What Are Plane Warts?

A plane wart is a small wart with a flat surface. Like many other types of warts, it is usually caused by a virus and is contagious. Children commonly get these types of warts on their hands. Although these warts will not usually cause any major problems, they can itch and be unattractive. Various wart treatment methods can be used to remove these warts, including over-the-counter creams, cryotherapy, and surgery.

The Verruca plana is more commonly known as the plane or flat wart. Unlike other warts that are often dome shaped, these raised skin abnormalities typically have flat surfaces. The surfaces of these warts are also usually smooth and sometimes shiny. Many other warts may have rough surfaces.

A plane wart is also usually smaller than most other warts. At first, this type of wart may go unnoticed, since it will often start out roughly the same size as a pinhead. Over time, this wart will usually grow bigger. Most of these warts, however, will not get any larger than 0.4 inches (1 centimeter) in diameter.

Children are generally more likely than others to suffer from plane warts. They are most commonly found on the hands or fingers, but they can also occur on other parts of the body. They can be found on arms, legs, feet, and necks, for instance. A man may also find this type of wart around the edges of his beard.

A plane wart is usually caused by certain strains of a virus known as the human papilloma virus (HPV). This virus can easily spread to other parts of the body, and groups or clusters of warts are not uncommon. In fact, a person can also contract a wart infection from another person, simply by coming in contact with that person's skin.

Serious complications of plane warts are uncommon. A wart can be somewhat uncomfortable at times, though, and it may itch or be sore. Generally, the most common problem with these types of warts is their appearance. Although they are small, clusters of these warts can be unattractive.

Most plane warts can typically be treated with over-the-counter remedies, such as topical creams. Applying a bandage over the area can help the medication work faster. More severe cases may require the attention of a medical professional. Doctors are typically able to surgically remove warts or freeze them off in a procedure known as cryotherapy.