Warts are localised thickening of the skin, often caused by the human papilloma virus. These raised, bumpy growths can be particularly bothersome, especially when they appear on the face.
Facial warts are more frequently seen in men, especially around the chin and mouth regions. They can spread from shaving and become a significant issue due to their rapid growth.
Warty growths on the face can also develop with age due to sun damage. Some ‘warts’ are the result of a viral infection, which can lead to recurrence or regrowth at a later time. However, other growths may appear ‘warty’ but are generally benign.
We always recommend that patients consult a doctor if they are uncertain about the nature of the growth or if it is growing quickly.
Molecular warts, similar to other kinds of warts, originate from the human papillomavirus (HPV). They emerge when HPV infiltrates the genetic material of skin cells, leading to their quick and excessive proliferation. HPV is very contagious, and is transmitted via direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected individual or by utilising an infected object, like a razor or towel.
Facial warts are typically found on parts of the skin that are tender and wet, or that have been recently hurt, since these conditions provide the perfect environment for the virus to grow. Certain facial regions that are at higher risk are the lips, eyelids, forehead, cheeks, and nose.
HPV comes in over a hundred varieties, and each variety can lead to various kinds of warts.
The three that are most commonly seen on the face include the common, filiform, and flat types.
Common warts are elevated, smooth-surfaced lumps that can be either pink or the same colour as the skin. They frequently have a thick, whitened outer layer of dead skin. Occasionally, they are dotted with tiny black spots from clotted blood vessels. These warts can appear on any part of the face.
Filiform warts stand out distinctly from other kinds, showing up as tiny groups of long, prickly formations. They usually start off a reddish pink colour at the bottom and lighten to yellow as they extend. They are usually found on the outer parts of the eyelids and lips, but can also show up on the nose and ears.
Plateaus are circular, have a smooth feel, are slightly elevated but flat from the bottom. They can be brown, a shade of yellow, or match the colour of the skin, and are usually quite tiny – roughly the size of a poppy seed. They often show up on the forehead or cheeks and usually develop in groups.
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