Flat Warts — Causes, Contagion, and Why Earlier Removal Is Better

Flat warts are a skin condition caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Two to four millimeters across and slightly raised, they begin on the face and neck and, if not removed in time, spread to the chest, back, and abdomen.

Why they should be removed early

Spontaneous clearance is reported to take anywhere from several months to twenty years, and while you wait they often spread instead. They multiply readily, quickly reaching dozens or hundreds, and faster still if your immunity weakens. They are also contagious. They pass through skin contact and through everyday items such as towels, so if someone in the household has them, towels must be kept separate.

Removal and aftercare

Removal is by CO2 laser and takes about 10 to 30 minutes depending on the number. Where there are many, we remove as many as possible at the first visit and catch the finer ones at the retouch. They can recur if immunity drops, so taking herbal medicine that raises immunity is sometimes considered alongside.

After removal, DuoDERM is applied for one to two weeks. Leaving it unchanged for at least three to four days is what prevents pigmentation and scarring, and washing and showering with it on are fine.

Prevention comes down to two things: do not scratch or scrub, and keep towels and razors separate within the family. We remove skin tags and moles as well as flat warts, so please feel free to ask.