Flat Warts, Filiform Warts and Skin Tags by Manuel C. Octaviano Jr.

Flat Warts (Verruca Plana) is a common benign skin condition . They are caused by a virus known as Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and they can be seen anywhere in the body. Flat warts can affect all ages and are common in both men and women. While common warts are more frequently seen in children and  immunocompromised individual  more cases of flat warts are seen in in adults especially women  who just gave birth. With men, we usually noticed warts on their faces especially the bearded area. Flat warts are slightly raised, smooth, light brown pinpoint papules that are usually mistaken for moles. It often takes a few months for warts to grow large enough to be noticed. They are usually self limiting and can go away even without treatment however it tends to grow in large numbers of  20-100 pieces at a time. There are times when new warts appear as fast as old ones go away because old warts shed virus cells into the skin before it gets treated. Filiform warts, on the other hand looks like long thin fingers that stick out and grow quickly.  They often grow on the eyes, around the mouth and nose. Since warts are viral in origin it can spread from person to person or by touching someone’s body or by sharing towels or personal items. Warts can return on the same site or appear in a new spot later. Another common benign skin lesion seen among Filipinos is skin tag (Acrochordon) ,these are soft, skin-colored growth that hangs from the surface of the skin attached on a thin piece of stalk. They easily move or wiggle back and forth. A skin tag is painless but can bleed and become irritated by frequent touching or rubbing. Warts and skin tags  are usually treated by methods like  electrocautery, cryotherapy, excision , lasers or  Cantharidin paint.We don’t recommend treating flat warts or skin tags on the face with topical solutions like Salicylic acid since it destroys the surrounding normal skin hence burns and pigmentation may occur. If your warts or skin tags hurt, bleed, become bothersome or multiply fast then it is time to see your skin practitioner.