Flat warts, also known as verruca plana, are smoother and less raised than common warts. They often appear in clusters, particularly on the face, neck, arms, or legs. While harmless, they can be frustrating because of their number, their cosmetic impact, and their tendency to spread.
At London Wart Clinic, our private doctors frequently see patients who mistake flat warts for acne, shaving bumps, or other skin conditions. Recognising them early helps avoid unnecessary worry and ensures the right treatment is chosen.
What Are Flat Warts?
Flat warts are caused by infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV), particularly strains HPV 3, 10, 28, and 49. The virus enters the skin through small abrasions and triggers excess cell growth, but instead of producing a raised, rough lesion, it creates flatter, smoother patches.
- They are more common in children and young adults.
- Shaving can spread them across the beard area or legs (a process called autoinoculation).
- Unlike plantar warts, they are usually painless.
How to Identify Flat Warts
Flat warts differ from other types of warts because of their subtle appearance.
| Feature | Flat Warts | Common Warts |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Flat-topped, smooth surface | Raised, rough surface |
| Size | 1–5 mm | Larger, irregular |
| Colour | Flesh-coloured, pink, or light brown | Grey or skin-coloured |
| Number | Often multiple (10–100 in clusters) | Usually single or few |
| Location | Face, neck, arms, legs | Hands, knees, elbows |
Because they are less obvious, flat warts are often misdiagnosed as acne, folliculitis, or molluscum contagiosum.
Are Flat Warts Contagious?
Yes. Like other warts, flat warts spread by direct skin-to-skin contact or via contaminated surfaces. They are especially prone to spreading through shaving or scratching, which carries the virus to nearby skin.
Children and young adults are at higher risk, with studies showing that up to 20% of school-aged children may have warts at any given time.
Treatment Options for Flat Warts
Flat warts can sometimes resolve naturally, especially in children, but this may take months to years. Adults often require treatment if the warts are spreading or causing cosmetic concerns.
Over-the-counter treatments:
- Salicylic acid creams or gels – soften and gradually peel away the wart.
- Topical retinoids (less common outside prescriptions) – sometimes used in dermatology.
Professional treatments available at London Wart Clinic:
| Treatment | How It Works | When Used |
|---|---|---|
| Cryotherapy | Freezing with liquid nitrogen, destroying affected cells. | Common, requires repeat sessions. |
| Cautery (electrosurgery) | Heat probe burns away lesions. | Effective for resistant clusters. |
| Laser removal | Destroys wart tissue using focused light. | Used for multiple or facial warts. |
| Surgical removal | Excision of isolated warts. | Rarely required, reserved for stubborn cases. |
Because flat warts often appear on the face and neck, treatments must be chosen carefully to reduce the risk of scarring.
When to See a Doctor
Seek professional advice if flat warts are:
- Spreading quickly across the face or body.
- Persistent despite home treatments.
- Causing cosmetic concerns or embarrassment.
- Difficult to distinguish from other skin conditions.
At London Wart Clinic, our surgeons and dermatology-trained doctors provide accurate diagnosis and tailored treatments, ensuring safe and effective outcomes.