What are Flat Warts & Juvenile Warts?

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Flat warts also known as ‘juvenile warts’ are small, smooth, flat growths on the skin that appear commonly in children, teenagers and young adults. They are typically skin-colored or slightly lighter than the surrounding skin and may be slightly raised. They show up on the face, neck, hands and wrists and often appear in clusters rather than a single bump. 

Key Takeaways

• Flat warts are also called juvenile warts that are small, smooth, flat growths
• Flat warts are commonly found in children and teenagers 
• This type of wart is often found on the face, neck, arms, and hands
• Prevention for warts include not sharing any items, or footwear and avoiding skin to skin contact
• There are care options for warts from topical options to in-office procedures
• H-Warts Formula is a gentle and non-invasive option for those prefer to avoid harsh methods

In this article:

What Do Flat Warts Look Like?

Flat warts can be found on visible areas of the body and have the following characteristics:

• Small and smooth, about the size of a pinhead
• Flat tops slightly raised above the skin
• Often found in a cluster
• Typically skin-colored but can be pink, light brown or yellowish
• Found on the hands, arms, neck, face and forehead

Why Kids Get Warts and How to Prevent Them

Warts are easily transmitted through a virus through direct skin-to-skin contact. This can be done if the child, teen or young adult has a scratch or cut. 

Children tend to find warts on their skin because they often have scratches or cuts on their skin and are in close contact with other children. Young adults beginning to shave hair are at increased risk of flat warts because of razor cuts to the face, neck, or legs. 

Flat warts are more likely to appear in children and young adults because as we grow older, our immune systems are better equipped to deal with the virus that causes warts. 

What Causes Flat Warts?

Warts are caused by highly contagious virus, of which there are well over a hundred strains. The strains of this virus numbered 3, 10, 28, and 49 are the ones that mainly cause flat warts. The virus (in the form of viral particles) needs a break in the skin (such as a scratch, small cut, or wound) to invade, grow and become a wart.

Once they have developed into warts (which can take up to a year), they are contagious to others and other parts of your body, particularly if you scratch yourself or spread them through shaving. You will often notice them in areas that are frequently shaved, such as women's legs and men's faces.

Flat warts cause no pain and are not harmful, so managing them is not always necessary because they may go away on their own in time. They can be challenging to deal with because they occur in such numbers and in areas where they can keep re-infecting themselves.

How to Keep Flat Warts From Spreading

Warts are caused by a virus and can be contagious. To avoid the risk of contracting or transmitting flat warts, you can try the following:

• Avoid direct skin-to-skin contact with someone who has warts.
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water regularly.
• Avoid picking at or scratching the wart.
• Keep the wart covered with a bandage or adhesive tape. 
• Avoid sharing personal items such as towels, razors, or nail clippers, as these can carry the virus.
• If you have a wart on your foot, wear shoes or flip-flops in public places such as showers, locker rooms, or pool areas. 

If you are concerned about your wart or if it is causing discomfort, it is best to consult a healthcare provider. They can assess the wart and recommend the best course of management, which may include medications or other procedures.

What Causes A Wart To Come Back?

A wart can come back if the virus that caused it is still present in your body. Highly contagious agents cause warts, and there are many different types. When infected with the wart agent, the virus can remain in the body for a long time, even after the wart has been managed and appears to be gone. In some cases, the virus may remain inactive and then reactivate, causing a new wart to form. This can happen even if the original wart was successfully managed and did not reappear for a long time. This usually happens because the virus that caused flat warts originally is still present in your system, the virus may still be present in the body and the skin has not been able to fully clear it.

How To Get Rid Of Flat Warts

There are several options for managing flat warts. These include:

Following your healthcare provider's instructions for managing your flat wart is essential. If the wart does not respond to care, or if it persists or spreads, you should consult your healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance.

What are the benefits of using homeopathic medicine for flat wart symptoms?

For those who prefer a gentler approach, H-Warts Formula is a homeopathic topical option that offers an alternative to acid-based products and in-office procedures. Using methods such as salicylic acid and cryotherapy require freezing or chemical exfoliation, whereas H-Warts Formula is a consideration for people that have sensitive skin and those looking to avoid harsh methods altogether. Results will differ from person to person, and consulting a healthcare provider is always advised when there is a new growth, a persistent wart or a cause for concern. 

What are the active and non-active ingredients in Healing Natural Oils H-Warts and how may they support symptoms associated with flat warts?

Healing Natural Oils H-Warts Formula is a gentle topical option worth considering, made for common, plantar, and flat warts. The formula avoids acids and freezing, making it a practical option for people who would like to start a non-invasive routine, especially if the wart is found in a visible area or if they prefer a skin-friendly option over harsh methods. The formula is suitable for adults and children over the age of 4. 

Here's a breakdown of its active and inactive ingredients and how they may help support symptoms associated with flat warts:

Active Ingredients

1. Phytolacca Decandra 12C: Traditionally used in homeopathic practice to support skin-related concerns and the appearance of affected skin.
2. Thuja Occidentalis 12C: A well-known homeopathic ingredient commonly used in skin-related homeopathic formulations, included to support the appearance of wart-prone skin.

Inactive Ingredients

1. Essential Oil Blend
1. Citrus Limon Peel Oil (Lemon Oil): Often used in topical products for its cleansing properties and to support skin freshness.
2. Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf-Branch Oil (Tea Tree Oil): Commonly included in skin-care products to help cleanse the skin and support irritated-looking areas.
3. Thuja Occidentalis Leaf Oil (Cedarleaf Essential Oil): Traditionally used in botanical skin-support applications.

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When To See A Doctor

Most flat warts are harmless and not a cause for concern, however if you are experiencing any of the following it is advised to speak to a healthcare professional:

• Any signs of infection
• Bleeding or pain
• More warts are spreading across the area quickly

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Flat Warts Contagious?

Yes, flat warts are contagious and they spread easily through direct skin to skin contact and when towels, razors or other items are shared. 

Do Flat Warts Go Away On Their Own?

Flat warts can go away on their own, most people seek care for their flat warts when they start to spread, are there for a long period of time or if they’re in a visible area such as the face, neck or hands. 

What Is The Difference Between Flat Warts and Common Warts?

Flat warts and common warts differ in texture, how many appear and location on the body. Common warts typically appear on the hands, are rough and raised. Flat warts are small, soft, smooth and generally appear in clusters on the face, neck, or hands.

Why Are Flat Warts Called Juvenile Warts?

Flat warts are called juvenile warts as they are most common in children, teenagers and young adults. 

Can I Use H-Warts Formula On Flat Warts?

H-Warts Formula can be used on flat warts and is formulated as a gentle topical option for those prefer a non-invasive approach to caring for wart-prone skin.

When Should I See A Doctor?

It is advised to speak to a doctor if there are any new growths that appear anywhere on the body, if any wart is persistent or cause for concern, and if any existing wart is painful, bleeding, or has any signs of infection or spreading rapidly in the area. 

Sources

1. Cleveland Clinic. Flat Warts
2. WebMD. Visual Guide to Warts
3. Waters Edge Dermatology. Flat Warts: What They Look Like and How to Treat Them

Note: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.