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Flat Warts Treated by Photodynamic Therapy

Flat warts are an unsightly skin condition usually found in children. Sometimes they are referred to as juvenile warts. Although relatively harmless, flat warts can be disfiguring and embarrassing. Most flat warts go away on their own within a few months. However, if you are not willing to wait that long, there are options available to remove flat warts. One method worth looking into is the use of photodynamic therapy.

  1. About Flat Warts

    • Flat warts are a form of wart, usually about the size of a pinhead. They typically appear on the face, but can also be found on the arms, knees or hands. Flat warts are caused by an infection of the skin's surface with the human papillomavirus (HPV), which thickens the top layer of skin.

      Occasionally, flat warts are found in clusters, sometimes reaching as many as 100 clustered together. These clusters increase the chances of scarring.

      Flat warts can be transmitted from person to person via direct skin contact. They can also be spread with the shared use of towels and clothing. To prevent the spread of flat warts, avoid contact with the infected area. If you do have contact, wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water. Remember, warts can be transmitted from one part of your body to another via skin contact as well. Try not to touch effected areas. If possible, put a protective bandage on the wart.

    Photodynamic Therapy

    • Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been used to treat disease since the 1980s. It is a medical treatment in which a photosensitizing drug is used with a red laser light source. The light reacts with the drug, producing a chemical reaction that kills the targeted cells. The photosensitizing drug used in the wart removal process is Topical 5-aminolevulinic acid.

      The procedure is easily performed in a physicians office in an outpatient setting. Though more commonly used for treating certain types of cancer, photodynamic therapy has been used to effectively remove flat warts, per treatment results reported by the Department of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China, published on pubmed.gov.

    Potential Side Effects

    • There are potential side-effects of photodynamic therapy, including erythema (redness of the skin), exfoliation and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and after the treatment there will be a requirement for sun protection. Consult your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.

    Other Options

    • If photodynamic therapy is not right for you, there are other options to explore. Over-the-counter topical applications are available in the form of creams, lotions and ointments. You also may want to consult with your physician about other surgical options.

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