Plane warts Flashcards
Where do plane (flat/juvenile) warts typically occur and in whom?
Plane warts usually occur on the face in children and may spread to the upper trunk and arms. They rarely appear on other parts of the body.
What are the characteristics of plane warts?
Plane warts are very small (1-3 mm), slightly raised papules, often presenting in large numbers.
They exhibit a positive Koebner phenomenon, meaning they appear in scratched or traumatised skin.
How do plane warts typically resolve in children?
In most children, plane warts eventually clear spontaneously.
Are plane warts common in adults?
Plane warts usually do not appear in adults but may occur in large numbers in immunocompromised individuals, such as those with HIV infection.
What is the first-line treatment for plane warts?
Salicylic acid 2-5% ointment applied twice daily for 4-8 weeks.
What can be done if there are only a few plane warts?
Curettage with a sharp curette may be used for a limited number of lesions.
What other treatment option is available for plane warts, apart from keratolytic?
A caustic pencil (silver nitrate pencil) can be used daily.
What should be done if plane warts are widespread and unresponsive to salicylic acid?
If lesions are widespread and salicylic acid 2-5% ointment is not successful, it is best to leave them alone.
