This image displays skin-colored, flat bumps typical of flat warts. This image displays multiple skin-colored, barely raised lesions typical of flat warts. This image displays typical, multiple flat warts. Numerous skin colored flat warts are seen here on the forehead. In people with darker skin, flat warts can look lighter in color than normal skin. The linear arrangement of flat warts on the left side of the picture illustrates how a scratch can spread the infection. Flat warts are not as raised as common warts; when they are numerous, as on the chin of this child, they can simulate a rash. In lighter skinned people, flat warts are pink in color. The straight line of warts displays the spread of the virus from a scratch. Flat warts can be widely scattered across the face. Flat warts may be difficult to see in darker skin and often have a lighter color than normal skin.
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Flat Wart:
A parent's guide to condition and treatment information

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Picture of Flat Wart: This image displays skin-colored, flat bumps typical of flat warts. Divider line
This image displays skin-colored, flat bumps typical of flat warts.
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Self-Care Guidelines
Because warts can resolve on their own, it is not necessary to treat all warts. Additionally, treating warts may not always destroy them, nor will it necessarily keep other warts from appearing. Treatment can be painful and cause scars and might need to be repeated, so it should only be done in cases where the warts are highly bothersome or interfere with your child's daily life.
  • Over-the-counter wart removers have a high percentage of salicylic acid and work by dissolving away the layer of skin infected with the virus. This treatment needs to be used daily and can sometimes be irritating if it touches unaffected skin around the wart.
  • Duct tape applied daily to the affected area seems to work for unknown reasons. The tape should be very sticky and kept on for a few days. (Note: the adhesive may irritate the sensitive skin of some children.)
  • Over-the-counter freezing medications are available but have not been found to be very effective.
  • Coupled with the above therapies, the wart should be soaked in warm water, and any loose skin should be removed every few days with a mild abrasive, like a pumice stone.
  • Family members should avoid sharing personal items such as towels.
When to Seek Medical Care
Make an appointment with a dermatologist or another physician if your child has the following:
  • Painful or bleeding warts
  • Warts on the face
  • Rapidly spreading or multiplying warts
  • Warts that interfere with daily life and are not responsive to self-care
Last Modified: 3 Mar 2008

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