What it is
Flat warts are small, smooth, slightly raised growths with a flat top. They are often found on the face, the backs of the hands and the legs, and they can appear in groups. Filiform warts are thin, thread-like or finger-like growths that often appear on the face, around the eyes, nose or mouth, or on the neck.
Warts are generally caused by a common virus that affects the top layer of skin. They tend to appear where skin has been nicked or irritated, which is one reason shaving the face or legs may be linked with spreading in some people. Many people feel self-conscious about visible warts, and that is completely understandable.
Not every spot on the skin is a wart. Other growths can look similar, so it's important to have a new or unusual spot looked at by a licensed clinician rather than guessing. A growth that is changing, bleeding, itching, irregular in shape or color, or not healing should be checked by a dermatologist for skin cancer, and should not be self-treated.
How it’s traditionally been approached
Warts have traditionally been approached in several ways, and which one is appropriate depends on the person, the location and the evaluation. Some warts are simply watched over time, since they sometimes go away on their own, though this varies from person to person.
Clinicians have also used office-based approaches, such as freezing, topical prescription preparations, or minor procedures. Which of these may be considered, if any, is a decision for a licensed clinician. If you are curious about a specific prescription product, ask your provider about its current FDA status.
Over-the-counter wart products exist and are widely sold, but they are generally not meant for the face. Facial and genital warts should not be treated with over-the-counter wart products. People with diabetes, poor circulation, neuropathy or a weakened immune system should ask a provider before treating warts at home, especially on the feet or legs. Cutting, burning or digging out a growth at home is never advised. Warts can return after any approach, and no option is guaranteed to remove them.
How the right provider may help
The right provider, such as a dermatologist, primary care clinician or podiatrist, may begin by looking closely at the growth and asking when it appeared, whether it has changed, and what you've already tried. An exam helps tell a wart apart from other skin conditions, and it is the step that comes before any decision about care.
Because the face is delicate and visible, a provider may talk through options with you in terms of comfort, skin sensitivity and how the area is likely to heal. They may also discuss shaving habits, skin care and ways to avoid irritating the area. Nothing is promised, and a good provider will be honest that results vary.
Questions you might ask: What do you think this growth is? Should anything be checked for skin cancer? What are the options for this location, and what are the possible side effects? What should I avoid doing at home? What if it comes back? Is there anything about my health, such as diabetes or a weakened immune system, that changes the approach?
The whole-person view
Body, mind and stress affect each other. Visible skin concerns can bring worry, embarrassment or social stress, and stress and general health can in turn affect how the body feels and copes. Looking after sleep, nutrition and daily routines is part of a whole-person view, alongside seeing a clinician for the skin itself.
If body tension or stress feels like a lot, body-based support such as that offered by Somatic Experiences may be one avenue some people explore. If feelings of self-consciousness or anxiety about your appearance linger, talk therapy through Therapists.plus may also be worth considering. Neither replaces a skin exam by a licensed clinician.
Somatic Experiences: nervous system regulation →Therapists.plus: anxiety panic and ocd →
Keep in mind
- Warts.ai is educational only and is not medical advice; only a licensed clinician can tell you what a growth is and what, if anything, is appropriate.
- Any growth that is changing, bleeding, itching, irregular in shape or color, or not healing should be checked by a dermatologist for skin cancer. The ABCDEs of melanoma are only a general guide, not a way to diagnose yourself.
- Results vary, and warts can come back after any approach; no treatment is guaranteed to cure warts or prevent recurrence.
- For emergencies call 911; if you are in emotional crisis, call or text 988.
Providers
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Frequently asked questions
What are flat warts and how are they different from filiform warts?
Flat warts are small, smooth, slightly raised growths that often appear in groups on the face, hands or legs. Filiform warts are thin, thread-like growths that commonly appear on the face and neck. Both are generally caused by a common virus, but a licensed clinician should confirm what a growth actually is.
Can I do wart removal at home on my face?
No, facial warts should not be treated with over-the-counter wart products, and cutting, burning or digging out a growth at home is never advised. The skin on the face is delicate and a spot may not be a wart at all. A dermatologist or other licensed clinician can examine it and discuss options.
Why do I get flat warts on my legs?
Flat warts on the legs are often linked to the wart virus entering through small breaks in the skin, and shaving may irritate skin in some people. This is a general explanation, not a diagnosis. A clinician can look at your skin and talk through what may be going on.
Who should I see for filiform wart removal?
A dermatologist is a common choice, and primary care clinicians or podiatrists may also evaluate skin growths depending on location. Filiform wart removal is a decision made after an exam, and results vary. You can find licensed providers through Providers.plus.
Can flat or filiform warts go away on their own?
Sometimes warts fade without treatment, but this varies widely and cannot be predicted. Warts can also stay, spread or return. If a growth bothers you or looks like it is changing, have a clinician check it.
When should a growth on my face or leg be checked for skin cancer?
Any growth that is changing, bleeding, itching, irregular in shape or color, or not healing should be checked by a dermatologist. Do not try to treat it yourself. Only a licensed clinician can tell a wart from other skin growths.
Educational resource. Warts.ai shares general information and connects people with independent providers. It is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk with a licensed professional about your health.