only the elderly get it | More common in adolescents and children |
| Must be treated immediately | Some may subside on their own |
6. Summary
Flat warts are common benign skin lesions that, while not posing a serious threat to health, may be unsightly and contagious. Understanding the characteristics, causes, and prevention methods of flat warts will help with early identification and correct treatment. If you find symptoms of suspected flat warts, it is recommended to seek medical consultation in time to avoid self-treatment, which may lead to spread or infection. Maintaining good personal hygiene and a healthy lifestyle is the key to preventing flat warts.
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