Flat warts are a common type of small skin growth that can appear on various parts of the body. They are characterized by their smooth surface and slightly raised, flat-topped appearance. Recognizing their distinct visual features is important for identification.
Key Visual Characteristics
Flat warts typically appear as small, subtle bumps. They are usually 1 to 5 millimeters in diameter, about the size of a pinhead. Their shape is commonly round or oval, with a distinctive flat-topped or only very slightly raised profile. This flat nature is a distinguishing feature, as they grow horizontally within the skin’s top layer rather than projecting outward.
The color of flat warts often blends with the surrounding skin tone. They can appear skin-colored, light brown, light yellow, or pink. In individuals with darker skin tones, they might be whitish, pink, purple, or brown. Their texture is smooth to the touch, which contrasts with the rough or bumpy surface often associated with other types of warts.
These warts frequently emerge in groups or clusters, sometimes ranging from 20 to 200 individual warts. They can also align in a linear pattern, which often occurs along areas where the skin has been scratched or irritated.
Typical Body Locations
Flat warts commonly appear on various body areas. The face is a frequent location, particularly around the forehead, cheeks, and chin. They are often seen on the backs of the hands and on the arms.
The legs, especially the shins, are another common site for flat warts. They can also be found on the neck and wrists. For individuals who shave, flat warts might appear in areas prone to small cuts, such as the beard area for men or the legs for women.
How They Differ from Other Bumps
Flat warts differ from other skin conditions due to their specific visual attributes. Unlike common warts, which are typically rough, raised, and can have a cauliflower-like texture, flat warts are smooth and have a flattened surface. Common warts also tend to be larger and more protrusive from the skin.
Moles, while sometimes flat, are characterized by distinct pigmentation, ranging from light to dark brown or black. Flat warts, in contrast, are usually skin-colored or lighter shades and lack the characteristic dark pigmentation of most moles. Moles also maintain consistent borders and color, which can differ from the varied appearance of flat wart clusters.
Skin tags are soft, small, and flesh-colored, often appearing to hang off the skin by a narrow stalk in areas of friction. Flat warts, however, are flat against the skin and do not have this hanging appearance.
Acne or pimples are inflamed, often red bumps that can have a central pore, whitehead, or blackhead, and are temporary. Flat warts lack these inflammatory signs and are persistent growths without a central pore or pus. Their smooth, flat nature helps differentiate them from typical acne lesions.