Flat warts
Martina Feichter studied biology with an elective subject pharmacy in Innsbruck and also immersed herself in the world of medicinal plants. From there it was not far to other medical topics that still captivate her to this day. She trained as a journalist at the Axel Springer Academy in Hamburg and has been working for since 2007 - first as an editor and since 2012 as a freelance writer.
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Flat warts (Verrucae planae juveniles) occur mainly in children and adolescents. They are slightly raised, rounded and skin-colored or translucent. The flat warts are very often found on the face or hands. They are triggered by human papilloma viruses (HPV). Flat warts resolve on their own in many cases. Treatment is therefore often not necessary. Read everything you need to know about flat warts here!
ICD codes for this disease: ICD codes are internationally recognized codes for medical diagnoses. They can be found, for example, in doctor's letters or on certificates of incapacity for work. B07
How to recognize flat warts
Flat or flat warts (Verrucae planae juveniles) are slightly raised, more or less rounded warts. They are usually only one to two millimeters in size. They are coarse, skin-colored, or translucent.
Flat warts occur particularly in childhood and adolescence. That is why they are also called juvenile warts. They are usually found in large numbers, preferably on the face (forehead, temples, cheeks, mouth area) and on the hands. Flat warts also occasionally form in other parts of the body (chest, forearms, etc.).
Flat warts: cause & contagion
Flat warts are caused by certain types of human papilloma virus (HPV). A weakened immune system can make the infection more likely. The pathogens are easily transferred to other parts of the body by scratching. This allows the flat warts to spread - often in a row along the scratch lines.
This is how flat warts can be removed
Juvenile warts are harmless. They usually resolve spontaneously on their own (after months or years). No scars are left behind. So there is actually no need to treat flat warts. Therapeutic measures (especially invasive measures) should only be used very cautiously.
Flat warts: external treatment
The horny layer of the planar warts can be dissolved with an ointment containing vitamin A acid or with salicylic acid. Their use can possibly be combined with UV irradiation.
In severe cases, the active ingredient imiquimod is used as a cream outside of the officially approved field of application (off-label). The active ingredient influences the immune system, so it is an immunomodulator.
Flat warts: invasive measures
Flat warts can be frozen (cryosurgery) or heated with electric current and "burned" (electrocoagulation). Another possibility is to remove them with a so-called curette (curettage) or to remove them with the help of a laser (laser therapy). Such invasive measures are generally not indicated for flat warts. In addition, the relapse rate is relatively high: after the flat warts have been removed, new ones will soon form in many cases.
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