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The Truth About Flat Warts
In daily life, the growth of bumps on the face can be confusing.
These bumps can have many causes, not just the familiar milia. If they appear around the eyes, they could be syringomas, or after the age of thirty, one might experience sebaceous gland hyperplasia, which also appears as a bump. Additionally, there may be intradermal nevi, which are colorless moles.
Different Bumps Require Different Treatments
It’s crucial to accurately diagnose these bumps, as different skin lesions require different treatment methods. For example：
Intradermal Nevus
If the bump is an intradermal nevus, it is usually benign, and patients may choose not to have any treatment. However, if they wish to remove it, we can use carbon dioxide laser, keeping in mind that the root of an intradermal nevus is often deep, so the removal needs to be thorough.
Syringoma
Syringomas are also benign. If a patient wishes to have them removed, caution is needed, as they have a high chance of recurring even after removal. It’s essential to explain this to patients before proceeding with surgery.
Flat Warts
If flat warts are present on the face, suitable treatment options should be discussed with the patient, including carbon dioxide laser and electrosurgical curettage.
Flat warts are caused by a viral infection of the skin, specifically by the human papillomavirus (HPV). There are over one to two hundred types of HPV, with types 3 and 10 commonly responsible for causing flat warts.
Flat warts typically measure 1-3 mm and can be flesh-colored, white, light brown, or pink. Compared to other types of warts (like common warts and plantar warts), flat warts have a smoother surface, though they are not as smooth as milia or sebaceous gland hyperplasia. They are commonly found on the face, neck, and trunk.
To accurately diagnose flat warts, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist, as proper diagnosis requires extensive clinical training and experience.
The main transmission pathway for flat warts is direct skin-to-skin contact, such as accidentally touching infected skin or when there are tiny cuts on the skin that increase the likelihood of infection.
Additionally, sharing personal items like towels and razors can also raise the risk of infection.
If there is a large number of flat warts on the face, neck, or trunk, a doctor may recommend carbon dioxide laser treatment or electrosurgical curettage. These methods can effectively remove a significant number of flat warts in a short time.
Both carbon dioxide laser and electrosurgical curettage allow for precise treatment and minimize the area of injury, leading to faster recovery.
These procedures usually involve anesthesia, with a layer of anesthetic ointment applied to the affected area. The doctor will control the duration of the anesthetic based on the patient’s skin condition, making the procedure relatively painless.
After surgery, most patients can return to work and daily activities immediately, without the need for prolonged rest.
Many patients inquire whether they should avoid washing their face for several weeks post-surgery. In fact, patients can wash their face normally afterward, but it is recommended to use gentle cleansing products and avoid exfoliating cleansers. Patients should also pay attention to sun protection, as the wound’s resistance to UV rays is weaker. Additionally, proper moisturizing can aid in wound healing.
Flat warts may not only appear on the face but can also be found on the neck, chest, abdomen, or back. Generally, wounds on the face heal more quickly.
Wound Healing Progress
| Day 1 Post-Surgery | Day 3 Post-Surgery | Day 5 Post-Surgery | Day 7 Post-Surgery | Day 10 Post-Surgery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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The wound may have some oozing and still feels moist, with slight redness and swelling around it. This is a normal inflammatory response that aids healing.
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Some areas of the wound may begin to crust over, and signs of redness and swelling start to diminish.
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Some crusts may have fallen off, leaving behind red marks, which is normal and will fade naturally over a few weeks.
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Crusts have mostly fallen off, leaving faint red marks; patience is required as they will fade naturally.
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Red marks gradually lighten; if not closely observed, it may be hard to tell that the patient just had surgery.
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If any unusual symptoms arise, medical help should be sought promptly to avoid spreading the infection to others or oneself.
