Filiform warts are different from any other types of warts primarily due to their location. Usually, you will find these warts on the eyelids and lips, which are also categorised as facial warts.
Now, these facial warts are usually pink or brown in colour, skin-toned, and formed at thin skin projections that can be 1-2 millimetres long. A distinct identity of these warts is that they are isolated and usually don’t construct any cluster.
So, read on to learn the filiform warts causes, their treatments, and some home remedies to ensure that you are making the right call in defending yourself against them.
Causes of Filiform Warts
Human papillomavirus, or HPV, is the cause of filiform warts. Specifically, the HPV strains of 2, 1, 4, 29, and 27 cause these warts. Typically, HPV spreads owing to contact with clothes and other objects that are exposed to these warts.
Having said that, these are not the reasons that lead to HPV every time. A person develops facial warts in the following cases:
- If they have a weak immunity system
- When the HPV virus enters through the injured areas of the skin
- If the person has been exposed to HPV multiple times.
- When an individual has moist and warm skin
Solving the Problem of Filiform Warts
It’s more difficult to treat the filiform warts on than the warts on other parts of the body. But you may feel happy to know that they disappear over time on their own. But if you want to get rid of them quickly, you should go to a dermatologist. They will recommend the following solutions depending on your condition:
1. Topical Creams
Topical creams are the most prevalent filiform warts treatment option. Compounds like benzoyl peroxide, 5-fluorouracil, and imiquimod provide effective results on the warts. Thus, doctors prescribe topical creams that contain these compounds to treat the warts. They make it easy to peel off the warts from the skin.
2. Cryotherapy
For this procedure, the doctor applies some liquid nitrogen to the warts. Though this treatment is not so painful, some people might experience pain. But Cryotherapy requires a series of treatment sessions to get the best result.
3. Burning
The medical term for burning is electro-surgery. It’s a common treatment for filiform warts removal. In this case, the doctor will use a laser treatment or electric current to burn the warts. Then they will remove the remaining parts of the warts to complete the procedure.
4. Excision
By applying this method, the doctor shaves or cuts the warts with a scalpel or blade. The process may be repeated multiple times in different sessions to remove it completely.
5. Cantharidin
It’s another popular filiform warts removal treatment. Cantharidin is a drug which is extracted from the coleopteran beetles. First, the doctor will apply cantharidin over the warts. It causes blisters under the warts, which help kill those warts. After a few weeks, the doctor will cut warts and remove them. However, this treatment is not fruitful for everyone.
| Did you know? There is a funny myth about the warts that you can get rid of them by touching a frog! Frogs have warts and bumps on their skin and they are protective. Hence, this myth has been created. But it’s false and you should not touch the frogs. |
Home Remedies for Filiform Warts
Apart from medical treatments, there are some filiform warts home treatment techniques. Here are some of the leading solution:
1. Salicylic Acid
First, apply warm water to the area of the warts. It helps to soften the warts. Then, use a wet cloth or scrub brush to apply the cream, which contains salicylic acid. Repeat this method for the next few weeks. After that, your warts will disappear.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
You can apply apple cider vinegar on the warts with a cotton ball. It contains acetic acid, which eventually reduces the warts. However, this treatment is not recommended for everyone as it causes chemical burns.
| Pro Tips: These home remedies are not recommended for diabetic people. Also, if they have warts on their feet, they must avoid these remedies. |
Some Preventive Measurements for Filiform Warts
You can stop the spreading of filiform warts by following these methods:
- Always keep your hands clean, specifically after touching the warts.
- Try to keep the areas of the warts dry.
- Don’t try to pluck out the warts at home.
- Cover the warts with a bandage.
Conclusion
Filiform warts are not dangerous and can disappear with time. Sometimes, they can cause irritation leading to itchiness but you don’t need to worry as they are not malignant. In such cases, instead of panicking, you can try home remedies and if they don’t work, then consult a doctor to find the best treatment for you.
