What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Flat Wart
• Plane Wart
• Verruca Plana Juvenilis

What is Verruca Plana? (Definition/Background Information)

• Verruca Plana is a common benign skin infection that is caused by human papilloma virus (HPV). It is frequently seen in children or young adults
• The skin lesions appear as elevated skin with flat surface, commonly on the extremities and head and neck region. The skin over the lesions may show increased pigmentation
• Verruca Plana, also known as the Plane Wart or Flat Wart, typically affects individuals with poor immune system or atopic dermatitis. This infectious condition can spread through direct contact with infected individuals or through contaminated surfaces
• The lesions can ulcerate and bleed, if irritated. It has been established that some longstanding cases even have the potential to develop into verrucous carcinomas
• Verruca Plana can be diagnosed through medical history evaluations, complete physical exam, and confirmed through a skin biopsy
• A complete excision of the skin condition or the use of cryotherapy is some of the treatment methods used. The prognosis of Verruca Plana is generally excellent with suitable treatment. Some are known to disappear spontaneously on their own

Who gets Verruca Plana? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Verruca Plana is a common skin infection that affects children, adolescents, and young adults; it can occur in older adults too
• In general, both males and females are affected this condition
• There is no racial or ethnic predilection; it is observed worldwide

What are the Risk Factors for Verruca Plana? (Predisposing Factors)

Risk factors identified for Verruca Plana include:

• Immunocompromised individuals
• Atopic dermatitis
• Trauma to the skin
• Contact with HPV-infected individuals
• Sharing infected items such as towels and bed sheets

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Verruca Plana? (Etiology)

• Verruca Plana is a viral infection that is caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV)
• The virus can be transmitted through direct contact with an HPV-infected individual
• It can also spread from infected surfaces, shared things, etc.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Verruca Plana?

The signs and symptoms of Verruca Plana include the following:

• The presence of multiple, elevated skin lesions with flat surface
• They can range in between 1-5 mm in size (smaller than verruca vulgaris) and are well-defined
• The lesions are observed on the arms, hands, lower legs, head and neck region (cheek, forehead, around the mouth)
• There may be increased pigmentation; the lesions may be red-brown in color
• Itching is the most common symptom associated with the lesions; sometimes, pain may be observed
• The skin lesions may be present for a long period of time and can ulcerate and bleed, if scratched

How is Verruca Plana Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of Verruca Plana may involve the following procedures:

• The diagnosis usually entails a good physical examination and comprehensive evaluation of one’s medical history
• Examination of the skin by a dermatologist using a special magnified lens (dermoscopy)
• Wood’s lamp examination: In this procedure, the healthcare provider examines the skin using ultraviolet light. It is performed to examine the change in skin pigmentation
• Skin biopsy: A biopsy is performed and sent to a laboratory for a pathological examination. The pathologist examines the biopsy under a microscope. After putting together clinical findings, special studies on tissues (if needed) and with microscope findings, the pathologist arrives at a definitive diagnosis

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Verruca Plana?

The complications of Verruca Plana may include the following:

• Intense scratching of the lesions can lead to secondary bacterial or fungal infections
• The longstanding lesions can cause self-image (cosmetic) issues, emotional stress, and psychological trauma in some individuals, leading to depression
• There is a higher chance of longstanding Verruca Plana skin lesions developing into invasive verrucous carcinoma

How is Verruca Plana Treated?

The treatment strategies that may be used for Verruca Plana include:

• Surgical excision and complete removal of the skin lesions, since there is a probability of some of the lesions becoming malignant
• Cryotherapy, where very low temperatures are used to treat the benign lesions
• Treatment of underlying HPV infection
• The presence of chronic skin lesions may cause psychological discomfort; individuals may require reassurance to help with stress and anxiety
• Some Plane Warts (or Verruca Plana) can recede and altogether disappear on their own spontaneously
• Follow-up care with regular screening and check-ups are important

How can Verruca Plana be Prevented?

The following measures may help mitigate risks and help prevent Verruca Plana:

• Availing vaccinations against the human papilloma virus
• Avoid contact with HPV-infected individuals
• Do not share infected items such as bedspreads and towels
• Maintain good personal hygiene and care
• Early treatment of atopic dermatitis

What is the Prognosis of Verruca Plana? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The skin lesions in Verruca Plana are not life-threatening and the prognosis is generally excellent with their complete excision
• Sometimes, the warts are known to disappear on their own without treatment

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Verruca Plana:

• Avoiding scratching of the ‘itchy’ lesions
• Cleaning the skin too hard with strong chemicals or soaps may aggravate the condition. Care must be taken avoid strong soaps and chemicals that could potentially worsen the condition