A comprehensive guide to flat warts, from causes and home care management to dermatological removal procedures and post-procedure precautions

Source: Clipart Korea

 

When small, bumpy protrusions resembling millet grains appear on the face or neck, it is easy to initially mistake them for simple acne or skin troubles; however, if they increase in number or spread to surrounding areas over time, it is said that you should suspect flat warts.

Today, I will summarize everything from the causes of flat warts to home care management methods, dermatological procedures, and post-procedure precautions.

1. Causes of flat warts

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency's National Health Information Portal, flat warts are caused by infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV) and are a skin disease that primarily appears on the face and neck. The lesions are characterized by flat, raised bumps that are skin-colored or light brown.

 

(Source: Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency National Health Information Portal – Warts)

 

1) Human papillomavirus infection

The most fundamental cause of flat warts is HPV virus infection. It is said that when the virus infects the skin, epidermal cells proliferate, which can form small, flat bumps on the skin surface.

 

2) Skin barrier damage and irritation

If microscopic wounds occur due to repeated scratching, shaving, or excessive exfoliation, viruses can easily penetrate the skin or existing lesions can spread to surrounding areas. In particular, caution is advised as scratching or rubbing areas with flat warts can cause new lesions to appear on the surrounding skin.

 

3) Contact with infected skin

Since flat warts are a viral skin disease, they can be transmitted through direct contact with infected skin. Additionally, sharing personal items that come into contact with the skin, such as towels or razors, can also increase the risk of viral infection.

 

4) Decreased immune function

Even if infected with HPV, not everyone develops flat warts. The course of the infection can vary depending on an individual's immune response, and it is said that flat warts may spread more widely, particularly in cases where immune function is compromised.

2. Home Care Methods for Flat Warts

Since flat warts are caused by a viral infection, it is difficult to completely remove them with general home care alone. However, it is said that minimizing skin irritation and maintaining personal hygiene can help reduce the risk of the warts spreading to surrounding areas.

 

1) Do not touch or scratch the flat wart area

If you pick at or scratch flat warts with your hands, the virus can spread to the surrounding skin. In particular, you should be careful as attempting to remove them yourself with fingernails or tweezers can cause skin damage, leading to hyperpigmentation or scarring.

 

2) Avoid excessive irritation to the skin

Using scrubs or peeling products too frequently can damage the skin barrier. In particular, it is recommended to avoid actions that cause skin friction, such as shaving or vigorous massage, on areas with flat warts.

 

3) Ensure sufficient moisturization

When skin becomes dry, it can become sensitive to external stimuli and weaken the skin barrier. Therefore, it is recommended to use a moisturizing cream after washing your face to prevent the skin from drying out.

 

👉 Learn more about gentle moisturizing creams

 

4) Maintain strict personal hygiene

Since flat warts can be transmitted through contact, it is recommended not to share personal items such as towels or razors with others.

3. Dermatological Method for Removing Flat Warts

Flat warts may disappear naturally, but if their number increases over time or they sag onto the surrounding skin, you may consider dermatological treatment.

One of the representative methods for removing flat warts is said to be the CO2 laser.

 

1) What is a CO2 laser?

CO2 lasers are carbon dioxide lasers that help remove flat warts, moles, age spots, and skin tags. They are said to be well absorbed by skin tissues with high water content and can concentrate energy on the target area.

 

👉 Care for bumpy skin concerns! Check CO2 laser details

 

2) CO2 laser treated lesions

Moles, age spots, syringomas, sebaceous gland hyperplasia, skin tags, flat warts, milia

 

3) CO2 laser price

- Per item: 7,000 won

- Full face: 350,000 won

- Full front of neck: 420,000 won

4. Precautions after flat wart removal

After removing flat warts with a CO2 laser, small wounds or scabs may form at the treatment site. It is important to follow the post-procedure precautions, as improper care can lead to hyperpigmentation or scarring.

 

1) Do not forcibly remove the scab

After a CO2 laser procedure, scabs may form as the skin heals. It is advised to wait for them to fall off naturally, as forcibly removing them with your hands can cause skin damage, pigmentation, or scarring.

 

2) Applying the recovery tape

It is said that you should keep the healing tape on for about 7 to 10 days, and once applied, you should keep it on for about 3 to 4 days to help with wound healing.

 

3) Ensure thorough UV protection

It is said that it is important to pay attention to UV protection because the skin can become temporarily sensitive after CO2 laser treatment.

 

👉 Find out about sunscreens good to use after dermatological procedures

 

4) Avoid saunas and strenuous exercise

Immediately after the procedure, it is advisable to avoid environments that can irritate the skin, such as saunas or steam rooms. It is also recommended to temporarily limit strenuous exercise that causes heavy sweating, depending on the skin's recovery status, and it is important to follow the medical team's guidance regarding the specific duration.

5. Q&A

1) Can flat warts disappear naturally?

Flat warts may disappear naturally depending on the immune response. However, since it can take a long time for them to vanish and they may spread to surrounding skin during that time, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist if the number of warts increases or the lesions persist.

 

2) How do you distinguish between flat warts and milia?

Flat warts are caused by HVP infection and often appear as flat, skin-colored or light brown bumps. On the other hand, comedonal acne is characterized by sebum and dead skin cells blocking the pores. However, it can be difficult to distinguish them based on appearance alone, so an accurate diagnosis is necessary.

 

3) Can flat warts recur after CO2 laser removal?

Even if visible flat warts are removed with a CO2 laser, the HPV infection does not completely disappear, so recurrence or the development of new lesions may occur. Therefore, it is recommended to minimize skin irritation after the procedure and to regularly monitor for the appearance of new bumps.

 

Source: Clipart Korea

 

Flat warts may look similar to simple skin problems, but they differ in that they are a viral skin disease caused by HPV infection.

It is said that it is important to accurately understand the causes of flat warts and practice proper management methods, especially since they can spread to surrounding areas if the skin is repeatedly scratched or irritated.

I hope you refer to the home care methods for flat warts and the precautions after CO2 laser removal shared today to help you maintain healthy skin!

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