I thought flat warts were just blemishes... but it turned out to be a virus.
Have you ever looked in the mirror and suddenly noticed one or two small, flat bumps appearing on your forehead or cheeks? At first, you might dismiss them as just blemishes or that your skin has simply become rough, but often, one day you find that they have multiplied to dozens before you know it. flat warts It is a story.
Flat warts are a condition caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) infecting the skin. Because their surface is flat and flesh-colored or light brown, they are easily confused with general pigmentation or blemishes; however, it is not uncommon for the virus to spread more widely to surrounding areas after people use whitening creams or exfoliants without knowing the difference.
Why is it spreading so quickly?
The reason flat warts are so frightening is their transmissibility. The virus can spread not only by touching or scratching with your hands, but also through everyday skin irritations such as shaving or washing your face. This is why they often start on the forehead and spread to the cheeks, chin, and the backs of the hands.
While it may disappear naturally if your immune system is strong, realistically, it is not easy to simply wait. Stress, lack of sleep, or a decline in your physical condition can actually cause it to spread more rapidly. Therefore, the wisest approach is to get an accurate diagnosis and start treatment early.
Which laser treatment is right for me?
The most commonly used lasers for flat wart treatment are the **erbium laser (Er:YAG)** and CO2 laser There are two. Although the names sound similar, they differ in how they work and the situations in which they are suitable.
Erbium laserIt has a very high water absorption rate, allowing for the very precise vaporization of lesions. Since almost no heat is transferred to surrounding tissues, recovery is rapid, and it is particularly excellent for meticulously removing numerous and widely spread flat warts one by one. Because the burden on the skin after the procedure is minimal, concerns regarding post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) are relatively low.
CO2 laserIt demonstrates strengths in cases where the lesion is somewhat thick or the virus has settled into deep layers. Natural hemostasis occurs during the procedure, and utilizing fractional mode aids in skin regeneration afterward, allowing for a clean, scar-free finish.
Gwangju Mi Clinic is equipped with both types of equipment and selects the most suitable method after comprehensively assessing the number and depth of the patient's lesions and skin type. This is because we believe that a flexible approach tailored to the situation, rather than adhering to a single method, is key to achieving optimal treatment results.
Why is being 'meticulous' important?
In the treatment of flat warts, the most important thing is actually more than the equipment How thoroughly you remove itIf early lesions remain that are small and flat and not easily visible to the naked eye, they begin to spread again in that area even after treatment. This is the most common cause of recurrence.
Gwangju Mi Clinic takes ample time before the procedure to meticulously examine the distribution of lesions, ensuring that even early, barely visible lesions are removed one by one without fail. Many patients visit us after experiencing recurrence following treatment elsewhere, and the difference usually lies in this process. Ultimately, it is more beneficial for the patient to complete the procedure properly rather than rushing it.
Please care for your skin like this after the procedure
Post-procedure care is just as important as the laser procedure itself. For about 2 to 3 days after the procedure, be careful to avoid contact with water and maintain a moist dressing or regenerative tape. If a scab forms, it is important not to touch it with your hands until it falls off naturally. Forcibly removing it can lead to hyperpigmentation or scarring.
You must pay special attention to sun protection for one month after the procedure. Applying sunscreen with SPF50+ PA++++ or higher thoroughly every day is fundamental to preventing hyperpigmentation. Additionally, since flat warts are closely related to immunity, getting enough sleep and maintaining regular lifestyle habits is also very helpful in preventing recurrence.
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If you have multiple small, flat papules on your forehead, cheeks, or the backs of your hands, we recommend that you seek an accurate diagnosis rather than neglecting them as simple blemishes. In particular, if the condition recurs shortly after treatment elsewhere, it is highly likely that lesions that were not identified during the removal process remain.
Gwangju Mi Clinic is equipped with both erbium and CO2 lasers and adheres to the principle of meticulous treatment, ensuring that not a single lesion is missed. We are doing our utmost to provide care today for those who desire proper treatment rather than quick procedures.
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